Chieftain^® Wild Rice Company

CARDAMOM, GREEN, FANCY (PODS)

Description:

Cardamom, a member of the Ginger family, is native to India and is an often-used spice in numerous dishes from South Asia. Fancy Green Cardamom Pods are about 1/2" long and have a fresh green shade and spicy, aromatic flavor.  Each pod contains 17 to 20 tiny, pungent seeds.   The seeds may be removed from the pods and ground or the entire pod may be ground.  The Cardamom seeds begin to lose their essential oils as soon as they are ground.  Use sparingly since a little goes a long way!  Cardamom has numerous health benefits, such as improving digestion and stimulating the metabolism and chewing on Cardamom Pods can sweeten the breath.  Ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Arab cultures were fond of Cardamom, which was considered to have aphrodisiac qualities and was frequently used in love potions!  Cardamom is the third most expensive spice, trailing after Saffron and Vanilla.  There are Brown, White and Green Cardamom Pods but the Green is most common while the White Pods are simply Green Pods that have been bleached.  The Brown Pods are not true Cardamom, but come from a related variety.  Useful for flavoring ground meats, coffees and baked goods.  Roughly 10 pods will give you enough seeds to crush to equal 1/2-teaspoon ground cardamom.

Suggested Use:

Cardamom can be used in many different ways.  Use to make a spicy curry, enhance the taste of a spiced tea, add to coffee cakes, or use in warm alcoholic drinks.  Create a tempting rice pilaf with Cardamom or add to meat to create a full-flavored entrée.