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Cardamom pods are intensely aromatic and have a distinctive, strong flavor. They are a used in many world cuisines, including those of South Asia, the Middle East, and Scandinavia. For example, cardamom pods are used in the Indian beverage chai. In the Middle East they are employed as a flavoring in coffee and tea as well as in desserts. Cardamom pods provide the key ingredient in the Finnish sweet bread pulla.
Cardamom pods have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. They have been used in South Asia to treat tooth and gum infections. They have also been used to treat digestive problems and to break up gallstones and kidney stones. Cardamom has been given to prevent and treat throat problems and for pulmonary tuberculosis. Cardamom pods can be employed in infusions, tinctures, and teas. Cardamom is used in fragrances and body care products
Cardamom Pods in History
Cardamom belongs to the same family as ginger and tumeric so it is no surprise that it originated in southern India where ginger and tumeric grow and are highly esteemed in cooking and folk medicine.
Cardamom pod is believed to have arrived in Europe via one of Alexander the Great’s soldiers. In Europe it had its time of use in curative mixtures but has continued to present day mostly in baking traditions such as the breads of Finland.
In the Arab world cardamom pods are used in a variety of savory dishes and as a companion to coffee beans. The cardamom pods are ground with coffee beans, sometimes to a 40% cardamom ratio. This coffee is often offered to visitors as a show of hospitality. Given the cost of cardamom, this is a significant offering to a guest.
Nutrients in Cardamom Pods
Cardamom pods are a low-calorie, tasty spice. Two teaspoons of ground cardamom contains only twelve calories. They have little protein and fat but do provide about 3% of your daily iron requirement in that two teaspoon serving.
Cardamom pods are an excellent source of manganese but also a good source of magnesium, iron, and copper. They contain a bit of calcium, phosphorous, zinc, and vitamin C as well according to the USDA.
Antioxidants in Cardamom Pods
Antioxidants are becoming an increasingly important component to our diet because of their role in fighting cancer — in disarming a free radical before it becomes cancerous. Cardamom pods do have antioxidant capacity. The United States Department of Agriculture created a database of the antioxidant capacity of foods and included cardamom. Cardamom is not a super star on the list. Cloves and cinnamon were higher. But cardamom pods do act as an antioxidant while they improve the flavor of your food — a win-win for the consumer and the meal itself.
Medicinal Value of Cardamom Pods
Cardamom pods are native to southern India, so it is not surprising that cardamom has been a major player in Chinese and Indian folk medicines for thousands of years. Cardamom is still in use today and for a vast number of applications.
Over centuries of study, of trial and error, people groups do manage to find the native plant materials carrying curative properties. Cardamom pod is one of those and has held its ranking due to effectiveness and the vast range of ailments is can be used in treating.
Cardamom as a Decongestant?
As a decongestant, cardamom pods have been used to treat a number of respiratory ailments from the simple cold to asthma and bronchitis. Cardamom contains a phytochemical known as cineole. Cineole breaks up chest congestion and clear out mucus, hence the value of cardamom pod in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
Cardamom as an Antispasmodic?
As an antispasmodic, cardamom has been used to treat irritable bowel syndrome and intestinal cramps of various types and causes. Cardamom pod has been used in treating nausea, such as morning sickness and various digestive problems, including flatulence.
Cardamom as a Tonic?
Use of cardamom pods in foods and tea is considered a tonic, a substance to give a boost, even help fight depression. This may explain the wild popularity of chai tea in the United States. Cardamom pod is one of the key ingredients in chai tea. Those who have enjoyed it at Starbucks or Borders during a grueling day of shopping will attest to its ability to provide a pick-me-up.
Forms of Cardamom in Medicine
In some instances the cardamom seeds are chewed. This is the case with treating bad breath. Some sources indicate that chewing the cardamom seed releases oils that actually kill the bacteria causing the bad breath.
In other instances oil of cardamom is used. For example, a whiff of the oil will help calm a queasy stomach. The essential oil of cardamom is used in aromatherapy to ease chest congestion.
Many times a tea is called for in which the cardamom pod has been mulled or stewed. These teas are used as curatives and as preventatives. For the most part, these are pleasantly flavored due to the cardamom oil and are a delight to drink.
Buy Cardamom Pods In Bulk for Best Savings
The advantage of buying cardamom in pods, rather than in seeds or ground, is that the flavor and aroma last longest in the cardamom pods. When cardamom seeds are removed from the pod they quickly lose their flavor and fragrance. To have the freshest source of cardamom flavor available, buy cardamom pods, remove the seeds, and grind them fresh for your creations.
We know a great vendor that sells certified organic cardamom pods in bulk at very low prices (Click here and scroll down). You can buy it in 4 oz., 8 oz., and 1 lb. sizes. If you buy more than five pounds, you will receive even greater discounts.
You will be amazed by the savings when you buy cardamom pods in bulk. (Click here and scroll down, note the 60-day return guarantee and purchase options via the Internet, phone, mail, or fax.)
Cardamom Pods Price Comparison
Many other vendors sell certified organic cardamom pods, but at higher prices. For instance, Amazon.com sells a 3-pack of 1 oz. bags of certified organic cardamom pods. (Click here to see this alternative product at Amazon.com.)
Cardamom Pods Disclaimer
The information on this website is for educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.