Cardamom is a spice with a unique flavor and aroma that has been used in cooking for centuries. It is a popular ingredient in many Indian dishes, and has a wide range of culinary uses in other cuisines. In this post, we will explore the history and uses of it, as well as some of the health benefits associated with this powerful spice. We will also look at how to use it in cooking, as well as some delicious recipes featuring this flavorful ingredient. Whether you are an experienced cook or just starting out, this post will provide you with the information you need to start using cardamom in your own recipes.
Cardamom Nutrition Facts and Calories Chart
IT is a spice that is used in many traditional dishes around the world. It is also known for its many health benefits. Cardamom is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is also high in fiber, which can help keep the digestive system healthy. In addition, cardamom is rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which are essential for healthy bones and teeth. Cardamom also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis, asthma, and other health conditions. Lastly, cardamom can help improve circulation and reduce cholesterol levels, making it an important addition to a heart-healthy diet. Nutritional value per 100 g cardamom:
- Biotin: 0 µg
- Calcium: 145 mg
- Carbohydrates (Carbs): 70.09 g
- Chloride: 4.8 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Choline: 0.7 mg
- Chromium: 0.5 µg
- Copper: 1.3 mg
- Dietary Fiber: 7.1 g
- Energy (Calories): 311 kcal
- Fat: 7.17 g
- Iodine: 0.2 µg
- Iron: 7.1 mg
- Magnesium: 152 mg
- Manganese: 2.7 mg
- Molybdenum: 0.5 µg
- Pantothenic Acid: 0.3 mg
- Phosphorus: 230 mg
- Potassium: 527 mg
- Protein: 8.89 g
- Saturated fat: 4.8 g
- Selenium: 1.1 µg
- Sodium: 19 mg
- Sugars: 1.2 g
- Vitamin A: 0 µg
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 0.1 mg
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.2 mg
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 1.2 mg
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): 0.3 mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.3 mg
- Vitamin B9 (Folate / Folic Acid): 23 µg
- Vitamin B12: 0 µg
- Vitamin C: 3.9 mg
- Vitamin D: 0 µg
- Vitamin E: 0.2 mg
- Vitamin K: 0 µg
- Water: 6.8 g
- Zinc: 1.3 mg
Cardamom in India
Cardamom is a well-known Indian condiment. With a divinely sensual flavor, cardamom, which belongs to the same family as ginger, stimulates the mind and arouses the senses. Cardamom has a warm, slightly spicy taste, and can be added to sweet and savory dishes alike. Its seeds combine well with other remedies to improve flavor and to soothe an upset digestive system. They also add zest to coffee, making a subtler stimulant than coffee alone. It has long been considered an aphrodisiac, in part because of its irresistible flavor. Cardamom is an aromatic herb and is one of the oldest spices in the world. Apart from its medicinal value, it was also used in perfumes by the ancient Egyptians.
- Scientific Binomial: Elettaria cardamomum / Amomum aromaticum
- Common English: Bengal Cardamom / Malabar Cardamom / Ceylon Cardamom
- Ayurvedic: Sthula-elaa
- Unani: Morang-elaaichi
- Sanskrit: Trutih
- Hindi / Urdu: Elaichi
- Bengali: Elachi
- Marathi: Elachi / Veldoda
- Telugu: Elaki
- Tamil: Perelam
- Gujarati
- Kannada: Elakki
- Malayalam: Elatarri
- Oriya
- Punjabi / Sindhi
- Assamese
- Kashmiri
- Konkani
- Manipuri
- Dogri
- Bhojpuri
Home Remedies
Cardamom’s main therapeutic use lies in easing discomfort within the upper digestive system, making it a valuable digestive remedy. Added to milk, it will neutralize mucus forming properties; added to coffee, it detoxifies caffeine. To minimize the mucus-forming properties of milk, add a half teaspoon of this seed powder and a half teaspoon of turmeric powder to one cup of milk.
- Digestive Aid: Cardamom tea helps you digest your food better so the food you eat will be less likely to produce gas. Place 1 teaspoon cardamom in 8 ounces of water and boil for 10 minutes. Drink the hot tea with your meals. In Ayurvedic medicine, cardamom is considered one of the best digestive aids. It is often combined as an anticatarrhal (combating inflammation of the mucous membranes) in formulas for the lungs.
- Heartburn: Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional medicine of India, prescribe teas made of crushed cardamom to cool the heat of heartburn. Add 1 teaspoon of crushed or powdered herb to 1 cup boiling water, steep, strain, and drink. To stop cramps and gas pains, especially when you over indulge at mealtime, try cardamom tea. This tea is also great for children’s stomachaches. To make this tea, mix a quarter-teaspoon cardamom spice, a half-teaspoon ground fennel seed, a half-teaspoon ground caraway seed, and half a slice of fresh ginger root. Put a mixture in a mug and pour in one cup boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes.
- Common Cold: For colds and flu try ginger-cardamom-cinnamon tea. Take ginger, cinnamon and cardamom in 2:3:pinch ratio and steep 1 teaspoon in a cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. When the tea has cooled down somewhat, you can add about 1 teaspoon of honey for taste. Cardamom also relieves intestinal spasms, gas, bloating, and flatulence.
- Bad Breath: Chewing on green cardamom is very effective for odor of halitosis, as it actually kills bad breath bacteria.
- Sore Throat: The seed’s warming and slightly antiseptic action extends to the throat and chest, making it a good addition to gargles for sore throat, and in chest problems such as asthma and bronchitis.
- Depression: Cardamom herbal tea can be made with a quarter teaspoon of powdered cardamom seeds boiled for about 3 minutes in water. Add honey for taste. This is a traditional remedy for depression. The herbal tea can also give relief from headache caused by indigestion.
- Nausea: Mildly warming and analgesic, its oil relieves colic and gas, and helps settle nausea, griping, and indigestion. It combines well with chamomile. Use crushed seed or tincture; take the essential oil internally only on professional advice.
- Celiac Disease: The use of powered cardamom sprinkled on cooked cereal can be used to correct celiac disease in youngsters. Celiac disease is an intolerance for the gluten in grain commonly occurring in children, and marked by frequent diarrhea and continual digestive problems. Generally a gluten-free diet is prescribed to help them. But some Chinese remedies suggest to add a pinch of cardamom powder at the end of recipes.
Side Effects and Precautions
It is considered very safe, but avoid it if you have an ulcer or in high pitta states. If used in excess, cardamom can aggravate pitta and tends to increase the secretion of gastric acid; it is not suitable for individuals suffering from gallbladder disease and ulcer.
FAQs.
Q. What are some interesting beliefs associated with this spice?
Cardamom is a stimulating plant which eases the brain and the respiratory and digestive systems. Its sweet, warming energy brings joy and clarity to the mind, and is particularly good for opening the flow of prana, or vital energy, through the body.
- Cardamom seeds believed to increase libido, deepen the passion in your relationship and attract love. Crush a few seeds and place them in your favorite bottle of wine. Then serve the wine to your beloved to increase the passion between the two of you and enhance your sexual experience.
- To attract love, you can use the seeds in a love amulet or add them to a sachet you hang in your closet.
- The seeds are a wonderful addition to incense. You can burn the incense to fill your home with a warm feeling of love, safety, and comfort.