Green Cardamom (also known as true cardamom) is a spice that comes from the seeds of plants in the family Zingiberaceae. It is native to India, but is now also grown in other countries such as Guatemala, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka.
Green cardamom has a strong, sweet, and slightly pungent flavour with hints of citrus and mint. It is often used in sweet and savoury dishes, as well as in tea and coffee. It is also a popular ingredient in many Indian, Middle Eastern, and Scandinavian cuisines. Green cardamom is primarily grown in the southern Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. These regions have the ideal climate and soil conditions for cardamom cultivation.
Green cardamom is not only a popular spice used in cooking, but it also has several potential health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of green cardamom:
- Digestive health: Green cardamom is known to improve digestive health by stimulating the secretion of digestive juices, reducing inflammation in the gut, and promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
- Oral health: Green cardamom contains natural compounds that can help prevent and treat oral health problems like bad breath, mouth ulcers, and gingivitis.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: The antioxidants in green cardamom have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation throughout the body, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
- Blood pressure and cholesterol control: Some research suggests that green cardamom may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are both risk factors for heart disease.
- Antimicrobial effects: Green cardamom has natural antimicrobial properties that may help fight against bacterial and fungal infections.
It's important to note that while green cardamom has potential health benefits, it should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment. If you have any health concerns, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional.
Green cardamom can be consumed in various ways, depending on the dish or drink it is being used in. Here are some common ways to consume green cardamom:
- Whole pods: The easiest way to use green cardamom is to add whole pods to dishes like curries, stews, and rice pilafs. The pods can be lightly crushed or opened to release the seeds, which will infuse the dish with its aromatic flavour.
- Ground powder: Ground green cardamom powder can be used in baking, to make spice blends, or to flavour drinks like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- Tea: Green cardamom tea is a popular beverage in many cultures. To make cardamom tea, simply crush a few pods and add them to boiling water along with tea leaves or herbal tea.
- Desserts: Green cardamom pairs well with sweet flavours, and can be used to flavour desserts like rice pudding, ice cream, or baked goods.
When using green cardamom, it's best to use it sparingly, as its strong flavour can easily overpower other ingredients. It's also important to store green cardamom in an airtight container away from light and heat to preserve its freshness and flavour.
As a supplier, we at Live Organics are excited to offer green cardamom to our customers. We understand the importance of high-quality organic products, and we take great pride in sourcing our green cardamom from trusted farmers who practice sustainable and fair trade farming methods.
