Cardamom is a spice that can make food taste better. It comes from cardamom pods, the dried seeds inside the pod. Whether you’re new to the world of spices or a seasoned pro, it always helps to know more about them. So, what is cardamom pods? Let’s get started!
What Is Cardamom Pods?
Cardamom pods are the seed pods of the tropical ginger plant, known scientifically as Elettaria cardamomum. They’re related to ginger but have a very different flavor profile. They are often sold already roasted and ground.
When it comes to cooking with them, you have two options. The first is buying the pods whole and removing their seeds yourself. The second is buying ground cardamom, which is much more widely available in supermarkets. Keep reading this blog post for more information about cardamom pods.
How Many Seeds in a Cardamom Pod?
Each cardamom pod contains 17 to 25 seeds. They are usually dark brown with white stripes and grow on the outside of the pod. Each seed contains 2 to 6 filaments, the thread-like structures holding the fruit together. One cardamom pod contains approximately 1/6 teaspoon of ground cardamom. One teaspoon of cardamom contains about 400 to 500 seeds.
- 1/6 teaspoon = 3.33 milligrams
- One teaspoon of cardamom = 400 to 500 seeds
How to Use Cardamom Pods?
There is no doubt that cardamom pods are one of the world’s most aromatic spices. It can be used in different forms in multiple ways. They can be ground to make a spice blend called cardamom powder, which can be used in any curry. Also, cardamom pods are used to flavor ice cream or baked goods.
It’s also a popular culinary spice in Southeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. The aroma is warm, sweet, and floral. When added to dishes, it brings a lot of flavors. Besides this, cardamom pods can be added to tea, coffee, salads, soups, and desserts.
Moreover, Cardamom pods are used as an ingredient in some baked goods. Also known as a flavor enhancer, it adds flavor without overpowering other ingredients in a recipe. It is also used as a medicinal herb for respiratory and digestive problems.
What Are Cardamom Pod Substitutes?
You can use several things as a cardamom pod substitute, and the best one will depend on the situation. You can use nutmeg, ginger, or vanilla extract instead of cardamom pods.
You can also use allspice, cinnamon, or nutmeg. These spices can help create the same flavor profile as cardamom pods, and they can be used in various recipes.
Where to Buy Cardamom Pods?
Cardamom pods are small, round, brown pods that look like black peppercorns and can be found in most grocery stores. At room temperature, they can be stored for weeks. Cardamom pods are widely sold in grocery stores, especially in the international section.
You can buy cardamom pods in many Asian and Indian markets. If you prefer to buy online, try the following sites: Amazon, Etsy, and Alibaba.
What Are Cardamom Pods Good For?
Cardamom is anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-ulcer, and anti-carcinogenic. Its anti-microbial properties make it helpful in treating various infections, including bad breath and tooth decay.
Its anti-oxidant properties make it helpful in preventing premature aging. It is believed to reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and is suitable for your liver. It is also ideal for your bones, as it prevents osteoporosis.
Furthermore, It can also be used as a natural insect repellent and help reduce stress and anxiety. Eating cardamom can also help ease indigestion and other stomach pains. It can also prevent heart attacks as it lowers one’s cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Can I eat cardamom pods whole?
Cardamom pods are the fruit of a plant in the same family as mint. You can eat the whole pods or the seeds inside. They have a strong, unique flavor that is often described as a mix of mint and ginger.
To eat the pods, you must remove the seeds and the fibrous threads inside the pods. You don’t have to remove the seeds if you’re serving the pods as a garnish.
Furthermore, Cardamom pods are usually chewed like a piece of gum or sucked on. You can also chew the cardamom seeds for a fresh and zesty aftertaste. Chewing on the cardamom pods or seeds is healthy for your teeth and gums.
In addition to the pleasant scent, chewing on cardamom pods helps cleanse your mouth by removing food debris and dead cells from your teeth.
Conclusion
The cardamom pods are very aromatic, flavorful, and healthy spices. Cardamom pods are one of the most expensive spices in the world. The price of cardamom pods is affected by various factors, including the weather, soil conditions, and the demand for spice.
You can use cardamom pods in tea, coffee, rice, desserts, or even bread! Cardamom pods are a great option if you want to add an exotic flavor to your cooking.
Read Also: What Is Cardamom?
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.
