Description
Cardamom (or cardamon) refers to several plants of the similar genera Elettaria and Amomum in the ginger family Zingiberaceae. Both genera are native to India, Nepal and Bhutan; they are recognised by their small seed pods, triangular in cross-section and spindle-shaped, with a thin, papery, outer shell and small black seeds. Today, Guatemala is the biggest producer and exporter of Cardamom in the world, followed by India. Some other countries such as Sri Lanka have also begun to cultivate it. Elettaria pods are light green while Amomum pods are larger and dark brown. Cardamom are used as flavorings in both food and drink, as cooking spices and as a medicine. Cardamom has a strong, unique taste, with an intensely aromatic, resinous fragrance. Black cardamom has a distinctly more smokey, though not bitter, aroma, with a coolness some consider similar to mint. "Nguan Soon" Company was established by Artchit Limprana, its founder, in 1954. The original enterprise consisted of a small retail store in China Town(Yaowaraj) in central Bangkok. The business concentrated on producing and marketing 100% ground peppers and spices under the brand name Hand Brand No.1 The companys products were rapidly accepted by the national market and today Hand Brand No.1 is a household name in Thailand in terms of 100% pure spices and herbs.