Black cardamom is also referred to as brown cardamom due to the dark brown colour. To complicate matters, there are in effect 3 types of cardamom varieties, white, green and black or brown. Each of the three cardamom varieties has a different flavour, appearance and use in cooking.
Are cardamom seeds brown or black?
Cardamom Seeds are collected when the papery husk of a green cardamom pod is broken open, three seed segments, each containing three to four brown-black, oily, pungent seeds, are revealed. The taste of the seeds is warm, camphorous and eucalypt-like, pleasantly astringent and refreshing on the palate.
What is brown cardamon?
Brown cardamom pods are dark brown in colour and are oval pods about 2.5cm long. The aroma is camphor-like and smokey, quite different to the better known green cardamom. Brown cardamom gives a delicious smokey taste to marinades for tandoori-style cooking, and goes well in butter chicken.
Is black cardamom same as cardamom?
The green cardamom has a very strong and intense aroma and flavour, while the black cardamom has a smoky and vaguely camphor-like flavour. The taste of black cardamom has a coolness that is sometimes likened to that of mint, but both the forms of cardamom are used for the purpose of adding flavour to foods and drinks.
What is the difference between green and brown cardamom?
There are two main types of cardamom as green cardamom and black cardamom. Green cardamom is smaller in size than black cardamom and has an intense flavor while black cardamom has a smoky flavor. While green cardamom can complement both sweet and savory dishes, black cardamom is ideal for savory dishes.
Which cardamom is best?
Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomom) is known as true cardamom. This is the most common variety you will see sold in the spice aisle of the supermarket. It is the top choice for sweet dishes but also works well in savory dishes. The bleached version, white cardamom, has less flavor.
How do you use brown cardamom?
Throw in whole cardamom in warm oil to temper the spice and release the aromatic oils from the pod. You can also add whole pods for slow cooking stews or in liquid broth to infuse the dish with a delicate smoky aroma.
What can I substitute for black cardamom?
The best substitute for cardamom is a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. These 3 spices come together to closely replicate the complex flavors of the black cardamom pods. Combine ground cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice into a blend that can be used in a variety of dishes.
What do you use black cardamom for?
Black cardamom is largely used in savory Indian dishes ranging from curries, stews, daals (lentil dishes), and pilafs. In China, the pods are used for jin-jin braised meat dishes, particularly in Sichuan cuisine, and in Vietnam, they are used as an ingredient in pho noodle soup.
Which cardamom is best for baking?
Green cardamom (which differs from the pungent and smoky black cardamom that’s often used in savory dishes like dal) has an herbal quality that works well in baked goods, and you get the boldest flavor when you buy it in pod form.
Are there different types of cardamom?
3 Types Of Elaichi (Cardamom)
Cardamom is one of the spices most commonly used today worldwide, not only in the kitchen but also in cocktails, pastries and even bread. The three most used varieties are green, black, and white cardamom.
Can black cardamom be used in tea?
Black cardamom or Amomum cardamomum offers a smokier flavor that is highlighted by a refreshing aroma and minty notes. Cardamom tea is an herbal tea made from infusing the seeds or cardamom pods in hot water. The tea often features notes of apple and is consumed alongside sweet dishes.
What does black cardamom taste like?
Intense flavor: Black cardamom has a pungent, almost menthol, flavor. You can use it in the same way you would milder green cardamom in spice blends or recipes, but you should consider balancing it out with other sweet or spicy flavors, such as cinnamon, sichuan peppercorns, or chiles.
Is Mccormick cardamom green or black?
Cardamom pod is the dried fruit of a plant in the ginger family. The green triangular pods hold the black seeds, which are finely ground for the ground spice.
Can I substitute green cardamom for black?
You can use green cardamom as a substitute for black but it lacks the smoky, hot flavor. Don’t use black cardamon as a replacement for green cardamom. Depending on the recipe it may be best just to leave black cardamon out.
Is black cardamom hot or cold?
Q. Is black Cardamom hot or cold? According to Ayurveda, black Cardamom has Ushan (hot) property. It is a warm spice that helps to improve digestion and also gives relief to congestion.
What are the side effects of black cardamom?
Loss of appetite. Nausea and vomiting after surgery. Sore mouth and throat. Urinary problems.
Is black cardamom good for diabetes?
Numerous scientific studies suggest that cardamom contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic properties that can help control blood sugar. It satiates your craving for sweet without raising the sugar levels.
How can you tell the quality of cardamom?
Colour is the most crucial aspect to consider while buying cardamom. Fresh cardamoms are plump and olive or green in colour. However, if the cardamom pods look too green, there may be artificial colours used to make them seem fresh. If they look yellowish, they may either be too old or have been dried wrongly.
Does cardamom go bad?
Properly stored, ground cardamom will generally stay at best quality for about 3 to 4 years. To maximize the shelf life of ground cardamom purchased in bulk, and to better retain flavor and potency, store in containers with tight-fitting lids.
Should you crush cardamom pods?
Toast your cardamom pods before grinding them for more flavor. Toasting your spices can really intensify their flavor.
Gerardo Gonzalez loves cooking. He became interested in it at a young age, and has been honing his skills ever since. He enjoys experimenting with new recipes, and is always looking for ways to improve his technique.
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