Cardamom powder is one of the most exotic and underrated spices in the world.

This fragrant and flavorful spice has been used in Indian, Middle Eastern and Scandinavian cuisine for centuries, but it is only recently becoming more mainstream in other parts of the world.

This spice is not only delicious, but it also has many health benefits.

In this blog post, we will explore the unique benefits of cardamom powder and how you can use it in your own cooking.

So, let‘s get started and find out why this amazing spice should be a part of your pantry!

Cardamom: overview

Cardamom goes by the scientific name Elettaria cardamomum, L. Maton and it is known publicly as the “queen of spices”.

This spice belongs to the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family and has been consumed for more than 4000 years.

It has a very unique taste which makes it difficult to describe you just have to try it and when you do it you’ll never forget it.

The first mentions of this spice point to South India which is why it is considered the region where it originated.

In fact, until this very day, that region is commonly known as “Cardamom Hills”.

Thousands of years later, in 1914 a German citizen took cardamom seeds with him to Guatemala where he planted them.

Nowadays, Guatemala is the first exporter of Cardamom with India being slightly behind in the second position.

Nonetheless, slightly behind vanilla and saffron, cardamom has a medium price generally affordable.

Unlike most spices, cardamom blends well with both savory and sweet preparations which explains its popularity.

Difference between cardamom powder and ground coriander:

The first thing is that cardamom belongs to the ginger family and coriander belongs to the parsley family.

In the United States, the seeds of the cilantro plant are called “coriander” and they are very often confused with cardamom.

This is often the case especially with ground spices as they sometimes have the same color or come from the same origins.

However, there are a lot of differences between these two ingredients including the shape, taste, usage, and association with other ingredients.

Taste differences:

The coriander flavor tends to be mild and sweet with a slightly flowery fragrance.

On the other hand, cardamom tends to have a very intense flavor which can easily overpower the dish if you don’t know how to use it.

It tends to be spicier with mint and lemon touches which makes it different from coriander.

Shape:

In terms of the natural shape, it is very easy to tell the difference between coriander seeds and cardamom.

Coriander grains are ball-shaped while cardamom comes in pods that have the shape of almonds and are filled with cardamom seeds.

However, these two spices are mostly sold in a powder form which makes them similar in shape but different in taste and aroma.

Associations:

The best spices to use with cardamom and coriander are cumin, cinnamon, ginger, and pepper.

However, cardamom is more versatile for usage as it is best combined well with turmeric and paprika.

As for coriander, the best combinations are with fennel and garlic.

Best cooking practices:

Even though they are different, cardamom and coriander are very friendly and can elevate your dish if used together.

You can use them both to season chicken, lamb, and practically any type of meat.

Coriander works well with lemon zest and is used to make sauces, desserts, and baked goods.

Cardamom blends well with rice, lentils, and other legumes but also can be used to elevate the taste of pastries and cookies.

Types of cardamom:

There are 3 main types of cardamom depending on the color:

• Black cardamom
• Green cardamom

Each of these types has its own characteristics and could have different nutritional compositions.

It should be noted that there is white cardamom but it’s not natural and it’s basically the result of bleaching with Sulphur dioxide.

Unfortunately, this process produces an albino type of cardamom that looks beautiful but have a lower fragrance.

In addition, some may refer to overripe cardamom as brown since the green color turns to brown as it matures.

However, brown cardamom tends to have a smoky flavor and is more used in chocolate recipes.

As for the common cardamom, the majority of this spice in the market is green cardamom either sold in seeds or powder.

Black cardamom is native to the Himalayas and the seeds are bigger than green cardamom which is why people call it “large cardamom”.

Nutritional values and health benefits of cardamom powder:

Nutritional values:

Cardamom is not just a fragrant spice but also full of beneficial nutrients essential for our health.

It is a great source of minerals and vitamins including zinc, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins B1, D, and C.

It also offers many other plant-based compounds including fibers, polyphenols, flavonoids, essential oils …

These nutrients make cardamom very beneficial for health and make it a popular ingredient in traditional Asian medicine.

Health benefits:

Good for the cardiovascular system:

Cardamom is a great source of micro-nutrients especially calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

These minerals have a great effect on the overall well-being of the cardiovascular system.

For instance, potassium decreases the level of blood pressure by reducing the amount of sodium in the urine.

In fact, an Indian study indicates that cardamom antioxidants have a great impact on the level of bad cholesterol.

Great antioxidant properties:

This spice is full of great antioxidants and minerals that activate the immune system and fight free radicals.

Consuming 1 tsp of cardamom powder regularly can help prevent premature aging of the cells caused by stress, poor diet, and pollution.

With such micro-level benefits on the cells, this spice can also reduce the risks of cancer.

In fact, some studies confirm that the ingestion of cardamom reduces the reoccurrence of colorectal cancer by up to 48%.

Improves digestion:

Spices like caraway seeds, cumin, and cardamom usually have great digestive and gastrointestinal benefits.

Once you ingest cardamom powder it stimulates bile production, regulates the intestinal flora, and prevents diarrhea and constipation.

In addition, this spice offers antimicrobial effects, anti-inflammatory and relieves heartburn.

Also, cardamom can reduce the risk of food poisoning and protect the stomach from bacteria like E.coli.

Action on oral health:

Cardamom is one of the popular ingredients used in Chinese traditional medicine to treat dental health issues.

This is most likely due to the abundance of vitamin B2 in these small seeds which has analgesic properties.

Those properties combined with the powerful antioxidant profile make cardamom very effective against gums and teeth infections.

Also, cardamom can be used to promote fresh breath by neutralizing strong flavors like onion and garlic.

Promotes weight loss:

Even though we only ingest small quantities of spices like cardamom, it can still help us reach our daily needs in fibers.

Dietary fibers promote the feeling of satiety which decreases the appetite and by default, we end up eating less food.

For instance, a couple of studies done on rats show that after eating cardamom, they had reduced blood lipid levels.

Not only that, but the rats stored much less fat in their abdominal region despite the fact they were being fed a high-fat diet.

Treats erectile dysfunction:

Nowadays, erectile dysfunction is one of the major problems that ruin sex life and even marriages.

It is not general knowledge but cardamom powder can help eliminate this health issue by acting as an aphrodisiac.

After consuming this spice, it starts stimulating the production of sex hormones which improves the sexual desire for women and men.

Good for diabetes:

Researchers suggest that this spice can be helpful with Metabolic Syndrome,  a group of health issues including:

• High blood pressure.
• Low levels of good cholesterol.
• Obesity.
• High triglycerides

In fact, animal studies show that rats that got fed a high-fat diet and cardamom had a lower bad cholesterol level.

Human studies, on the other hand, confirm that cardamom reduces inflammation, and oxidative stress and lowers the risk of diabetes.

Another study on diabetic patients shows that those who ingested cardamom regularly had better insulin levels.

Other health benefits:

• Improves blood flow.
• Reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s.
• Reduces stress.
• Protects the brain.
• Relieves stomachache.
• Regulates blood pressure.
• Cleans the kidneys.
• Can help lose weight.
• Improves heart health.

Using cardamom:

Kitchen uses:

First, cardamom powder is a very famous spice in all cuisines around the world as they use it for savory and sweet recipes as well.

Among the many savory preparations with this spice:

• Poultry dishes.
• With couscous or rice.
• Salads.
• Paté,
• Part of stuffing for meat, beef, and veal.

In Western cuisines, cardamom powder is mostly used in sweet pastries to make desserts like:

• Muffins & cookies.
• Fruit compotes and Pancakes.
• Granola and oatmeal.
• Jams and muffins.
• Gingerbread.
• Pies and doughnuts.
• Baklava.
• Puddings.

In the Middle East, cardamom is sometimes used to accompany Chai tea, hot chocolate, and many other drinks.

A few miles East, Asians use cardamom to accompany rice dishes as a powder to elevate its taste.

However you want to use cardamom powder, just know that it combines well with spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger.

Lamb Korma:

Ingredients :

• 2 lbs of lamb meat.
• 2 ounces of almonds.
• 6 cloves of garlic.
• 1 medium onion.
• 1 tbsp of poppy seeds and 1 tbsp of sesame seeds.
• 3 tsp of cardamom powder.
• 1 cinnamon stick.
• 4 cloves.
• 1 tsp of coriander powder and 1 tsp of cumin powder.
• 3 tbsps of vegetable oil.
• 2 green peppers.
• 1 cup of heavy cream (230 ml).

Preparation:

• Start by washing the lamb in tap water then dry it on a piece of cloth.
• Cut the meat into small pieces 1 inch and let them rest in a bowl.
• Chop the peppers, garlic, and onions very finely then toast them in a pan.
• Add almonds, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds to the pan, and make sure you keep stirring.
• Keep roasting them until the onion becomes soft then remove the mixture from the pan and let them cool down.
• Once the mixture cools, put it in a blender and grind it to obtain a thick flavorful paste.
• In another pan, heat the vegetable oil then put cinnamon and cloves and let them cook for 1 minute.
• Now add lamb pieces to the pan, sprinkle cumin, coriander, cardamom powder, and the flavorful paste we made earlier.
• Cover the pan and let ingredients cook on medium heat and make sure you stir every once in a while until the meat is done.
• Serve the flavored meat with cornstarch and fresh cream for up to 4 people, enjoy!

Lassi (famous Indian drink):

Ingredients :

• 2 medium yogurts.
• ¼ cup of almond milk.
• 4 tsp of cardamom powder.
• 10 pistachios.
• 6 pistils of saffron.
• 3 tbsp of sugar.

Preparation:

• Make a saffron infusion by boiling some water and then turn off the heat and put the saffron pistils and let them infuse for 10 minutes.
• In a blender, put the yogurt and add cardamom powder, pistachios, and sugar.
• Blend the ingredients for 1 minute, then add almond milk, and saffron infusion and blend again for 1 additional minute.
• Put in containers of your choice in the fridge and let it cool for at least 2 hours.
• That’s all, the traditional Indian yogurt AKA “Lassi” is now ready, enjoy!

Cardamom and rosewater biscuits:

Ingredients:

• ½ pound of butter.
• 3 egg yolks.
• 1 cup of flowers.
• 4 tbsp of rosewater.
• 1 tsp of cardamom powder.
• 2 ounces of cornstarch.
• 1 cup of almonds (140g).
• ½ cup of sugar.
• Pinch of salt.

Preparation:

• Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
• Put the butter in a bowl and start working it with a fork to help soften it.
• Now add sugar, egg yolks, and salt to the butter and mix well until it becomes homogenous.
• Add rose water, flour, cornstarch, and almonds and mix again until you obtain a good dough.
• Now shape the dough into small biscuits using a piping bag or even cookie shapers.
• Get an oven tray, cover it with a baking sheet, or sprinkle flour on its surface before you place the biscuits and spread them evenly.
• Make sure you leave at least 1-inch intervals between the biscuits to avoid them sticking as they get baked.
• Let it rest in the fridge for 1 hour.
• Bake the cookies for 15 minutes then let them cool down and enjoy them with your family!

Medicinal uses of cardamom:

• To treat bad breath:
• Put 1 tsp of cardamom powder in 1 cup of water then gargle with this mixture and swallow.
• This will eliminate bad breath and protect the teeth and gum from infections.
• Reduces stress:
• Boil some water then turn off the heat and add 1 tsp of cardamom powder and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• Drink the infusion to reduce the stress and relax.
• Good for the hair:
• Cardamom oil can nourish the hair and treat dryness and breakage.
• To restore hair health: Apply this oil to the hair and leave it overnight before washing it in the morning.
• Cleans the kidneys:
• Since toxic substances accumulate in the liver and kidneys, traditional medicine recommends eating cardamom regularly to clean the kidneys.
• Relieves headache:

Massaging the forehead with cardamom oil can provide relief from the pain of headaches.

• Improves the appetite:
• Especially for those dealing with a loss of appetite and eating disorders, consuming cardamom will increase hunger.

Precautions before you consume cardamom powder:

There are little to no side effects related to cardamom powder, however, it’s not impossible.

Generally speaking, overconsumption of any type of food can have side effects.

Consuming too much cardamom may lead to nausea, dizziness, and headaches.

These are all mild reactions, but certain groups of people have to avoid consuming this spice.

For instance, those who suffer from liver disease, heart issues, or gallstones.

To make sure you are safe from even the tiny risks of side effects, do not consume more than 1 tsp of cardamom powder per day.

As for those who have one of the health issues mentioned above, you may ask your doctor and he can prescribe you a safe dose.

Here are the main possible side effects of overconsuming cardamom:

Allergic reactions:

Some people could experience an allergic reaction to cardamom and the symptoms could be:

• Itching and rash.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Anaphylactic reaction (requires hospitalization).

This is mostly due to the presence of tripenene which also exist in oregano, cloves, rosemary, and cinnamon.

Could lead to abortion:

Even though pregnant women in Asia and the Middle East still consume cardamom to treat bad digestion or bad breath it can be harmful.

In fact, consuming too much of this spice may even lead to miscarriage.

Because of that, many nutritionists recommend not consuming cardamom during pregnancy or even breastfeeding due to the lack of research.

Buying cardamom:

In the market, you can find cardamom in the form of seeds, powder, or pods filled with seeds.

This spice is really expensive because of that many products claim to be 100% pure cardamom when they’re in fact a mixture of spices.

In order to ensure that you’re buying pure cardamom powder the best choice is to buy the pods.

Because these pods are nature’s solution to keep the seeds fresh, you can then open the pods at home and grind the seeds.

This is definitely the freshest cardamom powder you can ever have, fresher than any other organic product.

Storing cardamom:

With poor storing condition, cardamom powder may lose its fragrance within 3 to 4 months in poor storage conditions.

At room temperature, cardamom powder can be kept for up to 1 year under the right conditions.

This spice doesn’t like to be exposed to light, air, or humidity and it can also spoil faster because of extreme heat.

In case you bought cardamom powder it is usually sold in an airtight container that indicates “best used before” so try to respect that.

However, if you bought cardamom in pods and grind it at home to get fresh homemade ground cardamom, you need to store it in an airtight container (preferably dark glass).

You can then put the glass airtight container in the pantry away from light and it will remain aromatic for u to 1 year.