Cardamom – What Is It, How to Use and Cardamom Benefits

What is Cardamom, how to use it, health benefits and ground cardamom vs pods… Learn everything you need to know about this superfood spice in this article.

Below, you’ll learn what is cardamom used in and how to use Cardamom in cooking. We’ve outlined the different types, how to turn pods into powder. Even supplied you with a long list of all the wonderful health benefits you will enjoy from adding this exotic spice to your diet.

Above you can view what whole cardamom pods and green cardamom power looks like. You can make dry cardamom powder by grinding the seeds found inside a cardamom pod.

Depending on the recipe you can use the whole fresh cardamom pod or ground cardamom pods. Below we will explore the differences, plus how to make your own powder from whole pods.

Below you will learn what is cardamom used for and health benefits…

Cardamom – What Is It, How to Use and Cardamom Benefits

In this article you will learn what is cardamom spice used for and what is cardamom good for. Including health benefits, and different varietals of the spice.

You’ll also find links for green cardamom pods and cardamom powder, making buying cardamom easier. This way you know exactly what the spice looks like before heading to the store.

You’ll find photos so that you will know what does cardamom look like, making shopping easier and the spice more approachable.

In the next sections you will learn everything you need to know about the spice, from cardamom pods to powder. To cardamom uses, everything you have ever wanted to know about this superfood spice can be found in the sections below.

Up next… what is cardamom?

What is Cardamom?

Cardamom is a spice found in different exotic recipes. You can find savory Indian cardamom dishes, and sweet Scandinavian recipes. This spicy-sweet ingredient may be a little spicy, but it’s so strong that a little goes a long way.

You can find the aromatic spice used in North Africa, Indian and Scandinavian dishes… It comes in different varietals, and can be used in savory and sweet recipes.

You can purchase the spice in exotic food markets, online… and if you’re lucky, at your local grocery store. We’ve combed the internet to find you the best deals, so if you click on the photos below, you can be sure to find a great deal on this superfood spice.

Different Cardamom Varietals:

• Green– works best in sweet dishes
• Black– works best in savory and spicy dishes
• White– is the same as green cardamom, just more mild in flavor
• Powder– less expensive and more mild than whole cardamom

Green cardamom pods are sweet and lemony, while black is smokey. Be sure to get the correct color or form for your specific recipe.

In the next section you will learn how to use this superfood spice. From cooking with whole pods, to just the seeds, and even powdered form. Everything you need to know about cooking with this exotic spice can be found in the next section.

Up next… how to use the spice?

How to Use Cardamom?

In this section you will learn how to cook with whole cardamom, seeds, and ground versions.

We have outlined each below so you can easily find the cardamon use you are looking for. From whole pods, to seeds, and ground powder, you will how to use all versions of this delicious spice.

How to Cook With Cardamom:

• Whole Pods– Toast the whole pods in a hot pan until aromatic (you can smell them) then continue cooking. Note, make sure to remove them before serving the dish.
• Seeds– Break open the pods and remove the seeds. Add them to a spice grinder or mortal and pestle and grind until smooth.
• Powder– Add directly to the recipe, remember a little goes a long way!

It’s easy to add this superfood spice to your diet. If you’re not sure where to start, try adding a couple pods to your tea. It’s a common ingredient in Chai tea, and can add a wonderful sweet spice to your favorite hot beverage.

You can easily make your own ground cardamom from pods. We will explore that in the next section. There you will learn how to use a spice grinder or mortal and pestle to make this versatile ingredient even more versatile and easy to use.

Up next… ground vs pods.

Ground Cardamom vs Pods

So, what is a cardamom pod, and how can you turn it into powder? This section will show you how to make your own, and what is cardamom powder made of.

Now you can make your own ground spices with this helpful, easy to follow section. You can follow this guide for all seeds and whole spices.

You can easily make ground cardamom from whole cardamom pods. In fact by making your own you will have a much stronger and better flavor.

I prefer to start with pods, the homemade grinding version has far more flavor then purchasing pre-ground. Plus, if I stock up on the pods, I hav the opportunity to use this delicious spice in 3 different ways: Pods, seeds and ground powder. All with one single purchase…

Here you will find directions on how to make powder from pods easily, and fast…

How to Make Cardamom Powder:

1. Crack open the pods and remove the seeds. Discard the empty pods.
2. Add the seeds to a spice grinder or mortal and pestle and grind until smooth.
3. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

I like to buy pods, and turn them into powder as needed. This helps save money, as I only have to make one purchase. If you are trying to begin using this amazing spice, and happen to have a spice grinder or mortal and pestle, I recommend getting the pods so you can save money and use the exotic spice in many different ways.

Now that you know how to cook with this exotic spice, and how to make powder from pods, let’s move onto all the wonderful health benefits of cardamom.

Up next… health benefits.

Cardamom Benefits

A common question: Is cardamom a spice?

The Answer: Yes, it is a spice in the ginger family. And just like ginger it has lots of healthy benefits…

Below we will outline all the wonderful healthy benefits in this superfood spice. They are so plentiful you’ll want to rush right out and stock up!

Cardamon is in the same spice family as ginger and turmeric. And just like it’s sister spices, it’s great for digestion. Some people use the spice to combat upset stomach including motion sickness and morning sickness. You can even chew on the pods to help overcome a sour stomach.

You can use the spice to help fight infection. Adding it to your tea can help you get well faster, and add a boost of flavor. Commonly found in Chai tea, this amazing spice can help you get over a cold or flu faster!

It is also an antioxidant an anti-inflammatory. It can help lower blood pressure, fight cancer, and kill bacteria! This superfood powerhouse spice can help in many ways, not just to spice up a dish.

Try adding this wonderful superfood spice to your diet and enjoy all the wonderful health benefits.

Final Thoughts:

This exotic spice can sweeten up some dishes and add spice to others. Similar to its sister spices (ginger and turmeric) this sweet and spicy spice can add a lot of complexity to any dish.

You can add the ground spice to chicken dishes, and and pastries (it’s great in place of cinnamon!) Or use as directed in yummy Indian dishes.

I like to purchase the whole pods, then turn into ground powder as needed. This way I get the best of both worlds with just one purchase. Be sure to see the directions to do so above. All you need is a spice grinder or mortal and pestle to turn the seeds (inside the pods) into easy to use powder.

This superfood spice can help fight cancer and disease, help overcome nausea and sour stomach issues, and even fight infection. Talk about a superfood spice!

You can find more healthy recipes in the section below, it’s exciting to add new spices and ingredients to your kitchen. We hope this article has inspired you to branch out a bit and get excited about this superfood spice.

In the next section you will find more superfood ingredients and cooking directions to help “level up your kitchen game” we’ve even included a yummy spice blend recipe you’ll want to add to everything!

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