Cardamom is mainly found in India, Malaysia and Costa Rica. Cardamom is called the “Queen of Spices” because it is expensive. It comes in 2 varieties. Black cardamom and green cardamom. Cardamom is a spice which belongs to the ginger family. Cardamom pods are oval in shape with black seeds inside. The pods contain number of seeds. You can roast and crush the seeds. Green cardamom has a sweet fragrance and citrusy flavor.
Green cardamom is used in Indian cuisine both in sweet and savory dishes. It imparts a sweetness to the food. Black cardamom has a larger pod and is mostly used in savory Indian dishes such as meat stews. It imparts a smoky flavor to the dish.
Both types of cardamom can be stored in a cool dry place in a sealed container. Ground Cardamom loses its potency quickly. Both varieties are used in Indian Cuisine.
Green cardamom has various nutritional benefits. It may lower blood pressure, bad breath, prevents cavities, antibacterial effects and aids in weight loss. It is the main spice in tea masala.