Description
- Botanical Name - Elettaria cardamomum
- Origin - Guatemala
In India Cardamom is often referred to as the "queen of spices" (pepper is considered the king). A member of the ginger Zinziberaceae family the spice cardamom intensifies both savory and sweet flavors. Cardamom's aroma is rugged, but gentle, fruity and biting. The taste is light and lemony. Whole pods are used in savory recipes in India and the Middle East, as well as being a traditional flavor for strongly brewed coffee and tea. Cardamom is used in its ground form in both Middle Eastern and Scandinavian baked goods; since cardamom loses flavor quickly once ground, it is often preferable to buy the long-storing whole pods and grind only the amount needed for a recipe.