Cardamom is a spice made from the seed pods of several plants in the ginger family. Cardamom pods are spindle-shaped with a triangular cross-section. The pods contain several seeds, but the entire cardamom pod can be used whole or ground.

The seeds are small and black, while the pods vary in color and size depending on the species. Green cardamom is an aromatic spice with a very wide range of uses. The seeds have a warm, slightly spicy, and very aromatic flavor somewhat reminiscent of camphor.

PREPARATION AND USE

• Cardamom is used to season both sweet and savory dishes.
• Cardamom is found in the garam masala spice blend that seasons meat and vegetable dishes, and in hot drinks such as masala chai and Turkish coffee.
• They are a popular condiment in Asian dishes, especially curries, and in Scandinavian baking.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS

• Cardamom is rich in compounds that can fight inflammation.
• May contain cancer-fighting compounds
• It can help with digestive problems, including ulcers.
• It may have antibacterial effects and treat infections.
• It can improve breathing and oxygen use and reduce blood sugar levels.
• This exotic spice contains numerous phytonutrients that are known to have antioxidant, disease-preventing, and health-promoting properties.
• Cardamom essential oil has many therapeutic properties and has found application in many traditional medicines as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic, and tonic.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES – PER 100 g

• Calorific 389 kcal / 1630 KJ
• fats 6.7 g
• of which saturated fatty acids 0.4 g
• Carbohydrates: 65.9 g
• of which sugar 54.3 g
• protein 10.6 g
• fiber 11 g
• Salt 0.01 g