Cardamom is a spice popular in Indian, Middle Eastern, and other countries’ cuisine. It has been used for its medicinal properties and as a flavoring agent since ancient times. A variety of dishes can be prepared with cardamom, including sweet and savory dishes.
What is Cardamom?
Cardamom is a spice that comes from the seeds of a flowering plant in the ginger family. The seeds are harvested when fully ripe and then dried. Cardamom seeds are used to flavor food, and the oil is used in perfumes and aromatherapy.
People worldwide love and use cardamom for its unique taste and benefits. The following guide will explain cardamom spice in detail, its types, benefits, cost, etc. So, continue reading to learn more.
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Types of Cardamom
Cardamom comes in three types, each used differently. Each one comes from a different species of plant.
- Black Cardamom
- Green Cardamom
- White Cardamom
Black Cardamom
Black cardamom comes from the species Elettaria cardamomum. Black cardamom is the most common type of cardamom. Black cardamom is the strongest in flavor and has the giant seeds of all three types of cardamom.
Black cardamom is mainly used in Caribbean cuisine. The average black cardamom pod is approximately 1 inch long and has a 1-inch diameter. Black cardamom pods usually contain 6 to 10 seeds.
Green Cardamom
Green cardamom comes from the species Amomum cardamomum. Green cardamom is a bit milder in flavor than black cardamom but sweeter. It is widely used as a condiment in Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines.
The average green cardamom pod is approximately 1 inch in length and has a 0.67-inch diameter. Green cardamom pods usually contain 4 to 7 seeds.
White Cardamom
White cardamom comes from the species Amomum subulatum. White cardamom has a milder flavor than green cardamom and is the type used most often in Indian cooking. White cardamom is the most commonly used in Indian cuisine.
The average white cardamom pod is approximately 1 inch long and has a 0.67-inch diameter. White cardamom pods usually contain 4 to 5 seeds.
Benefits of Cardamom
Cardamom is a spice with many uses and benefits, which is why it is so famous and popular around the world. Additionally, it is popular among many due to its unique taste and smell. Here are some prominent benefits of Cardamom:
Benefits in Health
- Heart Health: Cardamom is rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium and has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
- Immunity: Cardamom helps to prevent infections by killing bacteria and fungi and boosting the immune system.
- Digestive Health: Cardamom improves digestion and relieves indigestion, gas, and cramps.
- Brain Health: Cardamom is an anti-ageing and anti-oxidant that helps prevent degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
- Skin Health: Cardamom reduces signs of ageing, acne, and the appearance of wrinkles.
Benefits in Food
Cardamom is a spice that people use to flavor many different foods, like granola, rice, soups, sauces, cookies, and ice cream. It can also be used to flavor coffee and tea. Some people even put it in hamburgers and meatloaf!
FAQs Related to Cardamom
Following are some questions that people ask and keep in mind, so here are their answers.
Which Cardamom Is Best?
All varieties of cardamom are highly fragrant and can be used in cooking. Still, a few differences between types may sway your decision to use one over another. Black cardamom is your best bet if you’re looking for the best overall cardamom.
Black cardamom is the most common type of cardamom and is the type used in this article. Green cardamom is a bit milder in flavor than black cardamom but sweeter. White cardamom has a milder flavor than green cardamom and is the type used most often in Indian cooking.
What Does Cardamom Taste Like?
Cardamom has a strong, unique flavor that is both sweet and spicy. It is used in both savory and sweet dishes and is a common ingredient in Indian, Thai, and Middle Eastern cuisine.
The flavor of different varieties of cardamom depends on their growing conditions and the amount of sunlight they are exposed to. The taste of the mature cardamom pods is stronger than the flavor of the green cardamom pods.
Black cardamom has a strong, almost smoky flavor, while green cardamom has a more floral, citrusy flavor.
White cardamom has a milder, woody flavor. Also, green or white exterior variety (whose flavor profile is more woody) and a black version (which has citrus notes).
What Does Cardamom Smell Like?
The aroma of cardamom is what sets it apart from other spices. The smell of black cardamom is heady and aromatic, while green cardamom has a floral scent with hints of citrus. White cardamom has a mild, woody aroma.
What Does Cardamom Look Like?
Black cardamom pods are dark brown in color, with black seeds inside. Green cardamom pods are green in color with black seeds inside. White cardamom pods are beige in color with black seeds inside. Black cardamom pods are darker and more extensive than green ones. White cardamom pods are smaller and less robust than green ones.
What Flavor Is Cardamom?
Cardamom has a strong flavor that is often described as a mix between citrus and mint. It has a spicy, warm fragrance with a sweet aftertaste.
It is a common ingredient in Indian and Middle Eastern dishes, including curries, chai, and baklava. Due to the strong flavor of cardamom, it is best to use it in smaller quantities than other spices.
Which Country Grows Cardamom?
The plant grows best in tropical climates and is cultivated worldwide. The significant cardamom producers are mainly India, Indonesia, Guatemala, and Pakistan.
Other lesser cardamom producers are Iran, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Thailand, and Malaysia. India is the leader in exporting cardamom, with more than 70% of the world’s total production.
Which Country Is Famous for Cardamom?
There are different types of cardamom from other parts of the world. Indian cardamom comes from the southern Indian region called Kerala.
Cardamom is commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine and is a staple in any Indian kitchen.
It is also a common spice in Caribbean cuisine, including in the cuisines of Singapore and Thailand. Guatemala, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and the Caribbean are other regions known for cardamom cultivation.
How Much Does Cardamom Cost?
The price of white cardamom is around $10 per pound. Green cardamom is priced at around $5 per pound, and black cardamom costs around $8 per pound.
Although the prices may vary depending on the quality and the growing season, it is essential to note that high-quality cardamom is expensive.
Cardamom is graded based on its size and quality. A grade one cardamom has very few seeds and is used in premium coffee shops.
You can buy a small quantity of cardamom in a small jar and use it as needed. You can save money by not purchasing a large amount of cardamom.
Conclusion
Cardamom is a spice that has been used for a long time. It makes food taste better that’s why mostly people use it. There are different types of cardamom, and the type you use depends on what you are making.
Some types of cardamom are stronger than others. You usually don’t use a lot of cardamoms because a little goes a long way. When cardamom is fresh, it tastes the best.
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I am an accomplished tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex technology concepts. With a background in Tech, James has dedicated their career to making the intricacies of the digital world accessible to a broad audience.
