How to Grow and Use Cardamom

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is a well-loved and well-used plant native to southern India and is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). It is a spice that has been used for centuries by the ancient Roman, Egyptians, and Greeks. Guatemala is the largest producer of commercial cardamom, followed by India and Sri Lanka.

As a spice, you might know it from Indian dishes you have tried or cooked. It also shows up in classic autumnal recipes alongside cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. As well, it is responsible for that signature flavor in Arabic coffee.

Cardamom seeds are taken from seed pods that grow on the plant. These can be found in markets in powder form, making them easier to use in baked goods, or you can buy whole pods. Cardamon has a very pungent aroma that is sometimes likened to mint. It manages to inspire cool, clean, and fresh flavors whilst creating warmth and woodiness at the same time.

Growing Cardamom for Yourself

Unless you live in zones 10 or 11 (southern Florida or Hawaii, for example), you will not be able to grow this plant for yourself. The plants simply would not survive any cold weather. Plus, it takes three years for the plant to produce pods for harvesting.

If you do live in an appropriate climate, you can start a plant in your garden. As well as needing a specific climate, cardamom is a beast of a plant and can reach heights of 5 to 10 feet! You are going to need space! You could grow a cardamom plant in a pot and bring it indoors in the winter, but you will need pretty high ceilings!

Source: TvAgro/Youtube

Buy seeds that are intended for growing rather than raiding your spice cabinet. Seeds for sowing will be more viable, and you will have much more germination success. You can direct sow in your garden or start the seeds in pots. Plant the seeds about 1/8 inch deep. They prefer slightly acid soil and a place with dappled shade.

How to Use Cardamom

Buying cardamom is like buying coffee. You are going to get a fresher cup of coffee if you buy beans and grind them yourself moments before brewing. You can buy cardamom already ground, but by the time you are ready to use it, it will have lost some of its vigor and potency. If you have the means, try to buy cardamom pods and grind them into powder moments before use. You may remove the seeds from the pods and grind those, or you can grind the whole pod. Alternatively, there are many ways to use the whole pod, eliminating any grinding at all.

Health Benefits of Cardamom

Source: Time for Tea/YouTube

Cardamom has been used for centuries in Indian and Chinese medicine. Traditionally it has been used to help with digestive issues and for calming upset stomachs and feelings of nausea.

It is also commonly used as a breath freshener. Chewing or sucking on a cardamom pod may help to fight oral bacteria that cause bad breath, gum disease, and cavities. This could be due to cardamom’s high level of antioxidants and natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. You can also brew a tea from a cardamom pod, and once cooled can be used as a mouth wash.

In aromatherapy, inhaling cardamom essential oil may promote a feeling of calm and clear-headedness and create a warm, inviting vibe in your home. As well, it may help to release symptoms of congestion.

Using Cardamom in the Kitchen

Cardamom is a potent spice, meaning that a little goes a long way. Be careful! Cardamom pairs very well with other classic warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. It goes beautifully in cakes and cookies as well as chai and other spiced drinks. It is also used in a lot of Indian and Middle Eastern cooking.

As mentioned before, you can use cardamom ground or as a whole pod. You can use whole pods to make cups of herbal tea, or you can add whole pods to rice and stews and remove them afterward, just as you would a bay leaf.

Take a look at this Cardamom-Scented Dal Tadka for a taste of cardamom in a more traditional recipe, or pick out the cardamom notes in this recipe for Masala Lentils (Sabut Masoor).

There are plenty of ways to use cardamom spice in sweet recipes. Try making these Raw Cacao and Cardamom Cream Tartlets next time you are looking for something indulgent yet packed with good, clean ingredients. Or, cut yourself a generous slice of this Black Tea Cardamom Cake and sit back with a nice afternoon cup of tea or coffee.

This article is for informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional and do your research before using herbs and spices medicinally.

Recipes you can make at home with cardamom:

• Indian Milkshake: Cardamom, Rosewater, and Sweet Cherry Lassi [Vegan]
• Vegan Bitter Cardamom Truffles
• Cardamom Apple Cookie Crumble [Vegan]
• Cardamom Coffee Cake Muffins [Vegan]
• Black Tea Cardamom Cake [Vegan]
• Cardamom Pistachio Rose Energy Bites [Vegan]

Related content:

• How to Make Your Own Spice Blends and Curry Pastes
• 3 Spice Mixes That Can Help Protect Your Heart and Reduce Inflammation
• 12 Vegan Recipes Using Indian Masala and Spices!
• Stay Balanced This Season With These 10 Warming Fall Spices
• 10 Herbs And Spices With Powerful Health Benefits

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