If you’re using cardamom, you’ll get the most flavor by using the pods and grinding the seeds, rather than using ground cardamom which is not as strong in flavor. It’s a flavor that you might love or hate, but for those who love it, these little spice pods are addictive.
How do I get good quality cardamom?
Colour is the most crucial aspect to consider while buying cardamom. Fresh cardamoms are plump and olive or green in colour. However, if the cardamom pods look too green, there may be artificial colours used to make them seem fresh. If they look yellowish, they may either be too old or have been dried wrongly.
Should you crush cardamom pods?
You will have to split or crush the pods to expose the seeds to be used for slow-cooking. Biting into these seeds tends to be unpleasant. When using these seeds, bruising with the back of the knife is a must. You can also toast and grind them.
Does cardamom lose its flavor?
Warm, humid, and well-oxygenated conditions increase the chances of your cardamom losing its flavor and potentially going musty or moldy.
What part of the cardamom do you use?
seed pods
Cardamom is a spice made from the seed pods of various plants in the ginger family. Cardamom pods are spindle-shaped and have a triangular cross-section. The pods contain a number of seeds, but the entire cardamom pod can be used whole or ground.
What does cardamom do to your body?
It may lower blood pressure, improve breathing and aid weight loss. What’s more, animal and test-tube studies show that cardamom may help fight tumors, improve anxiety, fight bacteria and protect your liver, though the evidence in these cases is less strong.
Which size of cardamom is best?
The Indian cardamom grading system is based on size (diameter), weight and color. The highest grade of Indian cardamom is known as Extra Bold, 8mm (8mm being the diameter of the pod).
Do you grind the whole cardamom pod or just the seeds?
How to Cook with It: Steep whole pods (lightly crush them to release more flavor) in liquid where flavor can be slowly extracted over time. For greater potency, grind whole pods, and for even more potent flavor, extract the seeds and grind them on their own (the seeds can also be used whole or crushed).
What is the difference between cardamom and cardamon?
cardamom, also spelled cardamon, spice consisting of whole or ground dried fruits, or seeds, of Elettaria cardamomum, a herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). The seeds have a warm, slightly pungent, and highly aromatic flavour somewhat reminiscent of camphor.
Should you crack cardamom?
Cardamom seeds are tiny and very light; give them a gentle scrape out of their shell so that they don’t fly all over your kitchen counter or table. Each pod should contain between 17 and 20 little seeds. Given the strength of the essential oil in cardamom seeds, you may not need to break open many pods.
What is the shelf life of cardamom?
about 3 to 4 years
Shelf Life Tips
Properly stored, ground cardamom will generally stay at best quality for about 3 to 4 years. To maximize the shelf life of ground cardamom purchased in bulk, and to better retain flavor and potency, store in containers with tight-fitting lids.
What does cardamom pair well with?
Although most people see cardamom as a savory spice, it pairs exceptionally well with a number of sweet fruits, especially plums, apples, and apricots. Try adding a cardamom pod or two to your fruit as it stews, or for a stronger flavor, mix in ½ a teaspoon of ground cardamom seeds.
What does cardamom do to coffee?
The antioxidants in cardamom may give your morning coffee and extra kick of flavor and health benefits. So, enjoy!
Do you remove cardamom pods after cooking?
A simple but effective idea: remember the number of whole spices you use and remove them. If you use 5 whole cardamom pods, then make sure to remove 5 pods at the end.
Do you use the shell of cardamom pods?
The seed pods are not edible and should be discarded prior to serving (or just avoided during eating). Ground cardamom is also used in many dishes.
Who should not eat cardamom?
Allergies Due To Cardamom
If used for a prolonged time and in large quantities, cardamom might lead to some unexplained allergic reactions (1). Skin allergy known as contact dermatitis is a popular type of skin rash developed due to over intake of cardamom (2).
Does cardamom thin the blood?
Expectorant action: Those suffering from asthma and bronchitis, cardamom is a wonder spice for you. This is because cardamom can help improve blood circulation in the lungs by blood thinning action.
Does cardamom lower blood pressure?
Thus, the present study demonstrates that small cardamom effectively reduces blood pressure, enhances fibrinolysis and improves antioxidant status, without significantly altering blood lipids and fibrinogen levels in stage 1 hypertensive individuals.
Is black or green cardamom better?
There are two main types of cardamom as green cardamom and black cardamom. Green cardamom is smaller in size than black cardamom and has an intense flavor while black cardamom has a smoky flavor. While green cardamom can complement both sweet and savory dishes, black cardamom is ideal for savory dishes.
What is the difference between green and brown cardamom pods?
The green cardamom has a very strong and intense aroma and flavour, while the black cardamom has a smoky and vaguely camphor-like flavour. The taste of black cardamom has a coolness that is sometimes likened to that of mint, but both the forms of cardamom are used for the purpose of adding flavour to foods and drinks.
Which type of cardamom is best?
Green cardamom
Green elaichi is one of the best types of elaichi. The Cardamom Green is native to southern India and Sri Lanka but is now also cultivated in countries like Thailand, Nepal and Central America.