Cardamom

Scientific Name: Elletteria Cardamom
Best Altitude for Cultivation: 1500 meter above sea level
Harvest Season: October To February
Temperature : 100 C to 250 C
Propagation : Seedlings and Vegetative Propagation
Pollinating Agent : Honey Bee
A cardamom plant normally starts bearing capsules from the third year of planting. The harvested capsules are rubbed on wire mesh and polished before they are graded and stored in polythene - gunny bags to retain the green color and to avoid exposure to moisture.
Cardamom seeds are used for flavoring cookies, cakes, candies, curry powders and beverages. In some areas these seeds are added in coffee and tea for better flavor.

Vanilla

Scientific Name : Vanilla Fragrance
Propagation : Shoot Cutting
Pollination : Artificial
The rostrum of the flower is pushed back with a pointed bamboo splinter and the over hanging anther is pressed against the stigma with the thumb, thus smearing pollen over it. Ideal time for pollination is 0600 to 1300 hours.
Vanilla is a tropical orchid, and it grows best in unclear jungle areas where it can get filtered sunlight. The plant usually begins to flower by the third year. The bean takes 10 to 12 months to reach full maturity.
Vanilla is used in ice creams, fruit sauces, cakes, custards and puddings.

Nutmeg

Scientific Name : Myristica Fragrance
The nutmeg tree bears fruit throughout the year, but peak harvest season is from December to May. The nuts split open when the fruits are fully ripe. After dehiscing, the red feathery aril (mace) is removed, flattened out and dried in the sun for 10 to 15 days. The nuts are dried separately for 4 to 8 weeks till the kernels rattle within the shells.
This is used as a garnish for milk, chocolate and spiced drinks.

Cinnamon

Scientific name : Cinnamomum Zeylanicum
Cinnamon plants are ready for harvest from about 3 years after planting. Harvesting is done twice a year - in May and November. The bark of the cut down shoots is split on the day of harvest itself and dried in the sun for 2 to 5 days. The dry quills or bark are packed in bundles for trade. Leaves and tender twigs are used for extraction of oil by distillation.
Cinnamon is a bark, usually sold in powdered form, which has several effects and uses. It is an astringent, tending to contract tissues and to reduce discharge. It is aromatic, having a pleasant fragrance. It is stimulating to body organs and it is a carminative i.e., it removes gas from intestinal tract. It is especially useful for weakness of stomach and for diarrhea and it has the effect of checking nausea and vomiting. It is often combined with other remedies.