cardomom

[steve a]

Hi, does anyone know if it's possible to grow cardamom in w.sussex.
Also,  What is the best way to store basil for use during the winter

[steve a]

[NattyEm]

I freeze herbs, lay out the leaves all on a tray, put in the freezer, when frozen you can crumble them up into a plastic bag and just take some out as you need it.  Instant chopped herbs!

[oubykh]

Basil - two ways - either chop up fine and freeze in ice cubes or make your pesto and freeze that, but i was told dont add the parmasan in until you defrost as it wont freeze well.

[tim]

Being a wet blanket, I would say that no form of preserved basil bears any resemblance to the real thing. Demean yourself & keep a Tesco plant growing in the kitchen!

[cleo]

cardamon in West Sussex?-nothing is impossible-if you can create the micro climate-so the answer is No.

I know bit more about basil-flavour oil,chop some and freeze as ice cubes,make sauces.

Then sow indoors-youwill get a crop-abeit nothing special-but why?-I am old fashioned-I like my herbs and veg in season.

Stephan

[terrace max]

I bought a cardamon plant online recently (from www.poyntzfieldherbs.co.uk)

They describe it thus:

An attractive houseplant with deep green glossy leaves that are scented and flavoured; try the leaf in a delicate aromatic tea since it is shy to flower and seed. Grow indoors in a shady place.

I'll let you know what the tea tastes like....!

[Lady Cosmos]

Cardamom (Elletaria) is one of the hardiest of all gingers. Stays alive in light frost (-5C) Get leaves again in late spring. Does NOT flower, but leaves (aromatic) can be used.
If fruit is wanted, grow in conservatory and it will flower in the second year (under ideal conditions) So that means that is will be very difficult to grow with any succes.