Unlock the Secrets of Cardamom: Nature’s Spice and Remedy

Author | October 31, 2025 | Uncategorized | No Comments

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Cardamom is one of Nature’s Precious Spices and Remedy

When most people hear about the spice cardamon, they think of Christmas. But these (mostly) green capsules can do much more than enhance cookies. Cardamom is also ideal for curry dishes, bread, and Arabic coffee. Although you wouldn’t guess it from its appearance, cardamom belongs to the same family as ginger. The fruit capsules of the tropical reed plant are harvested shortly before they burst open. They come in black, green, and white, with aromatic green cardamom being the most commonly used in cooking. Its white counterpart, on the other hand, is particularly rare and difficult to obtain. The small seeds inside the capsules are the spice. Cardamom, like saffron and vanilla, is one of the most precious spices.

Where does cardamom come from?

Cardamom originally comes from India, where it is also known as the “queen of spices.” India and many other tropical countries cultivate it today, such as Sri Lanka, where it also grows wild.

Roman conquerors brought cardamom to Europe around 2,000 years ago. It is one of the most expensive spices in the world because the fruit capsules need to be picked by hand. However, this can only be done during a short period of time—namely, before the capsules burst open and the seeds scatter.

What does cardamom taste like?
The fresh taste of cardamom is reminiscent of mint, eucalyptus, and menthol, with a combination of sweet, fruity, and spicy notes. The variety of different aromas results in a distinctive and intense flavor that is second to none.

What does cardamom go well with?
Cardamom is not only an integral part of Christmas baking, but it also goes very well with desserts in general. That’s why it’s often used in desserts, baked goods, and sweet dishes—for example, in fruit salads, jams, creams, or rice pudding. Cardamom is a particularly important spice in Asia and the Middle East, and it is a staple ingredient in many curries, chutneys, and other traditional Asian dishes. Cardamom also adds a special aroma to hot drinks. It is often used in mulled wine and punch, but also as part of an Arabic spice mixture in coffee or tea. It also gives fish and seafood a fresh aroma.

How can cardamom be used?

You can use cardamom in both its ground form and capsule form. Its characteristic flavor is mainly due to the essential oils in the seeds. However, as the special aroma easily evaporates when exposed to air and light, it is better to use whole cardamom capsules. The pods protect the delicate aroma naturally and are easy to open – preferably just before use. You can then cook the seeds whole or, preferably, after briefly roasting, crushed in a mortar. You should then add them just before the end of cooking. Lightly crushed in a mortar, whole pods can also be cooked and removed before serving. However, they should be added at the beginning of the cooking process so that they can develop their full aroma. Ground cardamom is practical, but not nearly as intense in flavor as fresh pods.

What are the health benefits of cardamom?

The essential oils in cardamom seeds have a positive effect on health. In Ayurvedic teaching, cardamom is said to stimulate the digestive fire. The ancient Romans also swore by cardamom for alleviating bloating and digestive problems, such as stomach cramps or flatulence. Chewing whole fruit capsules is also said to freshen breath. Some people also swear that cardamom seeds lift the mood or even have an aphrodisiac effect. Additionally, cardamom is an excellent source of essential nutrients, including iron, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

How should cardamom be stored?

When the essential oils in cardamom come into contact with light and air, their aroma quickly evaporates, especially true for ground cardamom. Fresh pods retain their flavor for around a year. It is therefore best to buy only small quantities and store the pods in a tightly sealed screw-top jar. The stickier the pods feel, the fresher and more aromatic they are.

Recipes with cardamom.

Vegan Orange Cardamom Sugar Cookies

The Vegan Orange Cardamom Sugar Cookies are tart and sweet, with a blend of orange and spicy, fragrant cardamom for an absolutely delicious eggless & dairy-free sugar cookie.

Vegan Cardamom Cinnamon Snowball Cookies

The differing names of snowball cookies are based on the region/country in which they are traditionally enjoyed. However, what I’m not exaggerating about at all is my daughter’s love for these little confectioner’s sugar-coated, nutty morsels! Snowball Cookies are a holiday favorite in our house.

Vegan Cardamom Oat Cookies with a Cardamom Coconut Dark Chocolate Ganache

Perfect for a holiday snack plate, cozy afternoon tea, or a little post-dinner indulgence, these little cookies are super versatile, and you should definitely give them a try!

Easy Vegetable Curry (One-pot, 30 minutes)

This delicious vegetable curry recipe is a weeknight dinner favorite! Chickpeas are simmered with a mixture of chunky vegetables in a lightly spiced, creamy coconut milk sauce. Video included.

Creamy Coconut Chickpea Curry Recipe

A curry is a dish of food pieces cooked in a richly spiced sauce. Every region of the world has its own style and technique, often inspired by whatever is available locally.

A damn fine vegetable curry recipe

At first glance, the recipe may appear complicated due to its lengthy list of ingredients. Don’t let that scare you. It’s mostly just a long list of spices that make up a characteristic curry flavour.

Iced Cardamom Green Tea

It is hotter than Hades right now, but who’s complaining when it’s the perfect excuse to make and drink a tall glass of iced cardamom green tea? It’s loaded with antioxidants, has just 30 calories per serving, and it is so, so delicious! Serve with slices of lemon and lots of ice.

Vegan alcohol-free Christmas punch

The punch is one of the most famous Christmas recipes. It is a warm and aromatic drink that is traditionally drunk during the winter holidays throughout Europe. It’s an easy and versatile recipe; there are thousands of versions of this famous winter punch.

Mulled Wine Recipe | Best German Glühwein

How to Make Mulled Wine (Glühwein)?

Luckily for all those who want a practically effortless hot drink for Christmas parties, I couldn’t make this Glühwein recipe any simpler if I tried!