Cardamom – properties and use in the kitchen and first aid kit

Proven content

Cardamom is one of the longest known and most used spices in the world. The taste and health-promoting properties of cardamom make it applicable both in cooking and in natural medicine. Why is it worth reaching for cardamom? What is best to add it to and who should be particularly interested in its beneficial effects on health?

Cardamom – origin and varieties

Malabar cardamom (Latin: Elettaria cardamomum) is a plant belonging to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), which comes from the south of India. It grows wild in the local dense tropical forests. Today it is also grown in other regions of Asia – incl. in Sri Lanka, China and the Indochina Peninsula – as well as in Central America and Tanzania, where it was successfully naturalized thanks to favorable climatic conditions (high temperatures and heavy rainfall).

It is from the cultivation of Malabar cardamom that it is obtained the highest quality cardamom spice. For utility purposes, however, also less valuable species of cardamom, such as Majsur cardamom, as well as Nepalese or Javanese cardamom. Compared to Malabar cardamom, however, the remaining varieties contain much less cineole and limonene – substances that correspond to the intense, spicy aroma of cardamom.

Cardamom – properties and cultivation

How does Malabrian cardamom grow? It is a herbaceous plant that usually reaches 2 to 5 m in height. Due to such a large size of the plant, seedlings in plantations are planted approximately every 3 m. Cardamom grows from a large tuberous rhizome, forming oblong, lanceolate clusters about 70 cm long and 8 cm wide.

Cardamom’s tiny blue and white calyx flowers are gathered in long clusters. When they wither, they form yellowish or brown bags with three chambers in which tiny, sticky, brown or reddish seeds are hidden. One pod consists of three double rows, each containing 6 seeds.

It is the latter that are used as aromatic, spicy seasoning. Cardamom is harvested from October to December, when the seeds are not yet fully ripe. Then the cardamom pods are slowly dried so as not to damage the fruit. They are characterized by a hard, rough surface with distinct wrinkles, and are oval or triangular in cross-section.

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It is currently available in stores cardamom in several different forms:

1. whole cardamom pods (50g whole cardamom is available at Medonet Market);
2. cardamom in the form of dehusked grains;
3. ground cardamom (ground cardamom 50g you can also buy at Medonet Market).

The most valuable, the most durable (but also the most expensive) will be of course cardamom in a pod – it will keep its flavor and aroma for longer. As for ground cardamom, the price is obviously much lower and corresponds to a lower quality spice. Regardless of the form, it is best to keep cardamom in a tightly closed container so that it does not lose its properties.

Cardamom is part of the golden milk available in the set together with herbal teas supporting the digestive system. The digestion kit consists of a tea to regulate digestion, organic tea with mint and organic golden milk powder.

Cardamom – nutritional values

A teaspoon of ground cardamom (2 g) contains 6,22 kcal, which gives the value of 311 kcal in 100 g of the product (although, of course, it seems extremely unlikely that someone could eat such a large amount of this spice at one time). As for the others nutritional value of cardamom, a teaspoon of this spice with a capacity of 2 g contains:

1. protein – 0,22 g,
2. fat – 0,13 g,
3. carbohydrates – 1,37 g,
4. fiber – 0,56 g.

Vitamins and minerals (teaspoon – 2 g):

1. vitamin C – 0,43 mg,
2. vitamin B6 – 0,01 mg,
3. niacin — 0,02 mg,
4. calcium – 7,66 mg,
5. iron – 0,28 mg,
6. magnesium – 4,58 mg,
7. fosfor — 3,56 mg,
8. potassium – 22,4 mg.

Cardamom – health-promoting properties and application in natural medicine

Interestingly, the beneficial properties of cardamom were known already in antiquity. The ancient Egyptians used cardamom seeds as a remedy for quick breath freshening, and the aromatic properties of this spice meant that it was often added to perfumes. In China, this spice has been used as a reliable remedy for digestive problems such as abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea. Cardamom also turns out to be an extremely important ingredient in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine.

Cardamom appeared in Europe around the XNUMXth century and was used from the beginning in the kitchen rather than in the pharmacy. Research today does not say much about the health-promoting properties of cardamom, although it is considered a natural antiseptic. Proponents of natural medicine argue, however, that in many situations reaching for cardamom as an addition to the daily diet it can have many health benefits.

Also Read: Spicy Seasoning Can Extend Life

Cardamom for colds

Like many spices, so do cardamom has a warming effect. In addition, it also has antibacterial and antiviral properties. What’s more, thanks to the content of essential oils, it can also help in the treatment of respiratory infections, alleviating cough and clearing a stuffy nose.

With colds and flu, black tea brewed with a little cardamom crushed in a mortar often brings relief. When we are tired of coughs, they also turn out to be effective inhalations with cardamom oil. People suffering from asthma can also reach for cardamom. Try Pukka Licorice & Cinnamon – tea with cardamom.

Cardamom for digestive problems

Following the practices popular in ancient China, a drink with the addition of cardamom can be used in the case of digestive problems and gastrointestinal ailments. Due to the presence of essential oils, cardamom can relax the stomach, thus helping people struggling with gastritis.

Cardamom also turns out to be useful in the fight against nausea, heartburn, flatulence and gas. With such stomach problems, both ground cardamom and antiseptic cardamom oil can be used. It is best to add a little oil to water or milk with honey and reach for this elixir several times a day before meals.

We recommend Pukka After Dinner – a tea that calms digestion after a meal. kardmon.

Cardamom for weight loss

The essential oils present in cardamom seeds stimulate the secretion of digestive juices, thus accelerating the metabolism. By regulating metabolism, it also helps to cleanse the body of toxins and metabolic by-products. Therefore, many people recommend it cardamom for weight loss – it is worth adding it to various dishes or to tea to accelerate the loss of unnecessary kilograms.

Check also: Peppers can help you lose weight

Cardamom for bad breath

The ancient Egyptians used cardamom as a means of maintaining oral hygiene. In India, where cardamom is an extremely popular and everyday spice, its seeds are used as a chewing gum. After just a few seconds after biting them, bad breath disappears in a flash, and most importantly – this effect lasts longer.

Cardamom, due to the content of terpinyl acetate and cineol, has a strong antibacterial effect. Therefore, it is recommended for people struggling with halitosis, oral cavity infections and other diseases that are associated with the problem of bad breath. It can also help you deal with hiccups quickly.

Cardamom as a potency remedy

In the Indian cultural circle cardamom is considered to be one of the most effective aphrodisiacs. Rubbing cardamom oil into the skin can be a sensual foreplay … But in fact, the main point is that cardamom – like many other hot spices – improves the blood supply to the genitals, thanks to which it strengthens and prolongs the erection. So it turns out to be used often a natural remedy for potency.

Find out more about aphrodisiacs and how they work

Cardamom oil in cosmetics

Cardamom plays an important role not only in natural medicine, but also in the cosmetic industry. Cardamom oil, considered an effective relaxing agent (but also a stimulant), in addition to aromatherapy and the treatment of some of the ailments mentioned above, it is also used:

1. as an ingredient in perfume;
2. during relaxing massages (massage oil is then enriched with a few drops of cardamom oil);
3. as an ingredient of firming and slimming cosmetics;
4. as an addition to therapeutic baths.

Cardamom also has a positive effect on the hair. You can find it, for example, in Elixir for fair hair – Bioherba regenerating spray conditioner. Cardamom extract makes the hair smooth and does not frizz. Additionally, it stimulates hair growth and improves circulation in the scalp.

Cardamom – contraindications to use

Although cardamom is considered one of the most valuable spices for a reason, there are also contraindications to its consumption. Cardamom should be avoided, among others:

1. people diagnosed with an allergy to cardamom or other spices;
2. people with gastritis or with stomach ulcers;
3. pregnant and breastfeeding women;

Cardamom – what is it useful for in the kitchen?

As a spice, cardamom has a characteristic spicy, spicy and warm aromatic bouquet. The taste is searing, sweet, you can also feel hints of pepper and lemon in it.

Cardamom is primarily associated with Asian kitchen, in particular – with typical Indian dishes. Indians use it in many situations, preparing various types of spicy curries, sweet snacks or the traditional sweet masala chai drink. Cardamom can be found in many oriental spice blends – such as curry and garam masala. The use of cardamom, however, is not limited to exotic dishes of the Middle and Far East cuisine.

This spice can also be successfully added to traditional and proven recipes. A pinch of cardamom it will give a completely different flavor to traditional cakes, biscuits, omelettes, pancakes or Christmas baking. It will also enhance the taste of fresh oranges or pumpkin soup.

Cardamom also works great as additive to drinkssuch as fruit compote, tea, hot chocolate, mulled wine or beer. Delicious coffee with cardamom is also very popular. Try Energy for Coffee – ghee-based supplement with cinnamon and cardamom in the composition.

Jako metabolism boosting agent cardamom should also be added to vegetable and fruit cocktails and smoothies.

The flavoring properties of cardamom make it also a perfect seasoning for dry dishes. It is worth adding it to stews, stew, risotto and other dishes with beef, pork or poultry. Cardamom is also quite often added to fish dishes.

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Cardamom and garam masala – application and recipe

If the stories about cardamom have inspired you to experiment with Indian cuisine, it is imperative that you have a base on it at hand. garam masala spice. The use of this mixture in Indian cuisine is extremely wide – it is added to various varieties of vegetable and meat curries, to dhal soup and many other popular dishes. You can buy Garam masala in large and well-stocked stores (Garam masala 50g is also available on Medonet Market) or you can prepare it at home according to the following recipe:

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon of cardamom
2. 1 tablespoon of coriander,
3. 2 tablespoons of colored peppercorns,
4. 2 tablespoons of cumin,
5. 1 teaspoon of nutmeg,
6. 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
7. 5 bay leaves.

Preparation:

1. Warm up the dry frying pan, then reduce the heat and add all the spices except nutmeg and bay leaf.
2. We roast the entire contents of the pan for about 15 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the spices from burning.
3. After 10 minutes, add the bay leaves, and at the end of roasting the nutmeg.

Preparation time – 15 minutes

Also read: Culinary and health properties of the green tuft

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