A fun dive into the history, varieties, health benefits, and exciting cuisines of  cardamom

Have a fun time learning about the rich history of cardamom, their varieties and their culinary possibilities. A brief guide through its health benefits help you to gain an insight into the merits of including the tiny pods in your diet. Shop for select cardamoms from Abe Mart and reap the benefits.

Cardamom: A Royal Elegance

You might have seen a jar full of green pods in the spice rack of your kitchen pantry beaming with unmatched confidence and poise. The dignified composure makes you wonder, ‘How and why does this spice stand out so differently?’. And upon some research, we come to know that their deliberate gestures and composed demeanour are tell-tale signs of their royal status as the ‘Queen of Spices’. Let us learn more about the tales and advantages of cardamom.

Curious to know the rich past?

Cardamom, a spice native to India, was carried far and wide, beyond the frontiers of the nation. Understanding the health benefits and flavours of cardamom, the spice route opened up for the spice to travel, from India to China, the Middle East, and Europe. The limelight on the spice snowballed its demand, with merchants vying to be part of the money-making trade. In ancient Greece and Rome, it soon evolved into a lucrative and luxury business, subjecting cardamom to import taxation. The Greeks and Romans loved them not only as an ingredient but as oils and perfumes. Cardamom became a part of the rituals and ceremonies in Egypt. All these anecdotes speak more to the point that cardamom was indeed the reigning Queen!

What are the different cardamom varieties?

Do you know how many varieties of cardamom are present? The answer is two main varieties with regional variations in each type. The varieties include black and green. Green cardamom, often referred to as true or real cardamom, is the most widely used variety in cooking. The fresh and sweet bursts it imparts have gathered a reception in sweet and savoury dishes across the culinary world. Black cardamom is rather bigger in size, has a smoky, earthy flavour, and is mostly used in savoury dishes.

Now let’s trace the reasons for granting the regal title to cardamom.

Health Benefits of Cardamom

The health benefits of cardamom cannot be pigeonholed. It is best described as a bow with many strings.

1. Antioxidants to make your cells win!

One of the highlights is the antioxidant prowess of the spice. The presence of antioxidants can prevent the oxidative stress caused by harmful free radicals which is essential in maintaining overall cellular health.

2. Anti-inflammation to relieve

Exposure to foreign particles causes inflammation. Long-term inflammation can lead to severe health issues. Antioxidants in cardamom have anti-inflammatory effects which help to curb inflammation and adverse health issues, thereby, promoting overall wellness.

3. Ensures heart health

Oxidative stress leads to cardiovascular diseases by damaging blood vessels, promoting inflammation and contributing to the formation of atherosclerosis plaque ( Thickening or hardening of arteries is called atherosclerosis. This happens due to the accumulation of plaque on the inner lining of the artery). Antioxidants suppress oxidative damage to protect blood vessels. This diminishes the risk of heart disease.

4. Cancer protection

Antioxidants in cardamom can curtail the proliferation of cancerous cells. However, more research would help to clearly understand its effects.

5. Skin health and ageing

Antioxidants resemble a fountain of youth by arresting free radicals that cause premature ageing. Its contribution to skin elasticity reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

6. Immune system support

Infections and diseases tremble in fear when antioxidants are in attendance. Antioxidants cement a sound immune system by providing the ability to defend from oxidative damage.

7. Brain Health

Antioxidants in cardamom are useful to fight off the oxidative damage that can be done to the brain. Their consumption improves cognitive functioning and brain health.

8. Blood sugar regulation

Another advantage, especially for individuals with diabetes is the role cardamom plays in the regulation or reduction of blood sugar levels in the body.

9. Digestive aid

Equipped with powerful digestive enzymes, issues such as indigestion, bloating and gas experience a restraint when cardamom enters the scene.

10. Fresh Breath

From ancient times, cardamom was used as a remedy to fix bad breath and improve oral health. Its antibacterial qualities and pleasant aroma act as a natural breath freshener.

11. Respiratory health

Traditionally cardamom was used to heal respiratory issues. Expectorant properties in it aid in the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract. The inherent anti-inflammatory quality constricts the inflammation in the airways.

12. Mood enhancement

Cardamom has been popular since ancient times for aroma therapy. It is believed to have mood-boosting properties that help to alleviate stress and anxiety while offering relaxation by creating a pleasant sensory experience.

Clearly, cardamom shines like a star with the benefits it delivers. But the benefits do not eclipse the aura of its flavour. Cardamom flowed to regions with its unique flavour and hence would be interesting to know how the spice is plated worldwide.

Satisfy sweet and savoury cravings with a pinch of cardamom

Cardamom demonstrates its versatile potential through diverse recipes that can be fashioned in the kitchen. In India, the spice has trickled into recipes in plentiful ways. From being used as a garnish in basmati, a must-have ingredient in spice mixes or masalas, cardamom tea or coffee, traditional sweets, and hearty curries, among other dishes. Across the world, they are used in baking and crafting sweet desserts.

After reading, if your thoughts have slowly coaxed you to try out cardamom in your diet, you now probably would be in a pickle to know where to shop for the spice without compromising on quality. Worry not, in this blog we have your shopping centres covered as well.

Where to shop?

In the olden days, cardamom was ground at homes with mortar and pestle. But, these are stories of the past. Modernity has changed the shopping scene; everything that you want is available in the comfort of your home with just a few clicks or taps on electronic gadgets to make life convenient.

The Abe Mart platform sources cardamom from the finest farms of Idukki. Grown and nurtured in the fertile soils of the Western Ghats, they are carefully handpicked by industry experts to ensure precision. They are dried and ground in a hygienic environment to assure quality. On our online store, you can buy premium whole cardamom as well as cardamom powder to add a twist to your recipes.

Conclusion

Conquering the trials of time, cardamom has established its irreplaceable stature in the spice world like a breeze. In the varied roles of oil, perfume, medicine, and flavour enhancers, they have been warmly tucked into human lives. Don’t waste time thinking, spritz the cardamom onto dishes to be beguiled by the aroma while soaking in the health benefits and exploring the versatility through beverages, desserts, or any tasteful dishes.

Disclaimer: THIS BLOG/WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE

The information contained in this blog is for educational and awareness purposes only. Under no circumstance should the information provided here be considered a substitute for professional medical help and should not be relied upon to treat or diagnose any medical condition. It is always advised to seek help from a qualified medical professional for your health conditions before relying on the content. Abe Mart does not accept any responsibility for any potential risk to the visitor/ reader.