Magelang, Indonesia, is recognized for its extensive cultivation of cardamom, a spice valued for its health benefits and culinary uses. Predominantly found in the regions surrounding Mount Sumbing, Merapi Merbabu, and the Menoreh hills within the Magelang Regency, cardamom is not only renowned domestically for its medicinal and culinary properties but also sought after by international communities. Listed among the Ministry of Trade's top 10 flagship spice exports, cardamom from Magelang has gained considerable popularity alongside turmeric, galangal, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, and ginger. Ade Sri Kuncoro Kusumaningtyas, Secretary of the Magelang Regency's Department of Agriculture and Food, highlighted the substantial cultivation of ginger and cardamom among the 21 districts in the area. Ginger cultivation spans 12 districts, with Salaman district leading at 18.2 hectares, yielding 541 tons, followed by Tempuran at 18 hectares with 346 tons and Grabag at 15.4 hectares with 175 tons. Additionally, cardamom cultivation, particularly in Grabag (192 hectares with a yield of 10.73 tons), Tempuran (28.5 hectares with 114 tons), and Tegalrejo (15.6 hectares with 259 tons), marks its prominence among the 10 districts engaged in its farming.
Ade further emphasized cardamom's historical significance in Indonesia's colonial past, noting its extensive trade heritage, dating back thousands of years. Presently, Magelang's cardamom has attracted investors and exporters, with establishments like Kapulaga Jaya Mandiri contributing to regular exports to China. Efforts by the Magelang District Agriculture and Food Office aim to expand cardamom cultivation, collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture to maximize these opportunities. They hope that packing houses such as Kapulaga Jaya Mandiri in Magelang will drive increased interest among farmers, ultimately leading to expanded cultivation. Cardamom, a commonly used spice in cooking for its distinctive aroma and flavor, plays a vital role in the ancient spice trade between South Asia and the Middle East. Since 2010, Kapulogo Jaya Mandiri has been exporting cardamom and other spices to China. Initiating in 1995 and working for others initially, the business transitioned into independent operations, sourcing and selling directly to China. According to Kuntoro, the owner, the demand for cardamom in China for both food and pharmaceutical purposes has surged, necessitating significant efforts to meet supply shortages. To fulfill export needs, efforts are being made to unite farmers' groups and educate them on enhancing production to meet the demands of both export and local markets.
Source: http://beritamagelang.id/kapulaga-rempah-asal-magelang-mendunia
