Cardamom has a strong, aromatic, resinous fragrance. Just a few pods can perfume a whole pot — which is why it has long been paired with tea and coffee.
This article draws on Wikipedia's articles on cardamom and masala chai.
- Green cardamom: Elettaria cardamomum
- Black cardamom: Amomum subulatum, smoky
- Grown mainly in: India, Indonesia and Guatemala
- Price: one of the most expensive spices by weight
- In tea: a common spice in masala chai
What is cardamom?
Cardamom is a spice made from the seeds of several plants in the genera Elettaria and Amomum, in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Both genera are native to the Indian subcontinent and Indonesia. The seed pods are spindle-shaped and triangular in cross-section, with a thin, papery shell and small black seeds.
Wikipedia notes that in the 21st century cardamom is cultivated mainly in India, Indonesia and Guatemala.
Green vs black cardamom
| Green ("true") cardamom | Black cardamom | |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Elettaria cardamomum | Amomum subulatum |
| Pods | Light green and smaller | Dark brown and larger |
| Aroma | Strong, aromatic, resinous | More smoky, with a coolness compared to mint |
| Grown in | India to Malaysia | Eastern Himalayas — Nepal, Sikkim, Darjeeling, Bhutan |
Cardamom in tea and coffee
- South Asia: cardamom is a common ingredient in Indian cooking and, with ginger and cinnamon, one of the spices most often used in masala chai.
- Middle East: green cardamom powder is a traditional flavouring in coffee and tea.
- Nordic countries: it is widely used in baking, such as Swedish kardemummabullar buns and Finnish pulla.
Buying and storing cardamom
Wikipedia notes that green cardamom is one of the most expensive spices by weight, but little is needed. It is best stored in the pod, as exposed or ground seeds quickly lose their flavour. A generally accepted equivalent is that 10 pods equal about 1½ teaspoons of ground cardamom.
Making cardamom tea at home
A simple approach is to lightly crush a few green pods and steep them with black tea in boiling water. Ready-made cardamom-flavoured black teas are another option — check the ingredients to see whether real spice or flavouring is used. Remember that cardamom black tea contains caffeine from the tea.
