Cardamom Quick Facts
Name:
Cardamom
Scientific Name:
Elettaria cardamomum
Origin
India and Sri Lanka originating in the forests of the western Ghats in southern India
Colors
Pale green to yellow
Shapes
Oblong, oval or oblate, 2–5 cm long, with faint longitudinal striations, roughly triangular in cross section. Each fruit has 3 chambers filled with small aromatic seeds, each about 3 mm long. Fruits and seeds dry to a straw-brown color.
Taste
Strong, unique spicy-sweet taste
Calories
311 Kcal./cup
Major nutrients
Manganese (1217.39%)
Iron (174.63%)
Total dietary Fiber (73.68%)
Zinc (67.91%)
Magnesium (54.52%)
Health benefits
Anti-Carcinogenic Properties, Good for Cardiovascular Health, Blood Pressure, Control of Cholesterol, Depression, Digestive System, Urinary problems, Antimicrobial Properties, Anti-Spasmodic Properties, Dental Diseases, Asthma, Anti-Inflammatory Properties, Detoxification, Improved Blood Circulation, Good for Nausea and Vomiting, Aphrodisiac Properties, Sore Throat, Hiccups, Bad Breath, Cavities, Diabetes
More facts about Cardamom
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) sometime called Cardamon or Cardamum, is a spice made from the seeds of several plants in the genera Elettaria and Amomum in the family Zingiberaceae. The word “cardamom” is derived from the Latin cardamomum, which is the Latinisation of the Greek καρδάμωμον (kardamomon), a compound of κάρδαμον (kardamon), “cress” + ἄμωμον (amomon), which was probably the name for a kind of Indian spice plant. The plant is native to the India and Sri Lanka originating in the forests of the Western Ghats in southern India. Cardamom is the world’s third-most expensive spice, surpassed in price per weight only by vanilla and saffron. Apart from Cardamom it is also known as Cluster Cardamom, Lesser Cardamom, Malabar Cardamom, Round Cardamom, Siam Cardamom, Ceylon Cardamom and Cardamon Seeds. Known as the “Queen of Spices,” cardamom is a favorite in Indian both for its culinary and medicinal value. The sweetly aromatic cardamom is the fruit of a tropical plant related to ginger, and growing cardamom is extremely labor intensive.
Plant
Cardamom is a robust, herbaceous, perennial herb growing up to 4 m tall with branched subterranean rhizomes from which arises 10–12 erect leafy shoots (consist of leafy sheaths) and flowering shoots. It does not tolerate direct sun. It thrives best in areas with uniform warm temperature. It prefers a rich, loamy, well drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matters. For best results, fertilize or amend soil with minerals phosphorus and potassium. Leaves are long, dark green leaves 30-60 cm (1-2 ft.) long, 5-15 cm (2-6”) wide distichous, petioles up to 2.5 cm long; lamina up to 1 cm × 15 cm, lanceolate, acuminate, lightly pubescent or glabrous below; ligule to 1 cm long, entire. The underside is paler and may have a covering of tiny hairs. Flowers are borne on a flowering stalk that can reach over 1 m in length. The pale green flowers contain both male and female parts. One of the petals is white and streaked with violet.
Fruit
Cardamom is oblong, oval or oblate shapes fruit, 2–5 cm long, with faint longitudinal striations, roughly triangular in cross section. Each fruit has 3 chambers filled with small aromatic seeds, each about 3 mm long. Fruits and seeds dry to a straw-brown color. Fruit is normally pale green to yellow colored. Fruit is intensely aromatic, resinous fragrance and has strong, unique spicy-sweet taste. Seeds are normally small, 3 mm long, rugose, reddish brown to brownish black, and aromatic, with thin mucilaginous aril. Since growing cardamom is extremely labor intensive and is one of the world’s most expensive spices, after saffron and vanilla. Popular as “Queen of Spices,” cardamom is a favorite in Indian both for its culinary and medicinal value.
History
The origin of cardamom could be traced back to as soon as 4th century BC in the monsoon forests of the Western Ghats in southern India. Today, this area is recognized as the Cardamom Hills, and until 200 years back, this area produced the majority of the world’s cardamom. The cardamom fruits have been in trade in India for more than 1000 years. They had been in print in the medical compendium Charaka Samhita in between 2nd century BC and 2nd century AD. What’s more, additionally it is mentioned in the Sanskrit texts, Taitirriya Samhita of the 4th century BC. Throughout the same time, the Greeks began importing cardamom from the East. While the inferior grades were called amomon, the superior grades were named kardamomon. Eventually, the Romans began importing substantial amount of cardamom from India and regarded them as one of the most widely used oriental spices within the Roman cuisine. The majority of the cardamom was supplied from the evergreen monsoon forests of southern India and Sri Lanka. In 1903, cardamom plantation was eliminated because of extreme manufacturing in Ceylon, now Sri Lanka that resulted in low prices. The British colonies spread the plantation of cardamom in other parts of India like a secondary crop. Today, cardamom is essentially utilized as an aromatic spice in Eastern, Arab plus some Scandinavian cuisine.
Nutritional value
Apart from their strong, unique spicy-sweet taste, cardamom is a good source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Consuming 100 gram of cardamom offers 28 mg of Manganese, 13.97 mg of Iron, 28 g of Total dietary Fiber, 7.47 mg of Zinc, 229 mg of Magnesium, 68.47 g of Carbohydrate, 0.383 mg of Copper, 383 mg of Calcium, 178 mg of Phosphorus and 1,119 mg of Potassium.
Health benefits of Cardamom
Cardamom is well known as a cooking spice with rich aroma and flavor. It is a good source of minerals like potassium, calcium, sulfur, and magnesium along with iron and manganese. Further, it is rich in many vital vitamins; including riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C. Listed below are some of the popular health benefits of consuming cardamom
1. Anti-Carcinogenic Properties
Cancer, mainly colorectal cancer, is one of the top causes of death around the world. The increasing costs of conventional cancer therapy as well as the subsequent side effects have encouraged researchers to look for alternatives that are sustainable. Research conducted by Sengupta et al. at Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in Kolkata have shown that dietary cardamom had a positive result in counteracting colorectal cancer to an extent of 48%. So including Cardamom in your regular diet is quite beneficial for combating cancer.
2. Good for Cardiovascular Health
Research studies conducted at the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceuticals at the College of Pharmacy of King Saud University, Saudi Arabia showed that cardamom administration for cardiovascular conditions resulted in a lower heartbeat or controlled rhythm, and control of hypertension.
3. Blood Pressure
Cardamom is quite beneficial for lowering your blood pressure, which is key to maintaining the health of your heart and kidneys. Research conducted by the Indigenous Drug Research Center at RNT Medical College’s Department of Medicine in India and published the Indian Journal of Biochemistry & Biophysics evaluated 20, newly diagnosed individuals with primary stage 1 hypertension and the effect of giving them three grams of cardamom powder daily in two divided doses for 12 weeks. The results were wonderful. Not only did cardamom help to decrease systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure, but it also increased total antioxidant status by 90 percent at the end of three months.(1)
4. Control of Cholesterol
Micronutrients present in cardamom help to counteract the surge of lipids in the body. In experiments conducted at the Pharmacology and Toxicology Division at Hindustan Antibiotics Limited in Pune, India by Dhuley, hepatic and cardiac antioxidant enzymes from cardamom were administered to mice, which were fed a high-fat diet. The antioxidant enzymes had an influence on the cholesterol levels and helped in considerably controlling them.(2)
5. Depression
Though the real science behind the anti-depressant qualities of this spice has not been studied yet, Ayurvedic practitioners confidently believe that the cardamom tea is an ideal way to fight depression. It has a natural ingredient which tends to cleanse the body and rejuvenate the cells which altogether help in fighting depression.(3)
6. Digestive System
Cardamom is a traditional cure in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of digestive issues like stomach aches, but there is also science to back this common usage. Research has shown that cardamom ranks above other spices when it comes to helping the various stages of digestion.
Methanolic extract from the spice is the component that helps in controlling gastrointestinal disorders, like acidity, flatulence and stomach cramps. Research has shown that it has gastro protective effects, including helping stomach ulcers caused by ethanol (found in alcoholic beverages) and aspirin. (4), (5)
7. Urinary problems
South Asians use cardamom’s relieving properties to help with the discomfort of passing gall and kidney stones. Cardamom, along with banana leaf and Alma juice, can act as a diuretic, soothing a variety of kidney, bladder, and urinary problems like nephritis, burning or painful urination, and frequent urges to urinate. The relief from uncomfortable symptoms provided through cardamom should not be considered a cure to underlying diseases and disorders.
8. Antimicrobial Properties
For many eras, cardamom was considered to have infection-fighting properties. For modern science, it means that cardamom consist of antimicrobial properties. This theory was verified at the Van Yüzüncü Yil University by Ağ Aoğlu et al. Experiments were conducted on the volatile extracts of cardamom. It was observed that the oils from cardamom were able to prevent the growth and spread of some of the very dangerous microbes that frequently cause food poisoning.(6)
9. Anti-Spasmodic Properties
Muscle spasms are frequently reported by older people. A sudden contraction of the muscles causes these spasms. When the muscles contract, they can result in a sudden emergence of pain. Researchers Al-Zuhair et al. at the King Saud University in Saudi Arabia have performed animal-based research and concluded that cardamom can be used as a controlling measure for muscle spasms.(7)
10. Dental Diseases
Cardamom is used in Ayurveda as well as traditional Chinese medicine for dealing with dental problems for many centuries. After the invention of antibiotics, it was found that these antibiotics produced mixed results, as well as side effects. Some side effects included the inhibition of friendly probiotic bacteria thriving in the intestines. However, the use of spices, on the other hand, is best because they inhibit only infectious microbes, not the probiotic bacteria. Research conducted by Isao Kubo, Masaki Himejima, and Hisae Muroi at the Division of Entomology and Parasitology at the University of California has verified the presence of antimicrobial properties in cardamom.(8)
11. Asthma
Cardamom can also provide relief for people struggle with breathing issues like asthma. One animal research indicated that it exhibits bronchodilatory effects, which means it’s a substance that dilates the bronchi and bronchioles, reducing resistance in the respiratory airway and increasing airflow to the lungs. Basically, cardamom was shown to help make breathing easier, which of course is the main goal for anyone suffering from asthma or any shortness of breath.(9)
12. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
According to Ayurveda, cardamom is good for muscle and joint pain. Recent research suggests that cardamom possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties.(10)
13. Detoxification
The metabolic processes in our body release toxins and free radicals that have to be nullified and flushed out to remain healthy. Otherwise, these gathered toxins can cause several diseases, including cancer and premature aging. Cardamom is known to act as a detoxifying agent. The essential oils and biochemicals present in cardamom provide detoxifying effects. Research conducted by Das et al. showed that cardamom was effective against cancer cells.(11)
14. Improved Blood Circulation
In traditional therapies like aromatherapy, cardamom has been used to cure symptoms of asthma and bronchitis by improving blood circulation to the lungs. The essential oil extracted from cardamom has been tested in groups of individuals with stress and has been found that cardamom is effective in promoting blood circulation in the body. Research was undertaken at the Nitte University in Mangalore, India.
15. Good for Nausea and Vomiting
Traditionally, cardamom has been used as a cure for nausea. Cardamom is an effective tonic and stimulant and is good for soothing the sensations of nausea and vomiting.
16. Aphrodisiac Properties
Since cardamom gives out a sweet flavor, it was traditionally considered to possess aphrodisiac properties. Not only is cardamom regarded as an aphrodisiac, but it is also believed to possess the cure for impotency and premature ejaculation.(12)
17. Sore Throat
For sore throats, cardamom acts as a good remedy. Cardamom and cinnamon can both be boiled in water and can be used to gargle every morning to control painful sore throats.
18. Hiccups
Hiccups can be very annoying, especially for children. There are several remedies prescribed in folk medicine and one of the most popular among them is startling a person who is hiccupping. This may or may not work most of the time. However, cardamom is another very effective remedy. Take few pods of cardamom and boil them in water. By drinking this water, one can get rid of hiccups.
19. Bad Breath
Cardamom is a very effective cure against a common problem known as halitosis or bad breath. Simply chewing on the seeds can help to eliminate any bad odors coming from your mouth. Some chewing gums even include it as an ingredient for this very reason.
Recently, in a research conducted by the Department of Microbiology at Kurukshetra University in India done to explore the antimicrobial effects of cardamom extracts on oral bacteria, it was found that the extracts are effective against oral pathogenic bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Moreover, the major active component of cardamom oil, cineole, is a powerful antiseptic known for killing the bacteria causing bad breath and other infections. So if you’re looking how to get rid of bad breath, look no further and make use of cardamom.(13)
20. Cavities
Not only can cardamom kill the bacteria that cause bad breath, but it might also help prevent cavity development on your teeth or even reserve cavities and tooth decay. It has all the cleansing benefits of a chewing gum but without any of the negatives (like stickiness).
Not only can it kill bacteria in your mouth, but with its somewhat sharp yet pleasant flavor the chewing of cardamom can encourage a cleansing saliva flow while the fibrous outer coating of the pod can provide a mechanical cleaning of your teeth.(14)
21. Diabetes
High manganese content in this spice makes it an excellent choice for diabetics and anyone struggling with blood sugar issues. Research has shown that individuals diagnosed with diabetes have low blood levels of the trace mineral manganese. It’s unclear if having diabetes causes levels to drop or if low levels of manganese contribute to developing diabetes. Either way, adding additional manganese to the diet is a smart idea for diabetics, which is why you should use this spice as part of your diabetic diet plan.
One clinical research found that people with diabetes who had higher blood levels of manganese were more protected from LDL or “bad” cholesterol than those with lower levels of manganese as well. This spice is wonderful for combating the onset of diabetes.(15), (16)
How to eat
Cardamom is used in the form of whole fruit, the decorticated seeds or ground seeds.
Cardamom plays a vital role in both sweet and savory cuisine worldwide.
Ground cardamom is an essential ingredient in numerous Indian curries, pilaus (rice dishes), and garam masala and is a primary contributor to the flavor of masala chai and it imparts character to many pulse dishes.
It is extensively used in many Indian sweetmeats, drinks and desserts such as the popular ice cream kulfi and milk puddings.
Cardamom has a pleasant flavor and aroma that makes it the popular condiment for tea, coffee and cool drinks.
Cardamom is commonly added to bread, in pickles with herrings, cakes, Danish pastries, apple pies, Dutch ‘windmill’ biscuits and in akvavit (a flavored spirit) in Scandinavian countries.
It is also used in sausages, in punches and mulled wines; occasionally with meat, poultry and shell fish.
It flavors custards, and some Russian liqueurs.
It is widely and popularly used to flavor coffee and tea and cardamom powder is used as spice for sweet dishes in Arabic countries.
Cardamom is added a little to ground coffee before brewing, then sweetens and top with cream.
It is used to flavor the black Turkish tea called Kakakule in Turkey.
Cardamom oil is an important ingredient in food preparations and health foods.
Cardamom seeds are chewed to sweeten the breath and to nullify caffeine in people consuming excessive amounts of coffee.
Cardamom is ground and added to coffee in Egypt.
Cardamom has been used in betel quid and has also been used to flavor tobacco in Indonesia.
Other Traditional uses and benefits of Cardamom
Cardamom is listed in the medical pharmacopoeias of several Asian countries.
It has been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for a diverse range of ailments.
Cardamom is regarded as carminative, stimulant (aromatic); antimicrobial, anti-aflatoxin, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, abortificient, analgesic, dessicant, resolvent and has been used asthma, constipation, colic, diarrhea, dyspepsia, hypertension, epilepsy, bronchitis, piles, consumption, strangury, scabies, pruritus, bladder and kidney diseases, lung congestion, pulmonary tuberculosis, eyelid inflammation, gastro-intestinal disorders, vomiting, colic, flatulence, cardiovascular disorders and disorders of the head.
Cardamom is mostly used as an adjuvant or corrective.
Cardamom water has been reported to be an excellent mouthwash to freshen breath and for gum problems (combines well with peppermint or Greek sage for this).
It is often used in mouthwash, as breath-freshener and for prevention of gingivitis.
To relieve hiccups, make an infusion by boiling 5 mint leaves and 2 pounded cardamom pods in a cup of water and drink.
To treat gonorrhea, cystitis, nephritis and burning sensation while passing urine add some powdered cardamom seeds to 1 tsp banana leaf powder and 1 tsp amla juice and take 3 times a day.
For instant relief in headache apply cardamom paste on the forehead.
For aphrodisiac benefits, add a pinch of cardamom seeds to a glass of milk. Add a tsp of honey and drink daily.
For protection against heat stroke, chew a cardamom pod before going out in the sun.
In stomachache, crush 2 cardamoms and mix in a tsp honey and consume.
In kidney failure grind cardamom and mix in milk and drink. It brings on urine and also stops burning sensation on urination.
For blood in bile, on an empty stomach chew and eat 2 cardamom pods every day and then drink milk after this.
Other Facts
The seeds and pods contain a volatile oil which is used in perfumery and medicine.
Cardamom was also a flavored ingredient in ancient love potions and was believed to have aphrodisiac properties.
Topically, cardamom has been used as an insect repellent.
Cardamom oil to have potential for control of stored product pests.
Precaution
Cardamom is very safe when taken by mouth in normal food amounts. There are no known common, potential side effects when it’s ingested in normal food amounts.
If you have gallstones, then you should not take cardamom in medicinal quantities. The seed may trigger spasmodic pain for gallstone sufferers.
The safety in medicinal amounts for pregnant and nursing moms is unclear. If you’re pregnant or breast-feeding, then it’s best to have cardamom in food amounts and not medicinal amounts.
Types Of Cardamom
There are many types of Cardamom listed below are some popular types-
1. Green Cardamom
Mainly grown in South India, this particular variety includes fat green pods and is also probably the most superior quality of cardamom available. It is obtainable in pod along with powder form. The whole pod features a good shelf life and may retain the aroma of the seeds.
It is utilized to flavor both savory as well as sweet dishes.
This particular fragrant spice is included with rich curries and also milk based preparations.
Tea and coffee will also be spiced along with cardamom.It really is even utilized in spiced cakes and breads.
2. Brown Cardamom
This particular variety is described as pods which are bigger in size than the green cardamom and also have a hairy texture. They look like tiny fibrous coconuts.It really is utilized just in tasty dishes just like biryani and curries.They’re also an important component in garam masala (mixture of spices).
The dark brown seeds are known for their therapeutic value, especially because of the existence of carbohydrates, protein, moisture, volatile oil, crude fiber, phosphorus, calcium and iron.
The volatile oil includes cineol, terpinene, limonene, sabinene and terpineol in the form of formic and acetic acid.
3. Ground Cardamom
This really is received by crushing the cardamom utilizing a mortar and pestle to form cardamom powder. It is utilized as a flavoring in a number of dishes. It’s got fewer flavors compared to whole pods and is also easily available at grocery stores.
Some Natural Remedies With Cardamom
Take a two to 3 pods of cardamom, a tiny bit of ginger, a few pieces of cloves and a few dhania seeds. Mash them well and also consume this with warm water. It works as an immediate treatment for indigestion, bloating and gas.
Chew on the pod of elaichi right after each meal. You can alternatively consume some elaichi tea each morning to assist detoxify and strengthen your digestive system.
Chew on elaichi frequently after each meal. The easiest method to keep acidity away is to avoid sitting right after you’ve eating; instead walk around a bit while chewing on the elaichi pod and you ought to feel far better.
If you’ve got a cold, cough or perhaps a congested chest , elaichi is the better natural remedy to ease the symptoms. All you must do is add a few drop of elaichi’s essential oil in your vessel of steaming water throughout steam breathing in.
Add elaichi in your daily meals or just consume elaichi tea to enjoy its heart healthy advantages.
Add a pinch or two of elaichi powder and turmeric to the glass of warm milk. You can include just a little sugar for taste if you want. Drink this every evening to relieve weakness along with other symptoms of anaemia.
to help detoxify your body, try this Ayurvedic detox diet. Alternatively you could include elaichi in your daily meal and tea, to reap its benefits.
To relieve hiccups, make an infusion by boiling 5 mint leaves and 2 pounded cardamom pods in the cup of water and drink.
To treat gonorrhea, cystitis, nephritis and burning sensation whilst passing urinem add some powder cardamom seeds to 1 tsp banana leaf powder and 1 tsp amla juice and take Three times a day.
For immediate relief in headache use cardamom paste for the forehead.
For aphrodisiac benefits, put in a pinch of cardamom seeds to the glass of milk. Include a tsp of honey and drink daily.
For protection against heat stroke, chew a cardamom pod prior to going out in the sun.
In stomachache, smash 2 cardamoms and blend in the tsp honey and consume.
In kidney failure mash cardamom and mix in milk and drink. It brings on urine and also prevents burning up sensation on urination.
For blood in bile, before eating anything chew and consume 2 cardamom pods daily and after that drink milk after this. It benefits.
If you’ve lost your appetite, include a bit of powdered cardamom in your soup or chew some of its seeds to reactivate your appetite.
How To Select And Store
Selection
Both ground and loose seeds of cardamom can be found in the spice section of the supermarkets whilst whole pods can be found in specialty stores.When purchasing cardamom, usually choose the green one since it features a complex flavor which is ideal for both sweet and tasty dishes. Moreover, whole cardamom pods ought to be selected over ground ones. Search for small football shaped pods having a green tint. They ought to smell like a mix of pine and flowers.
If ground cardamom is required, it is best to grind the seeds from the whole pod with a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. However, ground cardamom loses its flavor rapidly while the whole spice remains powerful for the year and even longer.
Cardamom is definitely an expensive spice and thus various other spices are sometimes included with ground cardamom to lessen the cost. The opening of the pods or even the grinding of the seeds leads to a fast loss of the flavor as well as aroma of the cardamom because of the rapid loss of the essential oils.
Storage
Suitable storage of cardamom is of prime importance to maintain its taste as well as aroma in addition to lengthen its life expectancy.An effective way is usually to store cardamom in the form of pods simply because once the seeds are exposed or even ground, they lose their flavor and aroma quickly.
Cardamom pods may last up to a year whenever kept in an airtight container in the cool, dry place.
Dry cardamom capsules needs to be kept in moisture proof storage containers faraway from sunlight.
For large storage on long term basis, the pods ought to be kept in polythene lined gunny bags inside wooden boxes. This can preserve the green color of the pods. Before placing the capsule within the gunny bags for storage, make sure that they’re fully dry. Any moisture within the bag may cause them to rot. Moreover, they must be looked over frequently for signs and symptoms of moisture or spoilage.
The storage room ought to be dark, dry, clean, cool and free from pests. To safeguard the pods from pests and insects, mosquito nettings needs to be fitted on the windows. They must be kept far from powerful smelling food, detergents as well as paints since they will spoil the fragile aroma of cardamom.
Tips for Usage (Cooking/Eating)
Cardamom is probably the most prized spices around the globe. You can use it in whole in addition to ground form in a number of dishes which range from curry powders, dals as well as masalas to desserts and drinks. Whilst cooking the seeds, they must be bruised with the back of a knife or ground along with other spices just before frying. Given below are the guidelines for the use of cardamom just as one ingredient.
1. In India, cardamom is among the main constituents of garam masala, a mix of spices utilized in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Additionally it is an essential component within the preparation of curry powder widely used in Indian cooking.
2. Cardamom could be included with tea or coffee to provide its enjoyable as well as rejuvenating aroma. You can include some cardamom to the ground coffee just before brewing, then sweeten and top with cream.
3. Whole green cardamom pods are added to pulaos, curries and hot dishes. Since the shell integrates while cooking, it infuses the dish with its essence as well as refreshing aroma. Thus, it is usually utilized to provide aroma to biryanis, pulaos and kebabs.
4. Besides the savory dishes, cardamom may be used in desserts just like kheer and firni in addition to sweets just like gulab jamun, gajar ka halwa etc to impart its distinctive flavor. In Scandinavian countries it is utilized in flavoring all kinds of sweet pastry and bread dishes rather than cinnamon.
5. Ground cardamom seeds may be used to flavor foods just like soups, pates, stews, purees and rice dishes. You can test adding several seeds to your house made rice pudding, ice cream, custard or sprinkle them over a fresh fruit salad.
6. Chicken could be marinated in honey, cardamom and pepper. It may then be roasted on the stove top and then baked to prepare the delicious cardamom honey chicken.
7. You are able to prepare a citrus fruit salad containing citrus fruits such as grapefruit and oranges, sweeten it with honey and season it with lime juice and cardamom.
8. Swedish coffee bread is slightly sweet yeast bread. It really is usually flavored along with cardamom and braided or made into a wreath shaped pastry.
9. Lemons could be preserved in cardamom. These may be then utilized in a number of dishes.
Cut the lemons lengthwise into quarters, leaving the stem attached.
Rub their flesh on a few kosher salt and put one tablespoon of salt at the end of a glass jar.
Place these lemon quarters in this jar alternating with salt, cardamom pods and bay leaves.
Pour in some juice which is enough to pay for the lemons and cover tightly. Permit the mixture to stand for around 3 weeks.
Keep shaking the jar every day to combine the salt. These types of preserved lemons could be refrigerated for approximately 6 months covered with lemon juice.
Lassi is really a rejuvenating drink rather popular in India. Cardamom powder could be included with lassi to offer it with a distinctive taste. You are able to prepare it by mixing curd, full fat milk, powdered sugar and cardamom powder, and blending these ingredients in the mixer for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve it in glasses after adding sugar cubes. You may also enhance lassi along with cardamom powder and chopped dry fruits. 11. Indian style basmati rice is really a savory dish which is flavored along with whole spices including cardamom.All that you should do is put some rice in the bowl, adding enough water to cover it.
Then heat some oil in the saucepan on medium heat and add cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves and cumin seeds.
After cooking for around a minute, add some chopped onion. Saute it until golden brown for around 10 minutes.
Drain the water from the rice, and cook and stir into the pot for a few minutes. Add salt and water. Simmer for around 15 minutes at low heat until all of the water has been absorbed.Let it stand for 5 minutes as well as fluff with a fork before serving. It may be served with curry or dal (lentils).
Cardamom Side Effects & Safety Concerns
Most people who use cardamom like a digestive aid or like a natural food spice don’t experience any negative effects.
Health officials observe that while cardamom is protected for many users, the side effects of this herbal medicine are comparatively unknown.
Patients who’re worried about cardamom side effects need to talk about any questions they’ve got with a medical professional before beginning to utilize this medicinal herb.
Special Precautions & Warnings
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Cardamom appears to be secure for pregnant as well as breast-feeding women in food amounts.
Gallstones: Don’t take cardamom in amounts more than those typically present in food for those who have gallstones. The cardamom seed can result in gallstone colic (spasmodic pain).
Patients who’ve gallbladder stones can experience sensations of abdominal pain right after taking a dose of cardamom. Patients along with medical conditions which involve the gallbladder should speak to a doctor for more guidance prior to starting treatment with cardamom.
Allergy: Patients who take cardamom can experience an allergic reaction to this medicinal herb.
Side effects of an allergic reaction are serious and will include breathing difficulties, chest discomfort, hives or even swelling on the skin.Patients who experience all of these allergic attack negative effects following taking cardamom should look for emergency health care immediately to avoid additional medical problems.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardamom
http://www.plantnames.unimelb.edu.au/Sorting/Elettaria.html
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/59557/
http://www.hear.org/pier/species/elettaria_cardamomum.htm
https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=14982
http://www.healthline.com/health/cardamom-health-potential#Healthrisks3
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287608&isprofile=0&
http://eol.org/pages/1120064/details
http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/elettaria-cardamomum-cardamom