Green cardamom (aka elettaria) pods are an exotic spice often found in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking. They have a strong, unique flavor and are intensely aromatic. Along with saffron and vanilla beans, cardamom is one of the most expensive and treasured spices in the world due to the plant’s extremely low yield (20kg of pods produced per hectare).

Store spices in their jar in a cool, dark cupboard. If grinding, do so just prior to use as pre-ground spices lose flavor and aroma over time.

Cardamom pods can be used whole or ground (to preserve flavor, grind just prior to use). This spice pairs extremely well with coffee, tea, lentils, curries, rice, meat and poultry. It is also found in desserts, including some Middle Eastern ice creams. Apart from their culinary uses, cardamom seeds are sometimes chewed to freshen breath and calm stomach maladies.

In the Middle East, cardamom is often used to season hot coffee.  Try adding a few cracked cardamom pods to your coffee grounds the next time you use a French press!

How to Grind Whole Spices
Spice Recipes