CARDAMOM

    

    Cardamom - 'THE QUEEN OF SPICES' is one exotic Spice, with those aromatic seeds packed inside green pods.  A note of Cardamom reminds me of several dishes, but the memories of hot Masala Chai and Rain is quite reminiscent to Cardamom.
     Commonly named as 'Cardamom', but its native name calls it as 'Elam' - Elaichi, Elakkai, Elakki.  Cardamom is indigenous to India and Sri Lanks and it founds its way throughout Southeast Asia and to other parts of the world.  Considered to be one of the most expensive spice.
    Cardamom has a wonderful aroma and an enticing warm, spicy-sweet flavour. The whole pods can be added to dishes, or the seeds can be extracted and either added whole or ground into a variety of dishes and desserts. It's widely used in Indian and Middle Eastern dishes and in Scandinavian Baking.
     There are commonly two varieties of Cardamoms :
                                         Green Cardamom &
                                         Black Cardamom
        It's best to buy them in pods and store them in airtight containers.  Ground ones and the seeds removed from the pods tend to lose their flavour soon.

CULINARY USE :

      Cardamom can be used in whole or in ground form in a variety of dishes. Freshly ground Cardamom has a strong, unique spicy-sweet taste and they are more aromatic. Most recipes call for Green Cardamom.It is one major component in most of the Spice Mixes.  Indian desserts are mostly flavoured with Cardamoms. It's widely used in Spicy dishes, Indian Desserts, in beverages like Tea and Coffee and also in Baking.

Cardamom is one of the main ingredients in Garam Masala, a combination of spices used in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes in Indian Cuisine. It is also used in the preparation of Curry/Masala Powders and Spice Mixes commonly used in Indian cooking.
Ground Cardamom can be added to tea or coffee to impart a pleasant and refreshing aroma.  Swedish Coffees are brewed with ground Cardamoms and then served with Cream and Sugar.  Masal Chai, Sulaimani Chai etc, add Cardamom pods to impart a wonderful fragrance in the tea aiding digestion of the food side by side.
Lassi - a refreshing drink prepared by combining Curd/Yogurt, Full Fat Milk, Sugar and flavoured with Cardamom Powder.
Green Cardamoms are mainly added to Biriyanis, Pulaos, Indian Stews, Curries, Kormas, Dhals, Kebabs etc.,  It enhances the flavour of the dish along with other spices.
Most of the Indian Desserts like Sweets, Kheers, Payasams, Halwas, Kulfis etc., are flavoured with Cardamoms.
Cardamom is widely used in Scandinavian baking. It is used in flavouring all types of sweet pastry and bread dishes instead of cinnamon.
Ground cardamom seeds can be used to flavour foods like Soups, Patties, Stews, Purees and Rice dishes.
Cardamoms can be used in the marinades while grilling Chicken or Lamb.  Cardamom powder enhances the flavour of Tandoori Chicken, Honey Roast Chicken etc.,

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES- HEALTH

       Cardamom is a potluck filled with not just the fragrance but it caters a plethora of health benefits.
Though it's a part of ancient Indian heritage, it plays a major role in Ayurveda and in Traditional Chinese Medicine too.  For its wide medicinal properties.


HICCUPS : Cardamom is an antispasmodic spice which can help you in getting rid of hiccups. It provides relief from involuntary muscle spasms, like intestinal and stomach cramps

DETOXIFY : Cardamoms are known to detoxify the body. They are rich in minerals and vitamins like Vitamin A, B, C, niacin, riboflavin etc. It is a great blood purifier and removes excess urea, calcium and other toxins from the kidney.

ANTIOXIDANT : Many of the phytonutrients, vitamins and essential oils which are present in cardamom act as antioxidants. This magical spice helps in cleaning up the free radicals and tends to resist cellular ageing.

ANTI -CARCINOGENIC : Cardamom has anti-carcinogenic properties which prevents Colo rectal Cancer.

RELIEF FROM COLD & FLU : Cardamom is a pungent spice which tends to help in preventing and relieving cold and flu symptoms. Cardamom is a good home remedy for cold and flu. A cup of cardamom tea helps get rid of a headache and cold.

PATHOGENS : Cardamom is known to prevent infections.  The essential oils in it inhibit the growth of bacteria, virus, mould and fungus.

DENTAL CARE: Ayurveda and Chinese Medicines advice that chewing a couple of Cardamom seeds removes not only bad breath but also treats mouth ulcers and mouth infections due to its antiseptic properties.

ASTHMA : Cardamom is found to be highly beneficial in treating Asthma, Whooping Cough and Bronchitis.

IMPROVES APPETITE : Chewing few Cardamom Seeds improves appetite and improves digestion of food. The use of spices in food, on the other hand, is ideal because they inhibit infectious microbes and not the probiotic bacteria, which aids digestion.

IMPROVES BLOOD CIRCULATION : Regular consumption of Cardamom improves Blood Circulation.  This reduces High Blood Pressure/Hypertension and also improves Cardio-vascular health.

REDUCES CHOLESTEROL: The micro nutrients in Cardamom counteract with the surge of lipids in the body. The antioxidant enzymes help in controlling the cholesterol levels significantly.

TREATS URINARY DISORDERS : Ayurveda uses Cardamom in treating Urinary tract infections and disorders such as cystitis, nephritis, and gonorrhoea.

TREATS GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES : The essential oils from Cardamom are used in Ayurveda, Unani and Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat Gastrointestinal disorders such as Acidity, Flatulence and Stomach Cramps.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES - BEAUTY :

     For its antiseptic and Anti-inflammatory properties, it's loaded not only with therapeutical benefits but also are used in preparations of Beauty products - Mainly for its fragrance. When added to perfumes or soaps, it imparts an exotic fragrance and can stimulate our senses. The essential oil from Cardamom is used in various Beauty products.

SKIN ALLERGY :  Due to its antibacterial properties, it is used as an antiseptic to treat skin problems.

SKIN CARE :  Cardamom Oil helps in removing blemishes from the skin and also improves the complexion. It also flushes out the toxins, free radicals and dangerous fluids which are harmful to our body, thus providing a clearer skin.

IMPARTS FRAGRANCE :  The strong fragrance of Cardamom wards off the unpleasant smell.  also, the smell imparts a warm feeling and stimulate our senses.  so they are widely used in aromatherapy.

HAIR CARE : Anti-oxidative properties in Cardamom provide nourishment to the scalp and hair follicles. Antibacterial properties prevent the scalp from infections and irritation. Cardamom strengthens the roots and prevents hair loss. It also provides shine and lustre to the hair.

NOTES :

    Cardamom is an expensive spice.  It's mostly used along with other spices. Ground Cardamom Seeds or seeds removed from the Cardamom Pods tend to lose its flavour and aroma soon. So store them in airtight containers in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to extend its shelf life.
And use freshly ground Cardamoms for best results.


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*DISCLAIMER:

Please remember these options are only meant as guidelines and in no way replaces the advice or treatment provided by your medical practitioner. It is always good to seek the advice of your physician for professional advice in any matter related to your health. This is for information purposes only.