Green cardamom (Hari Elaichi), often referred to as the “queen of spices,” is a beloved and essential ingredient in kitchens worldwide. Its fragrant aroma, sweet-spicy flavor, and versatile use make it a prized possession in culinary traditions.
Green cardamom is native to the lush, tropical forests of southern India. It has been cultivated for centuries and was valued as a luxury spice, even being used as a trade commodity in ancient civilizations. Today, the spice is widely grown in India, Guatemala, Sri Lanka, and other tropical regions. The spice comes from the seeds of the plant’s pods, which are harvested, dried, and either sold whole or ground into powder. We’ll explore here the health benefits, culinary uses, and qualities that make green cardamom a must-have in your spice collection, available at any grocery store app.
Health Benefits of Green Cardamom
- Digestive Aid: Green cardamom is known for its digestive properties. It stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, which helps reduce bloating, gas, and heartburn. Chewing on cardamom pods after a meal is a common practice in Indian households to aid digestion and freshen the breath.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Green cardamom pods contain a wealth of antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage. These antioxidants help improve overall health and strengthen the immune system.
- Oral Health: Hari Elaichi and its antibacterial properties make it an effective remedy for bad breath. It is a common ingredient in natural mouth fresheners and has traditionally been used to maintain oral hygiene.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Green Cardamom is also known as chhoti elaichi which compounds that reduce inflammation, providing relief for various conditions such as sore throats and infections.
- Heart Health: Some studies suggest that green cardamoms may help lower blood pressure and improve heart health by promoting better blood circulation.
Culinary Uses of Green Cardamom
Green cardamom is a versatile spice that adds a unique, aromatic flavor to a wide variety of dishes. Its sweet, citrusy, and slightly minty taste enhances both sweet and savory recipes. Here are some popular culinary uses of green cardamom:
- Tea and Coffee
- Green cardamom tea is an Indian masala chai and Middle Eastern coffee blend (like Turkish or Arabic coffee). Adding a crushed pod or two while brewing tea or coffee enhances or choosing Elaichi Tea leaves the drink’s aroma and adds a warm, spicy flavor. It’s also common to add cardamom powder to other herbal or spiced teas for an aromatic boost.
- Baking
- Green cardamom is widely used in baking, especially in Scandinavian and Middle Eastern cuisines to add a warm, sweet-spicy flavor to cookies, cakes, buns, and bread.
- In Indian desserts like gulab jamun and rasgulla, green cardamom powder is often used to enhance flavor.
- It pairs beautifully with other spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, making it a versatile addition to a variety of baked goods or masala chai.
- Curries and Rice Dishes… Read More
