Pro Organic Care Dried Green Cardamom 100 % Kerala Pods Whole Elachi Raw Strong [50g] SKU# 4136

Description

Cardamom is one of the world's very ancient spices. It is native to the East originating in the forests of the western ghats in southern India, where it grows wild. Today it also grows in Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Indo China and Tanzania. The ancient Egyptians chewed cardamom seeds as a tooth cleaner; the Greeks and Romans used it as a perfume. Vikings came upon cardamom about one thousand years ago, in Constantinople, and introduced it into Scandinavia, where it remains popular to this day. Cooking with Cardamom The pods can be used whole or split when cooked in Indian and Sri Lankan substantial meals - such as pulses. Otherwise, the seeds can be bruised and fried before adding main ingredients to the pan, or pounded with other spices as required. Keep the pods whole until use. The pod itself is neutral in flavor and not generally used, imparting an unpleasant bitter flavor when left in dishes. Cardamom is used mainly in the Near and Far East. Its commonest Western manifestation is in Dutch 'windmill' biscuits and Scandinavian-style cakes and pastries, and in aquavit. It features in curries, is essential in pilaus (rice dishes) Health Benefits of Cardamom A stimulant and ruminative, cardamom is not used in Western medicine for it own properties, but forms a flavoring and basis for medicinal preparations for indigestion and flatulence using other substances, entering into a synergistic relationship with them. The Arabs attributed aphrodisiac qualities to it (it features regularly in the Arabian Nights) and the ancient Indians regarded it as a cure for obesity. It has been used as a digestive since ancient times. A medicinal (perhaps aphrodisiac) cordial can be made by macerating seeds in hot water.