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Cardamom is a familiar name in the spice world, but if asked to describe its flavor, you may be at a loss for words. This is because this spice has an extremely complex flavor profile, lending itself to both sweet and savory dishes. As the third most expensive spice in the world (only behind saffron and vanilla), cardamom has made quite a name for itself, even earning the nickname "The Queen of Spices." From Indian curries to Scandinavian breads, learn how to cook with this prized spice.
Cardamom is a pod spice in the ginger family that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. Although this spice originated in southern India.
The spice can be found as a whole pod, shelled whole seeds, or ground powder. Its complex flavor profile lends itself well to both sweet and savory applications, and it boasts numerous health benefits as well (more on that below). The powered cardamom looses its flavor and potency quickly so it is best to use the whole cardomom and freshly grind it to produce the power when needed.
Many Indian and Indian-inspired dishes call for cardamom, including curry dishes, Kheer (Indian rice pudding), and chai. Indian spice blends such as garam masala also feature cardamom.
You'll also find cardamom adds warmth and depth to baked goods such as cookies, bread pudding, and even cheesecake. At some point, cardamom made its way to Scandinavia, where it is now widely used in baked goods, such as Finnish Pulla and Julekaka (a Norwegian Christmas bread).
For savory applications, try adding it to soups.
When cooking with cardamom, consider starting with whole pods and grinding your own powder from the seeds. To do so, first toast the pods in a skillet. This helps bring out the flavor and makes it easier to open. From here you can remove the seeds from the pods and grind them by hand. Be sure to save the empty pods — they can be used to infuse teas.
Cardamom has been used as both an ingredient in cooking and as a medicine for centuries, and research suggests that the spice does indeed have health benefits. A 2009 study demonstrated that the high levels of antioxidants in cardamom may help lower blood pressure, while a 2007 study found cardamom to have diuretic properties, meaning it can promote urination. It has also been used as a breath freshener for centuries, and this claim was backed up by a recent study that found cardamom to be effective at disrupting bacteria that can lead to gum disease or infections.
