Description

Common Name: Himalayan Black Cardamom, Large Cardamom

Nepali Name: ठूलो अलैँची / कालो अलैँची

Himalayan Black Cardamom is a premium aromatic spice grown in the high-altitude Himalayan regions of Eastern Nepal. Traditionally smoke-dried in a bhatti, it is prized for its rich smoky aroma, bold flavor, and medicinal value in both culinary and Ayurvedic practices.

Feature: Naturally rich in volatile oils like limonene and cineole, contributing to its aroma and wellness properties

Form: Whole dried pods

Aroma: Strong, smoky, earthy, and warming

Taste: Bold, spicy, smoky, and slightly sweet

Texture: Tough outer shell with crunchy aromatic seeds inside

Color: Dark brown to deep reddish-black

Origin: Grown in high-altitude regions (600m–2200m) of Ilam, Taplejung, Panchthar, and Sankhuwasabha in Eastern Nepal

Quality: Handpicked and traditionally smoke-dried in an ISO and FDA-compliant facility

Weight: 100 grams

Use in Ayurveda: Traditionally used to support digestion, respiratory wellness, oral health, and balance Vata and Kapha doshas

Benefits

• Digestive Support: Helps reduce bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort, especially after heavy meals

• Respiratory Wellness: Traditionally used to support breathing, relieve cough, clear mucus, and soothe the throat

• Heart Health: May help support healthy blood circulation and blood pressure balance

• Oral Health: Natural antimicrobial properties help freshen breath and support gum health

• Stress Relief & Mood Support: Its warming aroma has calming and relaxing effects on the mind and body

• Rich in Antioxidants: Contains beneficial plant compounds that help fight oxidative stress

• Culinary Enhancement: Widely used in biryani, curries, masala tea, soups, spice blends, desserts, and herbal drinks for its signature smoky flavor

How to Use

• Add whole pods while cooking curries, biryani, soups, or lentils

• Crush seeds and mix into masala tea or herbal infusions

• Use in spice blends like garam masala for enhanced aroma

• Blend into desserts, puddings, smoothies, or baked goods

• Mix crushed seeds with 1 tbsp honey for traditional use in cough and digestion support