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essential oils

cardamom

With limited availability, the price
of cardamom oil has risen
considerably. The general shortage
of cardamom pods was caused by a
number of contributing factors
including an unforgiving attack by
thrips. This resulted in some growers
cutting down entire plantations
before harvest as they were rendered
worthless. Thrips are considered to

be the most destructive insect pests
and are the greatest threat to
cardamom growing regions. They
lacerate the plant tissue and feed on
the exuding sap causing the pods to
become malformed and to lose their
characteristic aroma. Volumes were
further reduced by heavy rains driven
by El Niño conditions which made
access to plantations for harvesting
extremely difficult. With the next
8 harvest not due until October, prices
are set to remain firm.