What is black cardamom?

When you see black cardamom called for in a recipe, it's usually the whole pod that is meant to be used. Cardamom always starts out in the form of a pod. Sometimes, a recipe may call for a whole crushed cardamom pod to be added during cooking, and discarded afterwards, much as you would do with bay leaves.

What are the health benefits of cardamom?

Cardamom is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron and potassium. Cardamom is in the same family as ginger and turmeric, which are all great at balancing digestion, combating nausea and fighting motion sickness. Some people even chew on the pods like gum because of their minty flavor. See the amazing health benefits of other common spices.

What are cardamom pods?

The pods contain hard, black seeds that are usually dried and ground to make a powder. These seeds contain the essential oils that give the spice its distinct flavor. Once the seeds are ground, they begin to lose their flavor quickly. For best results, use ground cardamom close to its purchase date, or better yet, start with whole pods.

What does cardamom taste like?

Cardamom comes from the seeds of several different plants that belong to the same family as ginger. It has a distinctive flavor that complements both sweet and savory dishes. People may use cardamom seeds and pods in curries, desserts, and meat dishes, as well as in beverages, such as coffee and chai tea.