All About Cardamom!

Cardamom: English

Elaichi: Punjabi and Hindi

Scientific name: Elettaria cardamomum

Flavour profile: eucalyptus, sweet, bitter, floral, menthol

Energy: grounding, heart opening, joy, refreshing

Ayurvedic constitutions: tridoshic so it is good for pacifying all dosha types

What is cardamom?

Cardamom is a small green pod about 1cm in size containing 4 to 6 black seeds full of flavour. Cardamom in India is known as the queen of spices. It grows like little weaves on the floor of the ground and has huge green vines that protect it from the sun or weather. It has to be hand picked by skilled workers and then dried. It has an astringent, sweet yet eucalyptus like taste profile with natural floral oils that come through. All the flavour and known therapeutic remedies in cardamom are contained inside the green pod, so if you ever purchase a chai blend that has whole cardamom pods, please return it and get your money back or crush it yourself with a mortar and pestle.

Cardamom is an active ingredient in our 11 Spice Chai, Golden Chai, Punjabi Cha, Sticky Chai and natural Chai Syrup blends. You can find these on our website if you'd like to get them.

Whenever I would make a chai at home, cardamom would always be the first spice I would find in my mum’s spice cabinet. It’s so innate to South Asian food and it will be find in any South Asian kitchen. Growing up, I remember mum giving me cardamom seeds if I had an upset tummy or bloating. It’s also widely used as a natural mouth freshener. My Grandad, an Ayurvedic doctor, always used to put cardamom in his chai blends and mum throws them into some of her curries and biryani’s. I now use cardamom in a lot of my sweet and savoury cooking, and sometimes nibble on some as a mouth freshener and a feel good remedy.

For thousands of years in Ayurveda, cardamom has been used to reduce bloating and intestinal gas. It has also traditionally been used as an expectorant and a remedy for cough and colds. For the Ayurvedic nerds, cardamom is known to be tridoshic, meaning it’s good for balancing all three Vata, Pitta and Kapha dosha’s.

There is a big difference between green cardamom and black cardamom. Green cardamom is the popular cardamom for use in masala chai and sweet dishes. Whereas black cardamom goes into a lot of savoury cooking. At Chai Walli, we however have experimented using black cardamom in masala chai and love its flavour in our Australian Native Masala Chai blend. Black and green cardamom differ in appearance, flavor, and usage, but both are valued for their culinary and medicinal properties in various cultures around the world.

Where does cardamom come from?

Cardamom is believed to have originated in the forests of the Western Ghats in southern India. It has been used since ancient times in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, and as a healing spice and a culinary ingredient.

Where is cardamom grown?

Cardamom is primarily grown in the following countries:

1. India: India is the largest producer and exporter of cardamom in the world. The southern states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are major producers.
2. Guatemala: Guatemala is the second-largest producer of cardamom globally. It is known for producing both green and black varieties of cardamom.
3. Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka is also a significant producer of cardamom, particularly the green cardamom variety.
4. Tanzania: Tanzania is known for producing a type of cardamom known as Tanzanian cardamom, which is typically the black variety.
5. Vietnam: Vietnam produces cardamom, mainly the black cardamom variety.
6. Nepal: Nepal cultivates the green and black cardamom but used mainly the black cardamom in their masala chai.
7. Thailand: Thailand also grows cardamom, mainly the black variety.
8. Laos: Laos is known to produce cardamom.

What are the health benefits of cardamom?

Here are some of the health benefits associated with cardamom:

1. Digestive Health: Cardamom has been traditionally used to aid digestion. It can help alleviate symptoms like gas, bloating, and indigestion. This digestive benefit is attributed to its essential oils, primarily terpinene, which can promote the secretion of digestive enzymes.
2. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Cardamom contains compounds like cineole, borneol, and camphor, which possess anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may help reduce inflammation and potentially alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis.
3. Antioxidant Effects: Antioxidants in cardamom, such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds, help neutralise free radicals and protect cells from damage. This antioxidant activity may contribute to reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
4. Heart Health: Studies suggest that cardamom may help lower blood pressure and improve lipid profiles. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties contribute to cardiovascular health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
5. Oral Health: Cardamom is often used in traditional medicine for oral health. Its antimicrobial properties may help combat bacteria that cause bad breath and prevent cavities. I use a cardamom flavoured floss and toothpaste at home, which I love!
6. Respiratory Health: The aroma of cardamom can help open up airways and improve breathing. It is often used in aromatherapy and in herbal remedies for respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
7. Mood and Stress Relief: The aroma of cardamom is believed to have calming effects and can help reduce stress and anxiety. It is often used in aromatherapy for relaxation purposes.
8. Antimicrobial Effects: Cardamom has antimicrobial properties that can help fight bacteria and fungi. This may contribute to its traditional use in preventing infections and promoting overall health.

Cardamom is a beautiful spice, it's my favourite spice. It grounds me and reminds me so much of India and my family. It is so versatile and has so much vitality in it. I definitely look at cardamom as being the goddess of spices!

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The information provided above is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns. The use of the information provided is at your own risk.