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Cardamom

 
Cardamom
green-cardamom-pods
photo credit: gourmetsleuth
Cardamom is an aromatic spice used in cooking throughout the world.Learn about the spice Cardamom available in whole green, brown as well as seeds. See pictures and recipes.
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Published by: Gourmet Sleuth

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About

Cardamom (frequently misspelled and mispronounced "cardamon") is the common name for several plant species native to India and southeastern Asia. Cardamom is used for their aromatic pods and seeds. According to Encarta Online "The true cardamom has large leaves and white flowers with blue stripes and yellow borders; it grows to about 3 m (about 10 ft) in height. The fruit is a small capsule with 8 to 16 brown seeds; the seeds are used as a spice." Scientific classification: Cardamom belong to the family Zingiberaceae. The true cardamom is classified as Elettaria cardamomum.

Culinary Uses

Cardamom is spice used in countries throughout the world but most prominently in India and Europe.   In India, whole pods, green or brown are fried to extract the flavor and added to curries.  In Europe the seed is used to flavor breads and pastries.

Be conservative when using cardamom because it can be quite overpowering when over-used.

Green Cardamom  Brown Cardamom Cardamom Seed Ground Cardamom
 green cardamom pods brown caradmom pods  cardamom seed  ground cardamom
Commonly used in Indian cooking.  Whole pods are fried to bring out the flavor.  Pods may be ground with other spices to make a curry.
 Used primarily in Indian cooking in savory dishes such as biryani, and some rice dishes.
 Cardamom seeds are used in European and Middle Eastern cooking typically for breads.
 Ground cardmom has the least flavor but may be called for in dessert and some savory recipes.

Where To Buy Cardamom

Purchase cardamom seed or ground cardamom in most grocery stores.  Whole pods, green or brown can be found in India or Asian grocery stores.

Ground cardamom is the most perishable so it is best to purchase in small amounts and discard after 3 months.  The seed will last longer and can be ground.  The whole pods can be stored at least for a year.

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