Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.), a member of the family, Zingiberaceae is the main cash crop cultivated in the sub-Himalayan state of Sikkim and Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Large cardamom is known to be amongst the oldest spice used by the mankind. Sikkim is the largest producer of large cardamom and contributes lion’s share to the Indian and world market

Large cardamom dried fruit is a high-value, lowvolume spice crop grown only in the three eastern Himalayan countries

Large cardamom also have many potential health benefits. Eating large cardamom may lower your risk of heart disease, cancer, and kidney stones.

Large cardamom seeds are considered as an antidote to either snake venom or scorpion venom. It is also reported that large cardamom seeds are used as preventive as well as a medicinal measure for throat. The seeds of large cardamom have been used to flavor food, confections, beverages and liquids Furthermore, it has been used as an insecticide as well. Its usage in Ayurvedic is well known from prehistoric time. It is used as flavoring and preservative to different types of coffee, liquors, confections, beverages and tobacco. Volatile oil (2-4%) is the principal aroma-giving compound in large cardamom and 1,8- cineole is the major active compound after compound, in an extent 60 to 80% of the total volatile oil. Large Cardamom powder is produced by grinding of dried seeds with moisture content 10% to fine powder followed by sieving