This distant relative of ginger appears to have originated in the Kerala Hills in the Western Ghats of southern India, and references to it in ancient Sanskrit texts date back five thousand years to the Late Vedic period.
Where did cardamom originate from?
Indian subcontinent
Cardamom (/ˈkɑːrdəməm/), sometimes cardamon or cardamum, is a spice made from the seeds of several plants in the genera Elettaria and Amomum in the family Zingiberaceae. Both genera are native to the Indian subcontinent and Indonesia.
When was cardamom first used?
The use of this spice dates back to at least 4000 years. This is one spice that is simply unbeatable in taste, flavour, and aroma. One has to experience it to explain it. Originally, cardamom grew wildly along the Western Ghats in South India.
Where was cardamom first found?
Vikings first discovered this spice during their travels and brought it back to Scandinavia. Cardamom originally came from wild plants located in the Western Ghats in Southern India. The plants grew in such abundance in this region that this area became known as Cardamom Hills.
What nationality uses cardamom?
Cardamom is used to spice both sweet and savory dishes. It is widely employed in Indian, Middle Eastern, Arabic, and Swedish cuisine. It comes in two types and is used as whole pods, seeds, or ground.
Why is cardamon known as the queen of spices?
Cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum, is called the Queen of Spices because of its many uses as a medicine and as a flavoring in food and drink. It is an important ingredient in Indian cooking and in Scandinavian baking. And– it is the third most expensive spice in the world.
Which country produces best cardamom?
Guatemala was the leading producer of cardamom, which accounted for more than 55% of the global production in 2019. Asian countries such as Indonesia, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are also some of the other major producers of cardamom.
Why is cardamom so popular in Sweden?
The people whom Scandinavians may need to thank for their cardamom traditions could be the Moors. The conventional history behind the arrival of cardamom in Scandinavia typically points to the Vikings, who allegedly introduced the spice to the region after trading with the Byzantine Empire in what is now Turkey.
Does cardamom have health benefits?
It may lower blood pressure, improve breathing and aid weight loss. What’s more, animal and test-tube studies show that cardamom may help fight tumors, improve anxiety, fight bacteria and protect your liver, though the evidence in these cases is less strong.
Is cardamom poisonous?
Is cardamom poisonous? No. Cardamom seeds are safe to consume and are a prized spice.
What is the king of spices?
Black Pepper
Black Pepper is considered the ‘king of spices’ and rightfully so. Unlike its perennial companion, salt, which is easily available in any nook and corner of the world, the black pepper owes its origins to Kerala – a state in South India.
Which spice is known as black gold?
black pepper
In fact, black pepper was so coveted in the Ancient World that it was known by merchants as “black gold”. The global popularity of pepper followed the rise of the Roman Empire. The Romans brought pepper from the East to the western shores of continental Europe to use as an exotic, if expensive, spice.
Does cardamom have caffeine?
Cardamom is a well-known spice that has long been a staple in Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine. It can also be used to brew up a delightfully spicy tea. When brewed by itself, it is naturally caffeine free and can be consumed at any time of the day.
What are the side effects of cardamom?
Loss of appetite. Nausea and vomiting after surgery. Sore mouth and throat. Urinary problems.
What is cardamom best used for?
Cardamom pairs well with poultry, red meat, lentils, oranges, rice and other warm spices, like nutmeg and cinnamon. It’s ideal in curries, teas, baked goods (like this gorgeous bread) and sausages.
Why do Norwegians use cardamom?
Serra speculates that perhaps the reason why cardamom and other spices stuck in the Scandinavian region is because of geography. Serra describes Scandinavia as being “on the fringes of the continent” and therefore “clung” to medieval food longer than the rest of Europe (Miltner).
Why is Indian cardamom is unique?
Expert-verified answer
(a)Indian cardamom is unique because it requires warm humid climate, loamy soil rich in organic matter, distributed rainfall, special cultivation and processing methods. (b) The Mysore quality of cardamom is unique as it contains higher levels of cineol and limonene and is more aromatic.
What is the taste of cardamom?
The green pods, elettaria cardamomum, also known as “true cardamom,” have the characteristics most recognized as cardamom flavor: an herbal warmth like a fragrant cross between eucalyptus, mint, and pepper—more citrusy than fennel and sweeter than cumin.
What is cardamom called in India?
Black cardamom is a popular Indian spice, called badi elaichi or kali elaichi, that is used in many of the cuisine’s signature dishes.
Will cardamom prices increase 2022?
According to officials, within four days of the new arrangement, the price showed a positive trend and the average price was quoted at Rs. 985 on Monday which was the highest price in 2022.
How can you tell good quality cardamom?
Rub cardamom pods between your fingers to see if there is any colour being released. If not, you are having a good quality Green Cardamom. Quality and Price of Green Cardamom is based on its Pod Size. Bigger the pod Size, more number of seeds and probability of having dark black seed inside.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.