Description

Culinary Uses

Cardamom has a strong, unique taste, with an intensely aromatic, resinous fragrance. Cardamom Green Pods are originally native to India and can be found in some of its neighbouring countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal and Guatemala. They are triangular in cross-section and spindle-shaped, with a thin green outer shell and a small black seeds inside. Cardamom green pods are highly valued and one of the more expensive spices by weight, but little is needed to impart flavor. It is used in both savoury and sweet dishes as well as a traditional flavouring for coffee and tea. Cardamom also has many medicinal purposes and helps the body eliminate waste through the kidneys. To gain maximum flavour from the pods, it is advised to open them slightly. To do this, firmly press down on each cardamom pod with the flat side of a sturdy chef’s knife.

• For a better flavour bruise the pods and add them to your dish
• Tea and coffee made with cardamom are pleasantly aromatic and refreshing.
• Add a little to your ground coffee before brewing, then sweeten and top with cream, to enjoy cardamom the arabic way.
• Many pulaos, curries and hot dishes call for cardamom to be added whole, with the pod. It slowly infuses the dish with its essence and the shell disintegrates as it cools.
• Western desserts like flans, rice pudding and porridge also use cardamom to intensify the flavour

Health Benefits

Cardamon has many health benefits. It stimulates the digestive system, reduces gas and counteract excess acidity in the stomach. It stimulates appetite and cures halitosis (bad breath).

Recipe/ product links:

Rice Kheer

Country of Origin:

Guatemala and India

Other names or spelling: Cardamom Seed, Cardamom Pods, Green Cardamom, Eletaria cardamomum