Elettaria cardamomum, or cardamom, is a spice native to India that has been adopted into a variety of cuisines. Some describe the spice's flavor as being sweet and peppery, with a citrusy aroma. Cardamom has a mild-tasting pod, which may be black, green or white; within the pods are intensely flavored seeds. The type of cardamom called for depends on its culinary uses. Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines employ both black and green cardamom pods. The pod of black cardamom adds a smoky flavor to many African dishes. In northern Europe, cardamom provides a distinctive taste in many baked goods and pastries. Rather than using pods, bakers prefer the strong flavor of the ground seeds.
Using Cardamom Seeds
Step 1
Purchase green cardamom pods, which have a superior flavor and aroma and are preferred by bakers. Remove the seeds from the pod.
Step 2
Alternatively, purchase decorticated cardamom seeds, which are seeds already removed from the pod, but left whole.
Step 3
Grind the seeds, either by hand with a mortar and pestle or with a spice mill or coffee grinder.
Step 4
Store the seeds in an airtight container kept in a cool, dry place.
Using Ground Cardamom
Step 1
Purchase a small quantity of already-ground cardamom if you seek convenience.
Step 2
Replenish your supply of ground cardamom frequently, because its strong flavor quickly dissipates after it is ground.
Step 3
Look for white cardamom -- cardamom that has been bleached -- if you are using the spice in a light-colored batter or sauce that you wish to keep clear of any dark flecks.
Step 4
Store ground cardamom in an airtight container kept in a cool, dry place.
Adding to Baked Goods
Step 1
Use ground cardamom in yeast breads. Cardamom bread, often flavored with almonds, is a traditional Swedish treat served for breakfast, with coffee or as a light dessert.
Step 2
Use ground cardamom in breakfast pastries such as stollens, sweet rolls, coffee cakes, braids and waffles.
Step 3
Add ground cardamom to cakes and cookies. Speculaas, the traditional spicy Dutch "windmill" cookies, are often flavored with cardamom.
Step 4
Use ground cardamom to flavor other desserts, such as rice pudding, poached fruit or ice cream.
Step 5
Try adding cardamom to any of your usual recipes that call for traditional baking spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.
Tips and Warnings
- Cardamom's complex flavor enhances fruits such as apples and pears, as well as nuts like almonds, walnuts and pecans. You can experiment with adding cardamom along with these ingredients in baked goods and desserts. Cardamom also pairs well with chocolate, the BBC reports.
- Use cardamom sparingly. Especially when freshly ground, its flavor is quite intense, so a little goes a long way.
Things You'll Need
- Mortar and pestle, or spice mill or coffee grinder, if grinding seeds
- Small, tightly covered container
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