Green cardamom (Hari Elaichi), often referred to as the “queen of spices,” is a beloved and essential ingredient in kitchens worldwide. Its fragrant aroma, sweet-spicy flavor, and versatile use make it a prized possession in culinary traditions.
Green cardamom is native to the lush, tropical forests of southern India. It has been cultivated for centuries and was valued as a luxury spice, even being used as a trade commodity in ancient civilizations. Today, the spice is widely grown in India, Guatemala, Sri Lanka, and other tropical regions. The spice comes from the seeds of the plant’s pods, which are harvested, dried, and either sold whole or ground into powder. We’ll explore here the health benefits, culinary uses, and qualities that make green cardamom a must-have in your spice collection.
Health Benefits of Green Cardamom
- Digestive Aid: Green cardamom is known for its digestive properties. It stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, which helps reduce bloating, gas, and heartburn. Chewing on cardamom pods after a meal is a common practice in Indian households to aid digestion and freshen the breath.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Green cardamom pods contain a wealth of antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage. These antioxidants help improve overall health and strengthen the immune system.
- Oral Health: Hari Elaichi and its antibacterial properties make it an effective remedy for bad breath. It is a common ingredient in natural mouth fresheners and has traditionally been used to maintain oral hygiene.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Green Cardamom is also known as chhoti elaichi which compounds that reduce inflammation, providing relief for various conditions such as sore throats and infections.
- Heart Health: Some studies suggest that green cardamoms may help lower blood pressure and improve heart health by promoting better blood circulation.
Culinary Uses of Green Cardamom
Green cardamom is a versatile spice that adds a unique, aromatic flavor to a wide variety of dishes. Its sweet, citrusy, and slightly minty taste enhances both sweet and savory recipes. Here are some popular culinary uses of green cardamom:
- Tea and Coffee
- Green cardamom tea is an Indian masala chai and Middle Eastern coffee blend (like Turkish or Arabic coffee). Adding a crushed pod or two while brewing tea or coffee enhances or choosing Elaichi Tea leaves the drink’s aroma and adds a warm, spicy flavor. It’s also common to add cardamom powder to other herbal or spiced teas for an aromatic boost.
- Baking
- Green cardamom is widely used in baking, especially in Scandinavian and Middle Eastern cuisines to add a warm, sweet-spicy flavor to cookies, cakes, buns, and bread.
- In Indian desserts like gulab jamun and rasgulla, green cardamom powder is often used to enhance flavor.
- It pairs beautifully with other spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, making it a versatile addition to a variety of baked goods or masala chai.
- Curries and Rice Dishes
- In Indian and Middle Eastern cooking, whole cardamom pods are frequently used in curries, stews, and rice dishes like biryani and pilaf.
- Big Cardamom is often used as part of the tadka(tempering) process, where spices are sautéed in oil or ghee to release their flavors.
- Spice Blends
- Green cardamom is a crucial ingredient in many spice blends, including garam masala, curry powder, and chai spice blends. It provides a sweet, floral note that balances the stronger, spices like cumin, coriander, and cloves.
- Desserts and Sweets
- Cardamom is a star ingredient in Indian sweets such as kheer (rice pudding), halwa, and ladoos. Its aromatic flavor enhances the sweetness and richness of these treats.
- In Middle Eastern and Persian cuisines, cardamom is often used in confections like baklava, maamoul(date-filled cookies), and saffron-infused desserts.
Green cardamom’s versatility in both sweet and savory dishes makes it an essential spice in kitchens around the world.
For storage, keep premium cardamom in an airtight container away from sunlight. Whole cardamom pods retain their flavor longer than ground cardamom, so it’s advisable to buy them whole and grind them as needed.
All this information is provided by Aap Ka Bazar after researching online sources and conducting in-depth research on premium cardamom and other spices. Aap Ka Bazar® is a monthly grocery app/website/store that you can visit or download to explore our premium selection of green cardamom and get up to 41% discount along with on-time home delivery #YahaSabMilega
