Green Cardamom

Green cardamom, cardamom is also frequently misspelled as cardomom.  Green Cardamom is indigenous to India and Sri Lanka but is now also harvested in Cambodia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Mexico, and Vietnam. It is regarded as the Queen of Spices and is one of the most expensive spices, ranking third, the first and second being saffron and vanilla, respectively.

Description:

Top quality cardamom is harvested while still immature and sun-dried to preserve its bright green color. Green cardamom pods are often difficult to find and therefore a bit expensive. Whole pods have a superior ability to retain the much sought after flavor and aroma. Smaller pods are generally more flavorful and thus the most prized. Whole cardamom pods are preferred for maintaining the best flavor. The inner seeds are a dark brown to almost black in color and are typically sticky. The rule of thumb is the stickier the seed the fresher the product.

Storage:

Store it in an airtight jar in a cool and dry place, in order to retain the aroma. It will remain useful for a year in dry conditions

Use:

Green Cardamom is used for savory flavoring in pâtés, purées, rice, sauces, soups, stews and with chicken, meats, seafood, and vegetables. If you want to enhance sweet dishes try adding cardamom seeds to your homemade custard, ice cream, rice pudding or sprinkle them over a fresh fruit salad.

Whole Cardamom pods, when slightly crushed, are used to flavor casseroles, curries, rice, and stew. Add both the crushed pod and the seeds to the cooking pot as the pods will dissolve while providing a bit of extra flavor to the dish.

Nourishing Value of Green cardamom:

Nourishing Value of Green cardamom and Its Oil is as indicated below: Green cardamom contains per 100 grams:

Total Fat                             10%

Cholesterol                        0%

Carbohydrate                   22%

Protein                               22%

It also includes niacin, pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin A, vitamin C, sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, and zinc etc.

Green Cardamom Properties:

Size : 5.5-6.5mm

Skin: Green, dried, wrinkled skin

Flavor: Sweet and Citrusy