Cardamom, also known as cardamon or cardammum, is a spice that is made from the seeds of two plants, Elettaria and Amomum. Both are in the family Zingiberaceae and are native to the Indian subcontinent. The Amomum species is also native to Indonesia.
Green cardamom
Green cardamom, or true cardamom, is a perennial plant in the ginger family that is native to southern India. Its seeds are used in cooking and as a spice. Although green cardamom is much more common than its true counterpart, the spice is actually a species of ginger.
Green cardamom is one of the most expensive spices by weight, so it's best to buy it in pod form. The pods are more versatile and can be used as-is or ground fresh as needed. You can also reuse the shells for steeping.
White cardamom
The white version of cardamom is less common than its green counterpart, which is a shame because it is a valuable spice that complements many foods. It is commonly used in spice blends and braises, and is great in Asian-inspired dishes. In fact, it is essential to Thai cooking.
It has a mild, mildly aromatic flavor and is used to flavor curries and sweet dishes. It also aids digestion and is used to treat heartburn, nausea, and loss of appetite. It is a powerful antispasmodic and contains vitamins C, A, and riboflavin.
Black cardamom
Black cardamom, also known as hill cardamom, greater cardamom, and Indian cardamom, is a perennial herbaceous plant. It is native to India and Southeast Asia. Other common names for this spice include 'hillabaloo', 'hill cardamom,' and 'bengal cardamom.' It has a wide range of culinary and medicinal uses.
Black cardamom can help treat respiratory problems, including chest infections. It warms the respiratory tract and regulates the secretion of mucus. It also helps detoxify the body. It contains high levels of Vitamin C and has antibacterial and antiviral properties. In addition, it can boost the immune system.
Medicinal properties of cardamom
Cardamom has a wide range of medicinal properties and is used in a wide variety of products. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and can aid in the treatment of cancer. It can also help relieve menstrual pain. It is commonly used in tea and other food items. It is also used to help improve memory. It is said that adding a pinch to a cup of tea will have a better effect, but more research is needed to prove this claim.
Cardamom contains high levels of cineol, a natural antimicrobial. It is also an excellent expectorant, which is beneficial for cough sufferers. It also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Cardamom is also said to help treat pharyngitis and tonsillitis. It can also help combat parasitic worms in the intestine.
Ground cardamom
Ground cardamom is available as seeds, pods, or powder. If you prefer whole cardamom pods, you can purchase them in the spice aisle of most supermarkets. Whole cardamom is the most intense flavoring, while ground cardamom is milder. Whole cardamom pods should be toasted to bring out their flavor. You can remove the seeds and use them in infusions of coffee, tea, or other beverages. If you prefer ground cardamom, you can purchase it at your local grocery store, in international aisles, or through online retailers.
Ground cardamom is also an excellent spice for baking and grilling. Its robust and spicy flavor and aroma help balance the sweetness of baked goods. You can also rub ground cardamom onto meats before grilling them to bring out their savory flavor.
Alternatives to cardamom
Cardamom is an aromatic spice that can be found in a number of foods. Its flavor is complex and has a combination of citrus, herbal, and spicy notes. It can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes. Unlike cinnamon or ginger, however, it is not very common.
If you cannot find cardamom, you can substitute it with other spices. Cinnamon and nutmeg are great stand-alone replacements for cardamom and can also be used to enhance the cardamom flavour. When substituting cinnamon or nutmeg for cardamom, you should use a mixture of two teaspoons each and half the amount of cardamom called for in the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What spices can be used in Thai cooking
Thai cuisine is well known for its diverse flavour profiles. These flavor combinations are made with unique and delicious spices that produce many delicious dishes.
Common ingredients for Thai cooking are galangal, lemongrass, kaffirlim leaves, chillies and garlic.
Each spice contributes to Thai cuisine's distinctive flavour profile. It is used often in soups and curries; galangal lends a slightly peppery taste to dishes; chillies add a spicy kick; garlic gives dishes an umami depth; shrimp paste adds a subtle, but fragrant, aroma to dishes; coriander brings out a mild, yet pleasant aroma to dishes; cumin adds a smoky flavor to dishes; and turmeric gives food a vivid yellow color.
These spices work together to create unique flavour profiles for Thai cuisine. Mixing spices together can make dishes both tasty and aromatic. If you're looking to bring the flavours of Thailand into your kitchen, be sure to stock up on these spices!
What's the difference between curried and curry?
There is no difference in spelling. Both words refer to the same thing: an Indian dish combining meat or vegetables with various seasonings.
Curry comes from Hindi word kari that means "to rub". It refers how spice mixtures are applied to food. Curried foods are generally cooked until they become golden.
Curried dishes weren't always reserved for special occasions. Today, they can be enjoyed throughout India. They can be made with chicken, beef or lamb and include vegetables as well.
Curried dishes are typically served alongside plain white rice. The most common accompaniments are raita (a yogurt paste) and chutney.
How do I make Thai food at home using Thai spices?
Five essential spices are required to create authentic Thai cuisine at home. These include black pepper, turmeric, coriander seed, coriander and cinnamon. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the creation delicious dishes.
Cinnamon brings out the sweetness of black pepper, while white pepper enhances the savoury flavours. Coriander seeds add a spicy kick, while turmeric gives curry powder its signature yellow colour. Cayenne peppers are hot, and cilantro adds freshness. Finally, cinnamon can add depth and complexity in any dish.
You can buy each of these spices in your local grocery shop, or you can order them online.
What's the Difference Between Cooking With Whole vs. Ground Spices?
There is no difference between cooking whole spices and with ground spices. All spices can be ground once they have been harvested. It doesn't make a difference in terms of quality.
But the price gap is significant. Because of the labor involved in making whole spices, they cost more. However, the flavor is worth it.
When you buy bulk spices, you may get additional discounts. If you buy a whole bag of cinnamon sticks, you may get a discount.
The same is true for nutmeg cloves ginger, cardamom, and ginger. This can help you save money on spices if you buy them in bulk.
Whole spices can also last longer than the ground spices. Because ground spices lose potency quickly from oxidation, this is why whole spices last longer than ground spices.
The main reason we recommend whole spices over dried is that they can add lots of flavor to recipes.
A delicious curry can be made with whole turmeric as opposed to ground turmeric. Or you can grind whole coriander seeds to create a spice blend for chicken dishes.
Additionally, spices need to be ground. It is sensible to purchase large quantities when buying whole spices. That way, you won't run out of spices too fast.
What are the 11 Indian spice blends?
Coriander seeds and cumin seeds are the eleven main spices in Indian cuisine.
These ingredients are used in almost every dish. These spices give a distinctive taste to dishes such as dal (lentils), curries, chutneys, pickles, rice, bread, and sweets.
Also, spices have many health benefits. Curcuma helps fight cancer cells. Bad breath is protected by cloves. Black pepper reduces cholesterol. Cinnamon lowers blood pressure. And ginger aids digestion.
A spice rack makes a great kitchen tool. It allows you to experiment with many different combinations of flavours. You can make your spice mix or buy ready-made blends that contain many of the essential spices.
Some people choose not to add spice to their food. They believe spices only mask natural flavor and do little to enhance them. However, it is possible to enhance the taste of your meals by adding a little salt or pepper.
Most chefs agree that spices form an integral part of good culinary art. Without spices, many dishes are bland and tasteless. Try a new recipe next time you feel adventurous.
What are the uses of Thai spice?
We all have heard the term Thai spices, but we don't understand what it really means. We are left wondering why we don't eat more Thai spice when our mouths water.
It's much more than a spice. It's an essential ingredient, which adds depth and flavor to dishes otherwise bland.
Many recipes call for Thai spice, but only a few have the actual thing. Let's talk about how to make sure you add these amazing flavors to your meals.
Thais have used herbs and spices since ancient times to enhance food and drink. Thai, which means "to make", comes from the Sanskrit word.
Most Thais like spicy food, even today. This preference is often due to the heat in Thailand which makes it difficult for people to stay warm without hot drinks. Thais are also more likely to consume chili peppers as compared to Americans or Europeans.
It is a great way to learn more about Thai spices. There will be a large selection of ingredients available including dried chilies (fresh basil leaves), curry paste, ground black pepper, and curry paste.
Also, you may find whole peppercorns.
There are two types of spices in Thai cuisine: dry and wet. Dry spices are usually ground, while wet ones are crushed or pounded finely.
Dry spices are added directly to a dish. For example, you can sprinkle ground red pepper onto your chicken soup. To make a paste, wet spices are often mixed with butter or oil.
Wet spices are usually used in marinades, sauces, and dressings. Fish sauce, oyster sauces, sesame and sesame olive oils, curry paste and hoisin are some of the most common wet spice options.
If you want to try making Thai dishes at home, you need to know which spices go well with certain ingredients.
Red pepper flakes are recommended for beef. If you're using seafood like shrimp, white pepper should be used.
Online ordering is also possible if you don’t have an Asian market. There are many options for exotic herbs, spices and dried chilies.
This Thai recipe will give you a kick next time your stomach gets rumbling.
What are the common condiments, spices and seasonings they use in their Thai dishes?
Thai cuisine is a mix of Asian influences. Its roots are found in India and China, as well as Southeast Asia.
The essential ingredient of Thai food is freshness. Fresh ingredients have more flavor when they are picked and prepared quickly. This is why meats, fish, vegetables and fruits are often eaten raw and hot.
Spices and sauces give dishes depth and color. Fresh basil, cilantro, mint, coriander (cilantro), lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, garlic, chillies, chilli paste, soy sauce, tamarind juice, oyster sauce, palm sugar, coconut milk, lime leaves, galangal root, curry powder, shrimp paste, fish sauce, tamarind water, rice vinegar, etc. These are often used.
Statistics
- Their 14 to 20 percent essential oil content means that cloves have the highest concentration of aroma compounds of any spice. (masterclass.com)
- According to the McCormick Science Institute, indigenous Indian spices were cultivated as early as the 8th century BC in the gardens of Babylon. (spicecravings.com)
- It has been estimated that around 1,000 tons of pepper and 1,000 tons of other common spices were imported into Western Europe each year during the Late Middle Ages. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
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amazon.com
- Amazon.com. Spend less. Smile more.
- Amazon.com : Morton & Bassett Whole Nutmeg 1.9 Oz : Nutmeg Spices And Herbs : Grocery & Gourmet Food
en.wikipedia.org
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How To
How to Cut Shiitake Mushrooms
So the shiitakes have been doing well. They are fine. How do we cut them? We have tried every method, including using scissors. But they keep falling out our hands. What's the problem?
It's possible to do this by using a trick. Use a rubber band to secure the stem of your mushroom. By doing this, you won’t slip and get cut.
You may think it sounds too easy. Well, it is. But it's also very powerful.
The rubber band makes it slippery so that it feels natural when you pick up the stem. It doesn't hurt to keep the stem in place.
Do it! You'll be amazed how easy it is to cut mushrooms.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://belovedsaffron.com/spices/is-saffron-oil-good-for-you