Aframomum corrorima | |
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Dried korarima fruits, in preparation for making berbere | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Monocots |
(unranked): | Commelinids |
Order: | Zingiberales |
Family: | Zingiberaceae |
Genus: | Aframomum |
Species: | A. corrorima |
Binomial name | |
Aframomum corrorima (A.Braun) P.C.M.Jansen |
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Synonyms | |
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Aframomum corrorima is a species in the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. The spice, known as korarima, Ethiopian cardamom, or false cardamom, is obtained from the plant's seeds (usually dried), and is extensively used in Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. It is an ingredient in berbere, mitmita, awaze, and other spice mixtures, and is also used to flavor coffee. In Ethiopian herbal medicine, the seeds are used as a tonic, carminative, and laxative.
The plant is native to Tanzania, western Ethiopia (in the vicinity of Lake Tana and Gelemso), southwestern Sudan, western Uganda. It is cultivated in both Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Kororima fruits are placed in a vessel for pulverizing and grinding.
Kororima pods have been pulverized so that the seeds may be removed.