Cardamom - what is it? Interesting facts about spices

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Cardamom - what is it? Not all people who are fond of cooking can answer this question. But still, this spice is worth considering in more detail. Cardamom, the use of which is also of considerable interest to those who want to deepen their knowledge of spices, is of oriental origin. It was used in ancient times for the preparation of incense - it was mentioned by Theophrastus. In his work, which was written shortly after the return of Alexander the Great from India, Theophrastus devoted many pages to Indian spices, describing them in detail. Cardamom was no exception. What it is, the ancient scientist had a very vague idea. But he was not too lazy to supplement his story with fictitious details.

Cardamom - what is it?

This spice is still widely used in world cuisine. It is mainly important for baking, sweets, various desserts and sugary drinks. The strong and pleasant aroma that cardamom has (photos show only its nondescript appearance) evokes a feeling of warmth, and there are also notes of freshness in it.

Last successfullyare emphasized by the addition of not very sweet spices, such as cumin, coriander and some others. Cardamom pods are harvested in their immature form, when they have not yet had time to darken. The green color of the shells is a very important sign of a quality spice. Therefore, for its preservation, cardamom is treated with soda ash, and then dried in special ovens. There is disagreement among specialists as to whether the essential oil is present in the shells of the beans. Some believe that it is not there at all. Others say that it is contained, but in smaller quantities. A faint aroma emanates from the shells of cardamom. They can be used to repel moths, like lavender. They can also be used to flavor sugar or herbal teas. The seeds have a much more pungent taste and aroma. Sometimes cardamom is bleached. Some prefer the green version of this spice.

A little more interesting about cardamom and its uses

There are two more subspecies of this spice. One of them is called "grains of paradise", and the other is black cardamom. Both are much more pungent than regular cardamom. What it is and what are the characteristics of these spices can be imagined by imagining a flavor that is intermediate between the smell of ginger and black pepper. Their seeds have more resinous notes. This gives them specificity and makes them less popular. Cardamom is often used in spice blends made in North Africa.

For example, in Morocco it is used to produce liqueurs and balms with complex flavors. In Nepal and India this spice is very common too.is an integral part of various mixtures. In Southeast Asia, young shoots and leaves of cardamom are used as food. They are added to rice dishes for flavoring. The fruits there are medicine. The most traditional use of cardamom in Thai cuisine is in desserts. Along with an anise. In Europe, cardamom is traditionally a component of winter warming drinks. For example mulled wine.