Over the past few years, cardamom has started to make a name for herself within the hip U.S. food culture. Prior to gaining attention in the mainstream food world, she’s been infusing in the homes of families from South Asia, Middle East, Iran, Turkey, Sweden, Africa, Mexico for decades. And in their homelands, for centuries. Nowadays, the Queen of Spice is facing an exciting time as she begins to greet homes not yet blessed by her intoxicating aroma.
The sweet cousin of ginger and turmeric, two roots revered for their anti-inflammatory benefits, cardamom known as elaichi in Urdu and Hindi, is powerful in her own right. Unlike her cousins who live underground, she grows on trees. Like a fruit with dark, fragrant seeds. Her seducing volatile oils appease the nose, awaken the mind and clear what stands in the way of the digestive process.
Known for her pungent aromatics in the food world, Ayurvedic Medicine considers cardamom to be a mind-body, medicinal and culinary spice. One with a sweet nature and a pungent flare. While she smells intense, cardamom is cool and light. Her sweet charms get her in the door, and her dry whit seduces any sticky, heavy, cloudy, weighing moisture. Clearing the way for expansion, flow, and clarity. Her bold presence, charm, and flare are why this queen is always on the sweet and savory guest list.
With her alkalizing, carminative alchemy, cardamom sparks dwindling flames, releases tightness, bursts bubbles, brings light on foggy days, helping to see, feel, hear, think clearer and lighter. A few gentle poundings on her pods releases her sweet, vibrant, eucalyptic-style aromatics. This is what lures one towards her. Once she’s in, her pungent vibe kicks into place, but always with sweetness, and leaving everyone feeling charmed.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CARDAMOM
- Aids with nausea, reducing mucus
- Enhances the digestive process
- Reduces bloating, flatulence, intestinal pain, indigestion
- Supports deep, clearer breathing
- Evokes mental clarity
- Neutralizes mucus forming properties
- Helps clear excess mucus in the stomach
- Relieves spasms in the digestive and respiratory channels
- Stimulates the appetite
- Supports nutrient absorption
- Promotes clarity and joy
- Aids with water retention
- Relaxes and opens the channels allowing prana to flow, supporting the nervous system & circulation
HOW TO SPICE UP YOUR LIFE WITH CARDAMOM
Cardamom Pods
- can be sauteed, boiled, brewed, infused or stewed
- crack them open to slowly release, subtle flavor
- need to be cooked longer to extract the oils and flavor
Cardamom PowderÂ
- add to oatmeal, cookie dough, cake batter, french toast, pancakes, cooked fruit, pies, or tarts
- dust, as a finishing agent to add extra aromatics to your curry or dessert
- brew with your favorite green or black tea
Tips
Once in powder form, cardamom can lose its aromatic and flavor quickly. Buy freshly ground powder, or powder it using a mortar pestle or spice grinder.
Add a pinch to
- tea and coffee to reduce their acidic properties
- dairy products to neutralize the mucus forming properties
