Updated APRIL 23, 2019

The reason I bought cardamom was to cook one of my favourite dishes. And it was my bad for buying another pack before checking thoroughly. More so for storing it in the wrong kitchen drawer, not my usual spice corner. So now, what to do with the cardamom? Have you any cardamom stored somewhere? Better take a second look before it expires! If you do have them, you will want to know – how is cardamom used? Here, I will share with you the various ways to use them and its health benefits. Once you know them, you will have no problem utilizing your cardamoms and may end up buying more. Here goes…

Firstly, you will want to know

What is Cardamom

This aromatic cardamom spice has an intricate flavour. It is woodsy, citrusy, minty and spicy. It is the fruit of a perennial plant related to ginger and easily recognizable by their small seed pods – triangular in cross-section and spindle-shaped. Each pod has a thin, papery outer shell and contains small, black seeds which are its primary source of scent and flavour.

Cardamom is the world’s third most expensive spice! First is saffron, followed by vanilla. It is known as “The Queen of Spices” in its native India, a common ingredient in Indian cooking. It is today/the frequent components of garam masalas, curry pastes and chai.

Do you want to know which spice is known as “The King of Spices”?

The answer is – Black Pepper.

Cardamom has long been used in Scandinavian cuisine. How did this come about?

It was probably brought back to Scandinavia by Viking explorers about a thousand years ago and today, it still remains a popular spice. Mostly used in baking such as Scandinavian fruit bread (Julekage), Swedish cardamom bun (Kardemummabullar) and Finnish sweet bread (Pulla).

Types of Cardamom

1. Green cardamom (also known as true cardamom), is the preferred type, especially in India.

They are harvested just before completely ripen and sun-dried to preserve its bright green colour. Green cardamom is harder to find and more expensive than the other type of cardamom in part because of their superior ability to retain aroma and flavour longer.

2. White cardamom is actually the bleached version of the earlier. It is done so that you can still use cardamom in baking and desserts without adding the colour. However, this process not only washed away the colour, the flavour is partly destroyed too. In this case, do you mind the colour or flavour?
   
3. Black cardamom is not cardamom. Although similar in appearance to that of true cardamom, it is the seed pod of a closely related species. It tasted smokier thus best used in savoury dishes.

I am glad my packet of cardamom is the true cardamom. Now you know the various types, let’s find out

How is Cardamom Used

Pods, Seeds or Ground

Pods are usually used in savoury dishes with a liquid base. Many ethnic recipes call for cardamom pods.

The mistake I did was to use it as it is. By rights, the cardamom should be bruised before adding to the cooking process. This can simply be done by using the flat end of the knife to give the pod a gentle push. Alternatively, roll over it with the rolling pin.

The reason for doing so is to release the oils and allows the flavour to blend into the dish.

Another mistake of mine was not discarding the pods at the end of cooking. I know it is difficult to do so. Imagine searching for the little pods among the ingredients. Well, if no one complains biting on the pods while eating, you would not want the hassle of fishing them out. Unfortunately, I did get a complaint. You may consider wrapping them up together with other spices the recipe called for in a bit of cheesecloth for ease of removal.

Cardamom seeds and pods can be used interchangeably as the flavour comes from the seeds. However, do note that once the seeds are removed from the pods and exposed to the air, the flavour will dissipate quickly.

Each pod encapsulate 8 to 16 seeds. Therefore, you will need to adjust the amount accordingly. Remember this – a little bit of cardamom does go a long way. Don’t be too generous with it as it can quickly overpower a dish.

Ground cardamom is often used in baking and making desserts. It is easily available in any grocery stores or online. Undoubtedly, extremely convenient to use. Yet, it is BEST to grind cardamom seeds as needed. Doing so, you will be able to maintain the true flavours of cardamom.

Well, which do you have – pods, seeds or ground?

Should you be replenishing your cardamom, get the pods. When stored properly, in an airtight container placed in a cool dark area, they can be kept for up to one year. Seeds and ground cardamom are good for 6 months but you will notice the flavours lessening as time passes.

Grind your own cardamom

If you have the cardamom pods, will you grind them whole or remove the husk? Which is better?

I say – Either way!

Grinding them whole. I will simply put them into the spice grinder. Does this make me a lazy person? Of course, NOT!

Cook’s Illustrated did a comparison of home-ground whole pods vs seeds vs bought pre-ground cardamom and used all the three version to make spiced cookies and cardamom infused oil.

The verdict – tasters agreed that both home-ground cardamom pods and seeds produced much stronger flavour than store-bought ground cardamom. Meaning to say, grinding whole pods or just the seeds does not make a difference. Both created a full-flavoured spice as long as they are ground at home.

Reminder: Grind only the amount needed as the flavours can dissipate quickly.

As a guide, a tablespoon of pods should yield approximately two teaspoons of ground cardamom.

This is for you – Who enjoy the cooking preparation process

Not many people like the preparation process because it involves lots of work, not to mention the washing at the end. But, I know some of you enjoy it. The greatest payoff is having the house filled with delectable aromas and your family enjoying a satisfying meal together.

Here goes,

Make your own fresh ground cardamom

1. Toast the cardamom pods in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 – 3 minutes. Shake the pan occasionally. Toasting will ‘wake up’ their flavours, releasing the oil and brings out the fragrance. Can you smell the aroma already?

2. Place the pods in a mortar and use the pestle to crack open the pods or place them on the cutting board and use the flat end of the knife to do the same.

3. Spread out the pods and discard the husks. Now, don’t worry about the tiny pieces. It is alright to leave some as you don’t really want to spend much time doing so.

4. Put the seeds into the spice grinder and grind for 30 seconds or till you have a fine powder.

Making your own fresh ground cardamom is not a difficult process. Do it with love and you will enjoy it!

A problem and the solution

As you are aware by now, grinding a big batch of cardamom is not advisable due to how quickly the potency dissipates, you may also encounter a problem with grinding too little an amount for the grinder to work properly.

The solution is to grind the seeds together with other spices or dried herbs that are needed for the recipe you are following.

If using it for baking, you may add a bit of sugar from the amount called for in the recipe.

Ways to Use Cardamom

In cooking, cardamom is very much associated with Indian cuisine. It is an important ingredient of garam masala, a combination spice for many vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Biryani comes to mind. Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani is one of my favourite dishes and I would not have bought the cardamom if not for this dish. You must try it!

In baking, cardamom is a spice that is widely used in Scandinavian baking. As mentioned earlier, they are Scandinavian fruit bread (Julekage), Swedish cardamom bun (Kardemummabullar) and Finnish sweet bread (Pulla.)

In drinks, masala chai does not need much introduction. Traditionally prepared by brewing tea leaves with green cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, ground ginger and black peppercorn.

Since there are many cooking and baking recipes on the World Wide Web and you may easily google them, let’s discover other ways to

Use Cardamom to Spice up Your Life – 5 Easy Ways

Coffee, Tea and Milkshake

1. Coffee to start your day

This is by far the easiest to start utilizing your cardamom in storage. One cardamom pod a day.

Simply add one crushed cardamom pod to your cup of coffee. You may adjust the amount later according to your liking.

If you have ground cardamom and uses a drip machine or French press, add the spice to your coffee ground for brewing.

2. Tea with a Twist

With a little bit of effort, add a twist to your cup of tea!

• Boil 2 cups of water ⇒ Add 8 crushed cardamom pods and simmer for 2 – 3 minutes.
• Turn off heat ⇒ Add 2 tea bags and 1 tablespoon orange rind or fresh orange juice and steep for 5 – 10 minutes
• Remove tea bags and pods ⇒ Add honey if desired

3. Milkshake, your ‘FULL filling’ drink

Cardamom pairs very well with apple, avocado and banana. This is simple and easy to make. Fulfilling too.

• 1 fruit – apple or avocado or banana
• 1 cup milk
• 1 scoop vanilla ice-cream
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom or more according to your taste

Blend everything together.

You may consider adding

• a bit of sugar if you like it sweeter
• a pinch of cinnamon to the apple cardamom milkshake
• juice of half a lime to the banana version

How do you feel about these drinks? I think it is pretty easy to prepare. Go on, make one for yourself.

Moving on, other than consuming cardamom spice, here are two interesting ways to use them.

4. Facial Toner, feel the freshness

Besides being anti-inflammatory, the key to fighting acne, cardamom helps stimulate blood circulation, improving your complexion and keeps your skin tone.

Simply boil a ½ cup of water with 1 tablespoon crushed cardamom pods for 2 – 3 minutes. Let it cool and store in a sterilized glass container along with the seeds. Use as you would any facial toner.

5. Instant Mouth Freshener

The ancient Romans, Egyptians and Greeks have used cardamom as a tooth cleaner after meals. So, instead of chewing on gums, chew on a cardamom pod to freshen your breath.

Are you trying to quit smoking?

Chewing on a cardamom pod will reduce the craving or urge for smoking because of its strong flavour and smell.

Coffee in the morning, milkshake in the afternoon, chicken biryani for dinner, tea in between meals, toning your face after a bath and chewing on cardamom pod any time of the day. I am pretty sure you will use up your cardamoms in no time.

Now, let’s look at

The Health Benefits of Cardamom

Traditionally, cardamom has been used to treat a great variety of health problems. In Indian Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, it applied to treating gum and teeth infections, cold and sore throat, and digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhoea among others.

In the 21^st century, many research was done and the studies have shown that the cardamom’s volatile oils have therapeutic values being antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant and carminative.

Detoxify Body

Cardamom’s diuretic properties help cleanses the urinary tract, bladder and kidneys. It helps to remove toxins, waste and salt from the body. In this case, improves the functioning of kidneys and combat infections of the urinary tract.

Improves Digestion

The carminative properties in this spice help in the digestive process. While reducing flatulence and bloating, it helps increase bile flow, which improves digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine. Many waste products are eliminated from the body by secretion into bile. These make cardamom an ideal solution for a range of digestive problems such as constipation, indigestion, acidity and various stomach infection.

Stimulate Blood Circulation

Cardamom is known to increase blood circulation in the body. Undoubtedly, you will benefit from the healthy pace of your blood circulation. Cells will be oxygenated and nutrients will be optimally distributed.

Regulate Blood Sugar Level

Cardamom is rich in manganese which is a component in controlling blood sugar levels in the body. If you are concerned about your blood sugar levels, pairing cardamom with cinnamon, another antidiabetic spice, is a good choice to control it. Try unsweetened chai tea!

Remember though, people who already have diabetes, cardamom and cinnamon is not an alternative to medication. This is just one of the ways for people with pre-diabetes who are interested in using diet to manage their blood sugar.

Boost Metabolism, Promote Weight Loss

Melatonin, a component found in cardamom helps to boost metabolism. As a result, increasing the burning process of fats, calories and carbohydrates in the body.  Hence, benefit in weight loss.

A quick question and answer,

How does Cardamom Benefits Skin and Hair

Because of its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Both of these help detoxify your body and improve blood circulation.

It flushes out the toxins and free radicals to give you clear skin while good blood circulation gives you that natural glow.

This is also true in hair care.

Good blood circulation ⇒ Healthy scalp and strong hair

Antibacterial ⇒ Prevent scalp from irritation and infections

Now that you know how to use cardamom and its health benefits, surely you will try to incorporate into your daily diet as much as possible.

What happens if you run out of cardamom? Will you rush to the nearest grocery or buy online?

Another solution is to

Substitute Cardamom

Spices that are closest to cardamom in term of flavour and aroma are

• Cloves
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger (which it’s of the same family)
• Allspice

These spices pair well with each other and of course, cardamom itself.

The BEST cardamom substitute is combining cinnamon and cloves. For 1 teaspoon of cardamom, substitute ½ teaspoon each of these two spices. Because both are very potent, it is recommended that you start with half the amount of the spice the recipe called for and adjust accordingly. This combination is good for savoury dishes.

Another combination that you may try is cinnamon with nutmeg or ginger. Best use for baking. Again, use a lesser amount for the substitute as you do not want it to overpower other flavours of your baked goods.

Overall, experiment with the combination using the above-mentioned spices. Possibly, you may end up creating your own signature flavour!

If you like to know more about the Health Benefits of Cinnamon, click here.

Did you Know

Cardamom is widely used in the Arab-speaking nations. They consume 80% of the world’s cardamom, mainly to make coffee. Serving cardamom coffee to their guests is an important aspect of hospitality. On top of that, during the holy month of Ramadhan, making cardamom coffee is a daily chore in every family, in preparation for the breaking of the fast.

Wrigley’s Eclipse Breeze Exotic Mint contains cardamom. Its packaging indicated “with Cardamom* to Neutralize the Toughest Breath Odors”.

(*with cardamom oil)

The End of My Cardamom Quest

How is cardamom used has been answered, together with its health benefits. With various ways to use them, either by consuming or external use, surely you and I will be able to finish that packet of cardamom in storage.

Keep in mind that you only need a little of this spice to impart flavour to your dish or drinks. Therefore, use sparingly and add bit by bit till reaches your desired taste.

Cinnamon coffee has been my favourite morning drink and most likely cardamom coffee will be my next. And I intend to make my own facial toner using cardamom. I have been using apple cider vinegar for some time and it will be good for a change.

How about you? Did you find any cardamom hiding somewhere in your kitchen? If none, does knowing its health benefits and easy ways to use it impel you to buy some? If yes,

I hope this article has given you much information you seek and enjoy the read, as much as I enjoyed the search and writing for you!

I am not leaving you without a few useful and simple remedies for common ailments. So, please do not leave without leaving your comments. Some experience or recipes to share…

If you are going to grind your own cardamom and need a spice grinder, take a look at this affordable and practical spice grinder.

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From the Corner of My Home – Spice Up Your Life with Herbs and Spices

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