Spice Plants – ByPlants

Cinnamomum zeylancium, Karuvappatta, Dalchini – Plant

ByPlants — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 16:21:11 +0000

Cinnamon (Dalchini) is a highly prized spice derived from the inner bark of various Cinnamomum tree species. It is utilized both as a seasoning and in traditional medicine. Cinnamon trees are small evergreens, typically found in Sri Lanka and South India, with bright green to yellow-green leaves that emit a delightful fragrance similar to the bark. In Indian cuisine, cinnamon plays a vital role, adding a distinct flavor to dishes and enhancing the aromatic mix of vibrant spices used. An interesting fact about cinnamon is that it is an excellent source of calcium and fiber. Apart from its culinary benefits, it also serves as an effective remedy for controlling blood sugar levels in the body, making it a valuable spice with numerous health benefits.

(Medicinal value/use of the plant or any part of the plant is neither guaranteed nor assured by ByPlants (www.byplants.in). Information on the website is provided from different online and offline sources, which may or may not have scientific assurance.)

Agali Pepper Plant

ByPlants — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 15:50:45 +0000

Agali Pepper, a remarkable black pepper variety developed by Mr. George Kalluvellil Varkey from Thachampara, stands out with its exceptional yield and distinct characteristics. One kilogram of Agali Pepper can yield an impressive half a kilogram of black pepper, surpassing the 320-330 grams obtained from other pepper varieties. This variety boasts a dry recovery rate above 46%, offering a fresh yield ranging from 8-10 kg per vine. One notable advantage of Agali Pepper is its high tolerance to pests, setting it apart from other varieties. The plant features light purple shoot tips, semi-erect lateral branches, and ovate large leaves (13.6×7.5cm) with acuminate tips. The short, straight spikes of Agali Pepper measure an average length of 8.33cm, producing medium-sized, firm, and attractive round berries with vibrant coloration. This distinctive combination of qualities makes Agali Pepper a sought-after choice for black pepper cultivation.

Kairali Pepper Plant

ByPlants — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 15:49:32 +0000

Kairali Pepper is a highly valued variety cultivated in Kerala, particularly in the Kairali region. Known for its disease resistance and ability to withstand adverse conditions, this pepper plant produces aromatic and flavorful berries in tight clusters of deep green or red. Admired for its culinary uses and medicinal properties, Kairali Pepper is a staple in Indian cuisine and commands demand in national and international markets. With expert cultivation practices, dedicated growers preserve its special attributes, making it a prized and prominent variety in the culinary world.

Pepper Plant

ByPlants — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 18:46:06 +0000

A standard or normal pepper plant is a popular and widely cultivated crop known for its culinary significance and medicinal properties. It is well-suited to various soil types and typically thrives in warm climates. Pepper plants are known to be hardy and can adapt to different agricultural environments. With proper care and suitable growing conditions, a normal pepper plant can yield a respectable harvest of dry pepper, typically averaging around 2 to 3 kilograms per plant. Pepper growers dedicate attention to nurturing these plants, ensuring optimal growth and productivity, making them a valuable crop in many regions for their culinary and economic significance.

Pepper Kumbukkal/Kumbuckal Pepper Plant

ByPlants — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 18:44:27 +0000

Kumbukkal pepper is prized for its remarkable disease resistance, a key feature that sets it apart as a highly productive variety. The pepper bells are organized in six columns at each turn, and as they ripen, they naturally twist and coil, yielding additional bells. This unique characteristic makes Kumbukkal pepper resilient even in the scorching heat of summer. One of its noteworthy qualities is its adaptability to various soil types, including low-lying areas, making it suitable for diverse cultivation environments. In the favorable climate of Kerala, Kumbukkal pepper exhibits exceptional growth, ensuring a fruitful crop from the first year of planting. Compared to standard pepper plants that produce an average of 2 to 3 kilograms of dry pepper, Kumbukkal pepper boasts an impressive average of 4 to 6 kilograms of dry pepper, making it a highly desirable and productive variety for pepper growers.

Pepper Thekkan/Thekkan Pepper Plant

ByPlants — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 18:37:40 +0000

Thekken Pepper stands out as an improved, high-yielding variety with resistance to quick wilt disease. Its highly branched spikes contribute to its remarkable yield, containing 800 to a thousand berries in a single spike, compared to the 60 to 80 berries found in locally popular varieties. The presence of berries on both main and branched spikes, along with increased lateral branches and nodes, thin epidermis, and negligible air cavity, distinguishes Thekken Pepper. This trait leads to enhanced dry weight, resulting in approximately 8600 kg of dry pepper per hectare. With a bearing period of three years, Thekken Pepper displays strong resilience to pests, diseases, and adverse climatic conditions. Thomas, who has been cultivating this variety organically for twenty-five years, highlights its immunity to the quick wilt disease through grafting on Pepper Colubrinum, a wilt-tolerant variety, at a height of 50cm to prevent contact with the soil directly.

Bush Pepper Plant

ByPlants — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 18:36:06 +0000

Panniyur 1 is the pioneering Black Pepper variety developed by the black pepper research institute at Kerala Agricultural University in Kannur. Widely cultivated in major parts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, this hybrid pepper was first produced over three decades ago at the Panniyur Pepper Research Station in Kerala. It features long spikes with large berries and exhibits early bearing, making it suitable for most pepper-growing areas, except those with heavy shade. The variety yields approximately 1242 kg/ha (Dry) and thrives in open conditions. New spikes emerge with a light greenish hue, adding to its distinctive characteristics.

Graft Pepper (Karimunda) Plant

ByPlants — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 18:34:30 +0000

Karimunda Pepper, a traditional wild variety cultivated in Kerala for a long time, continues to stand out due to its remarkable disease-resistant nature. Widely grown in pepper farming regions of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, Karimunda plants are characterized by ovate small leaves with even margins, displaying a deep green hue. The spikes on these plants are notably dense and intense. With a yield per vine ranging from 3 to 5, Karimunda peppers are known for their consistent performance. New spikes emerge in a striking dark color, adding to the distinct appeal of this pepper variety.

Graft Pepper (Panniyur) Plant

ByPlants — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 18:32:58 +0000

Nutmeg Plant (Seedling)

ByPlants — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 18:31:10 +0000

Nutmeg, derived from the seeds of the Myristica fragrans tree, is predominantly produced in Indonesia and widely used as a spice worldwide, adding flavor to various dishes. It is available as ground powder or whole seeds, with nutmeg butter and essential oil also popularly used. Alongside its culinary appeal, nutmeg offers several health benefits as a potent source of antioxidants, safeguarding against aging and serious diseases like cancer, heart, and liver conditions. Moreover, nutmeg oil’s antibacterial properties make it valuable in dental products for fighting oral pathogens. Folk medicine suggests that nutmeg may act as an invigorating antidepressant, and it may aid in improving sleep quality, although further human studies are needed to confirm this effect. Additionally, nutmeg’s fiber content supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. However, it is vital to consume nutmeg in moderation, as excessive intake can be toxic and lead to hallucinations, making it potentially dangerous or even fatal.