Cardamom

Cardamom

car·da·mom

Cardamom is one of the most expensive spices out there. It has been around for thousands of years - Egyptians chewed on the seeds to clean their teeth and Romans and Greeks used it for a perfume.

Origin: This aromatic spice originated in southern India. Today, it is grown in Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Indo-China and Tanzania.

This elite spice has grade levels and it is believed the green cardamom pods are of better quality than the brown ones which show their age.

Recipe: My absolute favorite is cardamom Indian tea. Adding cardamom to tea simply elevates the flavor to the next level to make a wonderful cup of spiced chai. India has a big tea culture as do places like Iran and Pakistan. In countries like Turkey and Arab nations, it is used to flavor coffees for a deep rich taste. Tea is drank in social settings and you add a bit of extra cardamom for those you want to impress!

For a delicious cup of Indian tea, use these ingredients: 1 cup water, 1/2 cup milk, 3-4 cardamom cloves, 2 tsp tea leaves and sugar 2 tsp (to taste).
Umm…I think I need a cup of tea – I’ll be right back!

Cardamom is also used to flavor rice dishes. You’ll often see whole cardamom or slightly cracked open pods added to rice – these pods add a wonderful flavor to plain white rice. 

The seeds, whole or powder, can also be used in rubs to to flavor meats as this Royal Chicken with Cardamom. It’s full of incredible spices that won’t disappoint.

This spice is often used in baked goods and desserts for an added essence.

Since it is so delicious in tea, naturally these Vanilla Chai cupcakes would be quite yummy as well. 

Just a touch of cardamom will add an amazing taste to any dessert as a Spiced Coffee Affogato with vanilla ice cream.  Or a chilled kulfi, an Indian ice cream made with cardamom and cream or with pistachios. It is an easy and marvelous home-made dessert to enjoy especially on a warm summer evening.

Cures: With all these amazing recipes, it is surprising that cardamom also has medicinal benefits.

The seeds are often used to make an oil which is used medically for many uses as to relieve heartburn, constipation and diarrhea. It is often taken for cough, colds or a sore throat. It is also known to cure a headache – nothing a cup of cardamom chai won’t cure! 

Beauty: Cardamom has a lovely aroma and no surprise that is used in soaps, creams and perfumes. 

Sources

http://theepicentre.com/spice/cardamom/

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-614/cardamom