The Plant
Elettaria cardamomum is a plant in the Zingiberaceae family, just like turmeric and ginger. It grows tall and can reach up to 5 meters in height. It typically grows at altitudes between 800 and 1,500 meters in warm, humid climates. Its leaves are large, and the cardamom seeds develop within its pods.
Properties and Benefits
Let’s explore the properties and benefits of cardamom:
Lowers Blood Pressure
Cardamom may help lower blood pressure, most likely due to its diuretic properties. It also has antioxidant effects and is rich in minerals and vitamins.
It is particularly useful for people with hypertension, as it supports blood circulation and may positively influence blood pressure levels.
Digestive Support
Cardamom has been used for thousands of years to aid digestion. The aromatic seeds stimulate stomach function, strengthen the stomach lining, and serve as a natural remedy for issues such as bloating and stress-related heartburn.
Helps Against Bad Breath and Cavities
Daily use of cardamom may relieve bad breath and improve oral health. In some cultures, it is common to freshen breath by chewing whole cardamom pods after a meal. Its ability to combat oral bacteria may explain its breath-freshening effects.
Nutritional Values and Calories
100 grams of cardamom pods provide approximately 311 calories and contain:
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8.28 g of water
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10.76 g of protein
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6.70 g of fats, including:
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0.680 g saturated fats
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0.870 g monounsaturated fats
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0.430 g polyunsaturated fats
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68.47 g of carbohydrates
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28 g of fiber
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21 mg of vitamin C
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102 mg of niacin
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0.230 mg of vitamin B6
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0.198 mg of thiamine
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182 mg of riboflavin
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119 mg of potassium
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28 mg of magnesium
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383 mg of copper
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383 mg of calcium
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229 mg of magnesium
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178 mg of phosphorus
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18 mg of sodium
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13.97 mg of iron
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7.47 mg of zinc
Uses
Cardamom seeds have a distinctive floral flavor (with a slight hint of lemon) and a fragrance reminiscent of eucalyptus. The taste is fresh and slightly pungent. It enhances rice dishes, desserts, and hot beverages and, together with turmeric and ginger, is one of the ingredients of curry.
Interestingly, one of the countries that consumes the most cardamom is Sweden, where it is used to flavor everything from baked goods to hamburgers and meatloaf. It pairs well with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in classic autumn spice blends. Coffee lovers should know that it is an essential ingredient in Turkish coffee.
In Indian cuisine, it is fundamental for preparing garam masala. It is also widely used in Italy, where some people add it to mulled wine and zabaglione for an extra touch of flavor.
