Green Cardamom Whole, Alaichi

Description

Green Cardamom (also known as Alaichi in Hindi) is a highly aromatic spice that is commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes, as well as in beverages, especially in South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Scandinavian cuisines.

Characteristics:

• Color: Green (though some varieties can also be found in black or white)
• Flavor: Sweet, spicy, and slightly floral with hints of citrus and mint
• Form: The spice is typically sold as whole pods, which contain small, tiny black seeds inside. These seeds are the actual spice, but the entire pod is often used for infusing flavor into dishes.
• Aroma: Strong, fragrant, and refreshing.

Culinary Uses:

1. Spices for Cooking: Green cardamom is often used in curry dishes, stews, and rice preparations like biryani or pilaf.
2. Beverages: It’s essential in making masala chai (spiced tea) and is also used in coffee preparations in many cultures.
3. Desserts: In Indian sweets like kheer, halwa, and gulab jamun, it adds a unique flavor.
4. Baking: Used in Scandinavian baked goods like kardemummabullar (cardamom buns).
5. Infusion: The pods are used to infuse liquids, such as in teas or milk.

Health Benefits:

• Digestive Aid: Cardamom is known to help with digestion and can relieve bloating and gas.
• Anti-inflammatory: Contains antioxidants that can reduce inflammation.
• Breathing Aid: It’s also considered good for the respiratory system and can help in relieving cough and cold symptoms.

To use, you can either crush the whole pods to release the seeds and use them in your cooking or steep the whole pod for an infusion.