A small but aromatic spice, Cardamom is found in several different dishes. Its rich flavor lends depth to baked goods and adds warmth. The spice was initially used in India, but it spread to the Scandinavian countries, where it is widely used in baking products such as Julekaka, a traditional Norwegian Christmas bread. Cardamom is also an excellent addition to soups and dry rubs for meat, bringing a slightly sweet and spicy flavor to the dish.
Cardamom is rich in antioxidants - Photo by Karyna Panchenko
What Is Cardamom?
One of the world's most expensive spices, Cardamom is an essential part of Indian, Middle Eastern, and Nordic cuisine. Its medicinal uses also extend to traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. Although Cardamom has culinary and medicinal uses, it is best known for its digestive and respiratory benefits. If you're wondering what it is Cardamom, read on to learn more. And don't worry if you're not a fan of the spice; you can replace it with other herbs that smell similar to this spice.
The spice has long been associated with India but is grown in Guatemala and Sri Lanka. It is now a popular baking ingredient in Nordic countries, where the Moors brought it. In the Nordic countries, Cardamom is a common ingredient in ice cream and other desserts and can be used to flavor both sweet and savory dishes. Although it has been used since ancient times, it was only in the 19th century that it became widely available to the West.
The fruit of Cardamom is a small-seeded plant that is native to the rainforests of southern India. It grows wild in the Cardamom Hills in Sri Lanka and Guatemala. The botanical name for Cardamom is Amomum cardamomum. The spice was one of the main spices imported by the Roman Empire. Ancient civilizations also used it as a breath freshener and a tooth cleaner.
Classification
Listed under the botanical family of ginger and turmeric, Cardamom is commonly used in Asian dishes and spices. It is popular in curries, sweets, and soups and is used in many Middle Eastern words. Cardamom pairs well with citrus flavors, ginger, cinnamon, and pistachios. Some people also use Cardamom to flavor mulled wine. The taste is described as spicy and sweet.
The oil extracted from Cardamom is a rich source of volatile oils, phenolic acids, and sterols. These compounds contribute to their anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and antioxidant properties. Cardamom is an excellent natural remedy for many common health problems and is used in many recipes. It can be used for digestive issues, inflammation, and headaches. For this reason, Cardamom is also popular in baking and teas.
Green and Black Cardamom come from the same plant but have distinct differences. Green Cardamom is the most common type, while black Cardamom is rarer and used in less-sweet dishes. On the other hand, Black Cardamom has a smoky, almost camphor-like flavor. Both types are popular in South Asian cuisine. They are both great for flavoring.
When buying Cardamom, make sure to buy it fresh. Cardamom pods lose their potency quickly, so store them in an airtight container. Store them in a dark, cool place. If you plan to use them all up right away, they will lose their flavor quickly and need to be consumed soon after purchase. This way, you can replenish your supply. Once you have a good spice collection, you can start experimenting with new recipes.
Nutrition Facts
According to the Department of Agriculture, the nutrition facts of one tablespoon of ground cardamom has:
- Calories: 18
- Carbohydrates: 4.0 grams
- Total fat: 0.4 grams
- Protein: 0.6 grams
- Fiber: 1.6 grams
- Iron: 0.81 milligrams
- Phosphorus: 10.3 milligrams
- Potassium: 64.9 milligrams
- Calcium: 22.2 milligrams
- Magnesium: 13.3 milligrams
What Is Cardamom Used For?
A common ingredient in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines, Cardamom is also found in confectionery, coffee, and other culinary products. Its flavor is nutty and resinous, and its use is widely diversified. However, despite its popularity, Cardamom is an expensive spice in the U.S. It can also be costly, so you need to know what you get before buying.
The ancient Egyptians were believed to be the first to use the cardamom plant. It was used for religious, spiritual, and culinary purposes. The Romans carried this spice throughout Europe and the Mediterranean region, and today, many people use cardamom seeds and pods to flavor coffee and tea. Cardamom comes in three varieties: the green cardamom pod is the most common and widely used variety, while black Cardamom has a smoky flavor. White Cardamom is produced by bleaching the green variety.
Researchers have discovered that Cardamom contains a powerful antioxidant, making it an excellent natural cancer treatment. Animal studies indicate that Cardamom inhibits cancer formation by delaying, preventing, and reversing its onset. It is also widely used for its carminative properties, helping digestion and relieving digestive problems. Cardamom is native to the Indian subcontinent and has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine.
How to Cook With Cardamom
Cardamom is an incredibly aromatic spice that's great for making dishes bursting with flavor. Green Cardamom is usually green, but you can find it in a bleached white variety. When purchasing the spice, look for the green pod, as ground cardamom will be less aromatic than whole pods. Green Cardamom has hints of mint and lemon and is the most common type. Black Cardamom has a smoky, menthol flavor.
Although traditionally associated with special occasions, Cardamom is not just restricted to Middle Eastern and Indian dishes. While it pairs well with red meat and poultry, it can also work well in stews and curries. You can also add Cardamom to baked goods, like cookies and brownies. Martha Stewart even uses Cardamom in mulled wine! So, if cinnamon is the old faithful, Cardamom is the new cinnamon.
You can buy Cardamom in pods, seeds, or as a powder. The seeds should be toasted before using them in cooking. If you're not a fan of toasted spices, you can buy the pods without seeds and use them to infuse tea or coffee. You can find the whole Cardamom in the spice aisle of your grocery store or a specialty international food market.
Benefits
There are many health benefits of Cardamom. One of these benefits is that the spice is rich in antioxidants, which protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals. Another benefit is that Cardamom improves the body's production of the GHRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone), which stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete the Luteinizing hormone and testosterone.
Other health benefits of Cardamom include reduced blood pressure. Studies have shown that it can significantly lower cholesterol, although this benefit should be tempered if a patient is on medication for cholesterol. In addition to lowering cholesterol, Cardamom also has a sedative effect, and it can reduce blood pressure. However, there are no reliable studies on whether Cardamom is safe for people who suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes.
It is safe to include Cardamom in your diet in small amounts. However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with a physician to determine whether it is safe for you. As with other spices and herbs, you should always ensure that you are using the right amounts. For the most part, Cardamom is entirely safe when eaten in moderation. Just remember to exercise caution when consuming Cardamom and take care to check with your doctor before starting a new supplement.
Cardamom is known to improve circulation in the lungs. Because it contains antioxidants, it has the potential to help fight inflammation. By improving circulation in the lungs, Cardamom may also benefit people with respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. In addition, Cardamom contains phytonutrients that have been proven to help fight against free radicals. These properties make Cardamom very useful in preventing respiratory problems and the treatment of asthma.
Cardamom tips
The best Cardamom growing tips start with their requirements. Cardamom is a tropical plant that grows in rainforests. It requires around 200 days of rain a year and moist soil. Plants will need watering more during the dry months to set fruits, so make sure to give your plant a steady supply of moisture. However, once established, it will grow up to 10 feet tall. Depending on the species, Cardamom can live for decades with proper care.
It can be eaten whole or ground. Cardamom seeds can be chewed or added to your morning beverage. Cardamom is also used in tea, which is rich in antioxidants. Those suffering from digestive problems can drink cardamom water to combat the symptoms. Whether you like to add the seeds whole or crush them, it is highly beneficial for your health. It also helps fight off various infections.
If you have gallstones, Cardamom is also known to cause spasmodic pain. It is not safe for pregnant women to consume large amounts of Cardamom. However, it can still cause miscarriage if used medicinally. People with certain health conditions should avoid Cardamom in food. Cardamom is the queen of spices and is widely used in India. You can purchase it in whole pods or pre-ground.
