ஏலக்காய் (Cardamom) is a highly aromatic spice derived from the seeds of plants in the Elettaria and Amomum genera. It is renowned for its warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor, with hints of citrus and herbal notes. Cardamom is used in both sweet and savory dishes across various cuisines, including Indian, Middle Eastern, and Scandinavian. It comes in two main varieties: green cardamom, which is more common and has a milder flavor, and black cardamom, which has a more robust, smoky taste. Cardamom is often used in spice blends, teas, desserts, and curries. Besides its culinary uses, it is also valued for its potential digestive and aromatic health benefits.