Being highly familiar in the spice world and widely recognized as the “Queen of Spices”, the description of cardamom’s taste is highly complex. The flavor profile is such that it lends delectability to an array of sweet and savory meals. After saffron and vanilla, green cardamom spice is the third most expensive spice in the world. Learn how to cook using this gem of spice, from seasoning it for Indian curries to authentic bread of Scandinavia.
What is Cardamom?
Commonly used in traditional Indian cuisine, cardamom is a pod spice belonging to the ginger family and originating from the southern ranges of India, with Guatemala dominating the production of the spice.
Available as a whole pod, shelled, whole seed, or as a ground powder, the complex flavor profile of green cardamom spice lends excellent health benefits while bonding with sweet and savory delicacies worldwide.
Types of Cardamom
- Green Cardamom
The most common variety available is the green cardamom spice. Green Cardamom Manufacturers in India boast of how it instantly uplifts the aromas of sweeter dishes, although it is equally essential for savory ones. Warm, a punch of citrus, a bit spicy, herbal, and sometimes minty.
The bleached form of green cardamom is commonly called “white cardamom”, offering a faded taste. It is widely consumed across Scandinavian countries and a large part of northern Europe.
- Black Cardamom
Due to the smoke profile, black cardamom is primarily utilized in savory meals. The larger, dark brown pots are wholly put as an ingredient whenever you look out for some recipe using it.
Cardamom Pods vs. Ground Cardamom
Bulging out as a pod originally, the spice is sometimes effective in its crushed form during cooking and discarded later, just like you would with bay leaves. The pod consists of black rigid seeds, generally dried and then ground for powdered texture. Green cardamom manufacturers in India say certain essential oils are secreted by these seeds, giving the meals a distinct aroma and taste.
However, the grounded version doesn’t hold the same flavor, so to seek the best outcome from the powder, use it to its purchase date. We advise whole pods that you can grind using a mortar and pestle.
Uses of Green Cardamom Spice
Green cardamom suppliers state how an array of Indian and Indian-inspired meals call for cardamom, comprising curry dishes, Kheer (Indian rice pudding), and the evergreen chai (Indian preparation for tea). Moreover, garam masala and other Indian spice blends also feature cardamom regularly.
Profoundly implied to add warmth and depth to baked offerings, you can relish the spice in cookies, bread puddings and even the smoothness of cheesecakes.
Rising from the locales of Scandinavia, cardamom is now typically used in various baked goods such as Finnish Pulla and Julekaka (Norwegian Christmas bread).
Add it to soups or in dry rubs for meat for added savour. Look for a delectable Cardamom Maple Salmon recipe to know how its sweet and spicy combo works uniquely.
How to Cook with Cardamom?
When cooking with green cardamom, begin with whole pods and grind from the seeds to churn them into fine powder. Toast the pods in a skillet, as it will help to bring out the profile and make it easier to break/open it. Save the empty pods later, as they will support the infusion of coffee or tea. As a green cardamom wholesale supplier, we offer whole cardamom pods, mainly in the international or spice aisle.
Health Benefits of Cardamom
As mentioned by green cardamom suppliers, the spice has been highly recognized for delivering exceptional health benefits since its inception as a medicine centuries ago. It is also an essential ingredient for cooking various Indian meals. The high levels of antioxidants in cardamom alleviate and lower blood pressure, along with its diuretic properties that promote urination. For years, the spice has been famous as a breath freshener, with recent studies showing how it effectively disrupts bacteria and avoids the onset of gum disease or infections.
What is a Substitute for Cardamom?
The complex flavor profile of cardamom makes it challenging for manufacturers and green cardamom suppliers to state its proper substitute. However, when asked, we suggest blending relatable, warm, autumnal spices, like cinnamon, to mimic its distinct taste. Mixing equal parts of ground cinnamon with similar quantities of ground nutmeg, ginger, or cloves gives you a replica of pure cardamom for delectable meals.
As a green cardamom wholesale supplier, Vora Spice Mills takes pride in manufacturing and delivering the finest quality green cardamom pods that are hand-picked and sourced directly from fresh agro farms in India. Our products are 100% unadulterated and are available to our customers at affordable prices without exploiting the spice’s grade. Contact us to learn more about the green cardamom spice and its export from India.
