Cardamom - FAQ
Q. What is Cardamom?
Cardamom is a spice made from the seed pods of the cardamom plant, a close relative of ginger and turmeric. The plant’s triangle-shaped pods are made up of spindle-shaped clusters of seeds with a thin outer shell that can be used whole or ground.
Q. What are the different types of Cardamom?
Beyond ground and whole cardamom, there are two main varieties (black and green) with two sub-varieties (yellow and white). Green (also known as true cardamom) is the most recognized and common variety, which you should find stocked in your local supermarket.
Q. What are Cardamom Pods?
Cardamom is a spice made from the seed pods of various plants in the ginger family.
Q. Where do Poombukar Cardamom Pods come from?
Our Green Cardamom Pods are coming directly from Kambam, Tamilnadu Cardamom farm.
Q. What’s the history of Cardamom Pods?
Scientifically called elettaria cardamomum, green cardamom is a herbaceous plant native to the Indian subcontinent and Indonesia. Often known as the “queen of spices,” the dried aromatic ripe fruits of cardamom have been known to carry medicinal value since the 4th century BC. Cardamom oil is a mighty ingredient that is heartily deployed in food, perfumery, medicines, and beverages. There are 17 to 20 tiny inner seeds in each peanut-sized pod.
Q. What do Cardamom Pods look like?
Cardamom pods are spindle-shaped and have a triangular cross-section. The post contains a number of seeds, but the entire cardamom pod can be used whole or ground.
Q. How would you describe the flavour and odour of Cardamom Pods?
Cardamom is aromatic with a strong slight eucalyptus aroma.
Q. What are different names for Cardamom Pods?
| Tamil | Eelakkai |
| Telugu | Yaalukalu |
| Hindi | elaichi |
| Malayalam | ellakkaya/elathari |
| Spanish | cardamomo |
| French | cardamome |
| German | kardamom |
| Arabic | Hayl or Habahan |
| Chinese | pai-tou-k’ou. |
Q. What is the suggested use for Cardamom Pods?
Cardamom partners well with meat, poultry, and vegetables and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, add crushed seeds to bread, cakes, biscuits, and flapjack recipes. It is one of the spices used to make Chai tea, imparting a camphorous, lemony zing to the tea; it can also be added to mulled wine and spice cordials. Add to spiced rice dishes such as pilau, soups, stews, curries, and tagines. Cardamom can also be added to spice mixes when stewing fruit, making chutneys, and compotes, and even to ice cream and chocolate truffles.
Q. What does cardamom taste like?
Green cardamom has a pungent piney flavor and aroma, with hints of lemon and mint, while black cardamom has an added smoky note. It’s notable for its complex, earthy, bittersweet aroma, and is the main component of any traditional chai spice blend. White cardamom has less of a punchy flavor, it’s green cardamom bleached to remove any color. The bleaching process dulls the flavors slightly and it’s used in light batters and bakes to prevent coloring.
Q. What cuisine can Cardamom be used in?
While closely associated with Southeast Asian dishes, cardamom is a universally loved spice that appears in a variety of signature rice dishes from different countries, communities, and cultures, including Asian, Nordic, Middle Eastern, and Arabic cuisine.
Q. What happens if you eat cardamom every day?
A. Having cardamom twice a day helps in resolving multiple bodily issues like it lowers blood sugar levels, controlling high blood pressure, aiding weight loss, correcting digestive ailments, etc. So, you can add cardamom to your tea, smoothies, or rice and enjoy the meal without worrying a great deal about this spice being safe for daily consumption.
Q. What are the side effects of cardamom?
A. Though cardamom rarely has any side effects anything in surplus is bad. Excess consumption of cardamom can sometimes lead to allergies and can also interfere with your medication if not consulted by a medical professional.
Q. What is cardamom best used for?
A. Cardamom is a warm spice that goes well with curries and poultries and even red meat. It is also a popular choice with teas, desserts, and baked goods. You can also add it to prepare aromatic rice. Other than enhancing flavor, it also helps in improving health and well-being. It is great in eliminating coughs and colds and even helps the immune system.
Q. Does cardamom reduce weight?
A. Cardamom is known to possess tons of antioxidants and antibacterial properties. It also is great for improving metabolism and reducing bloating. It contains the compound melatonin, which promotes the fat-burning process. So, that can help you shed some extra kilos.
Q. Is cardamom good for the skin?
A. Yes, cardamom has some antibacterial properties that help with the healing of acne and breakouts. It also is known to clear blemishes.
Q. Is cardamom good for high blood pressure?
A. The antioxidant and diuretic properties of cardamom help in lowering high blood pressure.
Q. Is cardamom good for diabetes?
A. The anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic properties of cardamom make it suitable to manage blood sugar levels.
Q. Does cardamom help acid reflux?
A. Yes, Cardamom is known to improve digestion and help relieve stomach spasms. It is also helpful in reducing excess acid production.
Q. Does cardamom increase testosterone?
A. There are various studies that reflect upon the fact that cardamom extract enhances an antioxidant called glutathione in the body. Glutathione prevents damage to vital cellular components that are caused by free radicals and peroxides. The rise in the level of glutathione helps in increasing the level of the Gonadotropin-releasing hormone. This hormone then stimulates the pituitary gland and secretes the Luteinizing hormone (LH). Finally stimulates the Leydig cells that secrete testosterone.