Chemical Properties
The volatile oil is distilled from the comminuted seeds with an average yield of 5%. The seeds are enclosed in husks
(hulls) and removed from the odorless hulls shortly before distillation because the essential oil is extremely volatile and can considerably
reduce the yields. The oil from “green” types of cardamom smells more of cineole than does an oil from the bleached or
pale-yellow, straw-colored cardamom (fruits). The oil has an aromatic, penetrating, somewhat camphoraceous odor of cardamom and
a pungent, strongly aromatic taste.
Chemical Properties
Cardamom oil is obtained by steam distillation of the seeds of Elettaria cardamomum
(L.) Maton (Zingiberaceae). It is a colorless or very pale yellow liquid
with an aromatic, penetrating, slightly camphoraceous odor and a persistent, pungent,
strongly aromatic taste. It is produced from cultivated or wild plants in the
mountainous regions of Southern India (20 t/yr) and in Guatemala (10 t/yr).
d
2020 0.919–0.936/0.920–0.940;n
20D 1.4600–1.4680/1.4600–1.4670; α
20D +22° to +41°/+24 ° to +39° (Asian/Central American oils); solubility: 1 vol in ≤3 vol 70%
ethanol.
The major components of cardamom oil are 1,8-cineole (23–33%/27–35%)
and α-terpinyl acetate (32–42%/35–45%). Trace constituents such as unsaturated
aliphatic aldehydes may be important for the typical aroma.
Cardamomoil is used primarily for seasoning foods, in alcoholic beverages, and,
in small dosages, also occasionally in perfumery.
Physical properties
It is a colorless or very pale-yellow liquid. The oil is affected by light and is miscible with
alcohol.
Uses
cardamom oil (Elettaria cardamomum) is credited with antiseptic, stimulating, and deodorant properties. This is a large perennial herb that yields cardamom seeds containing volatile oil, fixed oil, potassium salt, a coloring principle, starch, nitrogenous mucilage, ligneous fiber, an acrid resin, and ash. The volatile oil contains terpenes, terpineol, and cineol.
Uses
Flavoring in baked goods, confectionery, coffee, tea; component of curry powder and garam masala. Pharmaceutic aid (flavor). Fragrance component of perfumes, soaps, lotions.
Definition
Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. Elettaria cardamomum, Zingiberaceae.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Taste at 5 ppm
Safety Profile
Mildly toxic by
ingestion. Mutation data reported. When
heated to decomposition it emits acrid
smoke and fumes.
