What are the health benefits of cardamom? Cardamom: refinement of tastes. What does it taste like

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Looking at nature’s pantry, it can be noted that it is enriched with quite valuable medicinal plants, which both add variety to culinary dishes and help cure numerous ailments, while increasing the tone of the entire body as a whole. The list of such plants includes: cardamom– a spice that is very highly valued by adherents of a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet. What this spice is and what specific beneficial properties it is endowed with, you can find out by reading this article.

Botanical characteristics and production

Cardamom is a fruit ( seeds) is a perennial herbaceous tropical plant of the ginger family. This plant tends to reach a height of 3 to 4 meters. The root of the plant is creeping, but its leaves are lanceolate. 2 stems extend from the root, one of which is leafy, and the other is a creeping flower. The flowers are white in color and collected in small brushes. The leaves are spear-shaped and pale green. The fruit is represented by a three-chamber capsule, which is covered with a leathery green peel. It is these boxes that are collected, and not fully ripe ones. They are collected by hand and only 2 years after planting. They are dried in direct sunlight so that they do not open. Then they are moistened and dried again. It is in this form that the fruits are a spice, which is endowed with a spicy and sweetish taste, as well as a very pleasant strong aroma.

Origin, distribution, species

The evergreen forests of Sri Lanka and South India are considered to be the birthplace of this spice. These same territories are still the main centers for the production of this spice. For example, India alone exports this spice to more than 60 countries around the world. Cardamom also grows in Scandinavia, Laos, New Guinea, Guatemala, Cambodia, Tanzania, Central America, El Salvador and Vietnam. Modern experts distinguish two main types of this plant, namely green or true and black cardamom. In addition to the main types, there are also Chinese, African, tall, Bengal, Java and narrow-leaved cardamom.

Biological characteristics and reproduction

The plant begins to bear fruit only in the 3rd year after planting. It can be harvested from 6 to 15 years. The plant is grown at an altitude of 600 to 1200 meters above sea level. Its favorite places are forest loamy soils, which contain large amounts of nitrogen and organic matter. In this case, the amount of potassium and phosphorus should be insignificant. From 1 hectare it is possible to collect up to 100 kg of fruits. Note that cardamom is very easily damaged by various diseases. It reproduces mainly by seeds, and sometimes by root suckers. Seeds for propagation must be collected exclusively from healthy plants that produce an excellent harvest. The first shoots are observed after 30 - 50 days.

This is interesting!

This spice was brought to both Greece and Rome by Arab merchants, who sold it for a lot of money. Until the 19th century, the plant grew only in the wild, after which it began to be cultivated. Already in the Middle Ages, the fruits of the plant could be purchased in pharmacies, as they were part of a variety of medicines. It was during this period that experts said that with the help of these fruits one could be cured of almost all diseases. Both Pliny and Dioscorides were aware of the healing properties of this spice, who claimed that it was endowed with a fairly powerful stimulating effect.

Chemical composition of seeds

The seeds of this plant are enriched with numerous beneficial components.
They include:

• protein;
• fatty oil;
• amidon;
• cineole;
• terpeneol;
• terpinyl acetate;
• rubber;
• starch;
• iron;
• phosphorus;
• zinc;
• group vitamins IN ;
• magnesium;
• calcium.

This composition makes it possible to use these seeds as a carminative, strengthening, gastric, stimulating, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory agent.

Medicinal properties of seeds

By influencing the human body, cardamom tends to both strengthen the muscles of the stomach and enhance the synthesis of gastric juice, stimulate the functioning of nerve cells, as well as relieve tension and relieve depression. This spice also has a beneficial effect on brain function. She also treats colds, bronchitis, asthma, cystitis, nephritis, pharyngitis and skin diseases.

Since the spice has a peculiar lemon flavor mixed with the taste of camphor and eucalyptus, its use also freshens the breath. Various digestive disorders are also indications for the use of this spice. With its help, you can cleanse the gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity, reduce the severity of toothache, improve the functioning of the heart muscle, neutralize pathogenic microflora in the mouth, and alleviate signs of flatulence. To get rid of hiccups, you need to brew these seeds along with mint. Cardamom is also effective for male potency, for migraines, coughs, and abdominal pain. This spice is also endowed with an antiemetic effect. It has a positive effect on vision, improves mood, increases body tone, eliminates involuntary urination, and relieves urolithiasis. The seeds of this plant are also a pronounced tonic, which is especially useful for regular physical activity. This spice must be included in the daily diet of all those people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. Regular consumption of seeds will significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Folk recipes

• For pharyngitis: 0.5 tsp. Pour the spices into 1 cup of boiling water and let it brew. We filter the resulting infusion and use it to gargle 4 – 5 times a day.
• For insomnia: 1 tsp. Brew mashed fruits for 10 minutes in 1 glass of boiled water. As soon as the broth has cooled, drink it. It is best to do this 30 - 60 minutes before going to bed.
• To improve digestion: mix 20 gr. cardamom with the same amount of cumin and 10 g. fennel 2 tsp. Steam the resulting mixture in 1 glass of boiled water for 10 minutes. Then we filter the infusion and take 100–150 ml per day orally.
• For impotence: add 1 tsp to 1 glass of hot milk. honey and a pinch of spice. You need to drink this remedy every evening.
• To improve vision: mix 1 tsp. honey with 4 - 5 seeds. This remedy must be used daily.

As an aphrodisiac

Even in ancient times, people considered this spice to be one of the strongest aphrodisiacs, which was the impetus for the beginning of its use in love magic. It is enough to eat one grain of this spice to tune in to the wave of romance and love. In magic, this spice is considered a source of energy, with the help of which every woman can attract the attention of almost every member of the opposite sex. Just a few seeds can charm your partner and give you charm. They will make you a pleasant conversationalist, as they will reveal the gift of eloquence.
For love purposes, the following recipe is suitable: take the same amount of ginger, vanilla, lemon balm and cardamom. Grind all the ingredients in a mortar and pestle, and then brew. As a result, you will receive a wonderful “potion” for aromatic magic.

Acceptable dosages and contraindications

Since this spice is concentrated and has a pronounced taste, consuming it in large quantities is strictly contraindicated. The permissible dosage directly depends on both the age and the total weight of the person. In any case, you can eat no more than 0.25 tsp at one time. ground seeds.
As for contraindications, their list includes:

• pregnancy period;
• individual intolerance to components;
• increased sensitivity;
• stomach and duodenal ulcers.

Use for weight loss

Despite the fact that this seasoning is a high-calorie product ( per 100 gr. accounts for more than 300 kcal), experts recommend using it to reduce overall weight. The thing is that this spice both stimulates and increases the activity of metabolic metabolism. As a result, both fats and carbohydrates, as well as calories, are burned much faster, causing weight loss. This fact was known to the ancient inhabitants of India, who used this spice to treat various forms of obesity, and the course of therapy was quite successful. An important condition in this case is the selection of boxes of a given plant. They must be whole and green, not gray-yellow. Otherwise, you will not get the necessary therapeutic effect. A mixture of cardamom and cinnamon, which tends to significantly lower glucose levels, will help you lose extra pounds even faster. According to Ayurveda, to lose weight, you just need to sprinkle seeds on any dish that you have prepared. A special massage mask will help get rid of problematic oily skin, which is often observed in obesity.

Its recipe is quite simple: we take the boxes of this plant, grind them in a coffee grinder or blender and mix thoroughly with olive or sesame oil. The mask should be applied to the skin with massage movements while taking a bath.

The healing effects of essential oil

Cardamom essential oil is a pale yellow or clear liquid that is endowed with a delicate spicy aroma and a large number of beneficial properties. There is an opinion that this oil was first obtained by distillation. This happened around 1544. By influencing the human body, this oil helps normalize the digestion process, has an antiseptic and carminative effect, enhances the activity of the stomach and brain, increases sexual activity, and also strengthens the entire body as a whole. It is also endowed with a tonic, diuretic, and antispasmodic effect. With its help, you can enhance the secretion of saliva.

1. Impact on the body: The use of this oil is possible in the treatment of both heartburn and flatulence, nausea, diseases of the gall and bladder, as well as various ailments of the respiratory system.
Dyspepsia ( feeling of discomfort in the upper digestive tract) is another indication for the use of this oil. You cannot do without its help if you need to improve appetite, get rid of bad breath, reduce irritability during premenstrual syndrome, forget about headaches and various disorders of the urination process.

2. Effect on skin: The skin is first regenerated under the influence of this oil. In addition, the oil effectively fights scabies, various fungal infections and lichens. It also cleanses the skin, makes it elastic, tones, deodorizes and stimulates natural cellular renewal.

3. Impact on consciousness: helps relieve fatigue, eliminate melancholy, get rid of depression, forget about fears and headaches. It also lifts your spirits and restores your strength. Enriches the body with the necessary amount of energy, gives self-confidence, awakens hope.

Attention! If you have sensitive skin, then use this oil with extreme caution. Otherwise, it is quite possible to develop a severe allergic reaction.

Homemade mask recipes

• Mask to improve facial contour: mix 3 drops of almond oil with the same amount of cardamom oil, 5 drops of rose oil and 2 drops of avocado oil. Apply the mask to the face and after 15 minutes wipe the skin with a damp cotton swab.
• Mask for oily problem skin: mix thoroughly 1 tsp. honey with 0.5 tsp. fine sea salt. Dissolve 3 – 4 drops of cardamom oil in 2 tbsp. l. milk. Combine both mixtures and mix them well again. Using a cotton swab, apply the mask to the face and other problem areas of the skin. After 20 - 25 minutes, wash it off with warm water. This mask should be done no more than once every 5-6 days. The course of therapy is one and a half months.
• Massage anti-cellulite mask: mix 10 drops of cardamom essential oil with the same amount of tea tree oil and 30 g. olive oil . Apply the resulting mixture to problem areas of the skin with massage movements.

Use in aromatherapy

Modern aromatherapists use cardamom essential oil as a stomachic, invigorating, carminative, warming, and also antispasmodic. This oil is especially often prescribed in the presence of peripheral circulatory disorders. The first sign of such disorders is considered to be cold upper or lower extremities. For coughs, the oil is prescribed in the form of inhalations. To increase sexual activity, experts recommend drinking a glass of wine daily, after adding 1 to 2 drops of this oil to the drink. The oil in the aroma lamp will help get rid of neuroses and stress. Oil is added to baths to treat joint pathologies and colds. For colds, the oil can also be used as a gargle ( for 1 glass of water 1 – 2 drops). Pairs perfectly with essential oils of incense, juniper, pine, coriander, cedar, caraway, and anise. For what pathological conditions these combinations of oils are used, you can find out by consulting a specialist.

Milk with cardamom - “healing potion”

Milk with this seasoning is considered not only tasty, but also a healthy drink that will appeal to both adults and children. It is especially useful for children, as it helps calm the nervous system and significantly improves heart function. Most often, this drink is drunk before going to bed.
Cooking time: 5 minutes.
Ingredients: 3 glasses of milk, 10 pieces of almonds, 0.5 tbsp. l. cardamom, sugar to taste.
Recipe: Mix peeled almonds with milk in a blender. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. As soon as the mixture boils, add sugar and spices to it. Cook everything for 5 minutes. This drink must be consumed warm.

How to make cardamom tea?

There are many recipes for making this tea. Here is one of them: mix 20 grams. of this spice with the same amount of cumin and 10 grams. fennel. The resulting collection in the amount of 2 tsp. steam for 10 minutes in 250 ml of boiling water. After just 10 minutes, the tea can be strained and drunk. Experts recommend drinking it in the amount of 1 cup per day for severe flatulence, to improve appetite, and also for Roemheld syndrome (a complex of reflex functional cardiovascular changes that occur mainly after eating).

Cardamom and coffee

Coffee in combination with this spice is a drink that will first of all wake you up and provide you with energy for the whole working day, so experts recommend drinking it exclusively in the morning. There are several ways to prepare this coffee. One of the options is this: pour coffee into a Turk and add whole boxes of spices to it. In this case, there is no need to remove the grains from the boxes. We brew coffee as usual. As soon as a foamy head forms on the coffee, remove it from the heat, pour it into a cup and drink with pleasure.

Cardamom in cooking

Despite the fact that this spice is expensive, it is used quite widely in cooking, and all because it goes well with many different dishes. Both seeds and pods, as well as fresh herbs of this plant, are added to dishes. Westerners use this spice to prepare both rice, potato, and vegetable dishes. It is often added to soups, mainly from legumes - peas, beans, etc. The population of Asian countries most often uses this spice to prepare pilaf. All over the world it is also used to improve the taste of meat dishes made from lamb, beef or veal. This spice goes well with garlic and onions. In this combination, it significantly improves the taste of poultry dishes. In the food industry, cardamom is added to minced meat, seafood, sausages, ketchups, pates and canned fish. The spice is often added to desserts, namely puddings, fruit salads and sweet cottage cheese dishes. As a natural flavoring it is added to cakes, pies, breads, muffins, buns, cookies, rolls and pastries.

• To prepare boiled fish, this spice is best used in combination with nutmeg;
• When buying cardamom boxes, carefully ensure that they are intact. Otherwise, you will not feel the wonderful aroma;
• This spice can be added to dishes either in whole boxes or in the form of removed seeds, after grinding them.

Cooking recipes

1. Rice pudding with cardamom: To prepare this dish you will need 70 grams. rice, 75 ml heavy cream, 900 ml milk, 70 gr. sugar, 5 grains of this spice, 2 chicken yolks and 0.5 tsp. salt. Place a 5-liter saucepan over low heat, bring rice, milk, salt, spice grains and sugar to a boil. Reduce heat and cook everything for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, beat the egg yolks and cream. Gradually add 200 grams to them. hot rice pudding. Place the mixture in a saucepan and cook for about 3 minutes. Once the mixture boils, pour it into a bowl. This pudding is best served warm.

2. Wreath with cardamom: you will need 50 gr. warm water, the same amount of yeast, 180 ml of melted butter, 2 small eggs, 250 gr. Sahara. Also 375 ml of warm milk, 800 gr. flour, 0.5 tsp. ground spices and 0.5 tsp. salt. To prepare lemon glaze, you need 50 ml of milk or water, 500 ml of powdered sugar and the zest or juice of 1 lemon. Mix water with yeast and leave the mixture for 5 minutes. Then add butter, milk, sugar, salt, eggs and cardamom to it. Stir everything thoroughly, gradually adding flour. As a result, you will get a fairly thick dough. Place it in a large bowl, cover with a cloth and leave in a warm place for 1.5 - 2 hours. Then we divide the dough into 6 equal parts and roll them into ropes, the length of which should reach 60 cm. We weave 2 braids and connect them around. We get 2 wreaths, place them on a baking sheet and leave for 40 minutes. Bake wreaths for no more than 35 minutes at a temperature of 160 - 170 degrees. Serve warm, first coated with lemon glaze. If desired, you can decorate the dish with candied fruits or candied fruits.

3. Curd bombs with persimmon and cardamom: you will need 1 glass of flour, 1 yolk, 400 gr. cottage cheese, breadcrumbs, sour cream, 4 ripe persimmons. In addition, 3 - 4 cardamom seeds, a pinch of sea salt, 2 tsp. sugar, as well as olive oil. Place the cottage cheese in a deep bowl and knead it with a spoon. Peel the persimmon and cut it into small cubes. Mix everything thoroughly. Add the yolk, sugar, salt and a quarter cup of flour to the resulting mixture. Pound the spice grains in a mortar and add to the dough. We also put the remaining flour in it. Pour breadcrumbs onto a cutting board and roll each piece of curd dough into it, taken with a large spoon. You need to roll the dough on all sides. Heat the oil and deep fry the bombs, each for about 3 - 5 minutes. After this, put everything on a plate lined with a paper towel, which will help remove excess fat. This dish is best served with sour cream.

Cardamom grows in subtropical countries, mainly in India and Guatemala - these countries are the largest exporters of the spice in the world. The bushes of the plant look very attractive, so it is cultivated in northern latitudes as a natural flavoring additive for food and an original houseplant.

What does it look like

Seeds

Plant

The spice belongs to the evergreen perennials from the ginger family. Externally, the plant looks a little like reeds - bushes with long dark green leaves about 8 cm wide and 60 cm long (in natural conditions they can reach 4 meters). Cardamom blooms with small white flowers, and on each of them one petal is white with a purple tint, and the rest are pale green. After the inflorescences fall off, fruits remain on the bushes - bright green boxes with fragrant seeds inside.

In nature

Cardamom in nature

Interesting! There is a legend that cardamom was first grown in the legendary Hanging Gardens of Babylon, from where the spice spread throughout the world.

Chemical composition

Cardamom contains proteins, carbohydrates, a small percentage of fats, flavonoids, terpenoids and 8% essential oils. There are no fat-soluble vitamins in the list of chemical components of the spice, but water-soluble vitamins include substances of group B (B1, 2, 3) and C. The microelements contained in the seeds of the plant include calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, sodium .

Calorie content

The calorie content of cardamom is quite high - about 311 kcal per 100 g, but since a minimal amount of spice is added to dishes, this indicator does not affect the total calorie content.

For reference! Cardamom contains a substance called cineole, which has the property of destroying pathogenic microorganisms, due to which the spice is often called a natural antibiotic.

Other name

In Latin, the plant is called eletarium cardamomum, and popularly it is often called the grain of paradise or the royal spice. Cardamom is sometimes confused with coriander, but these two spices differ significantly in composition and characteristics.

Kinds

In nature, there are several varieties of cardamom, each of which has its own characteristics.

Real cardamom

True or small cardamom grows mainly in India. This is the most valuable type of this spice - other varieties of African and Asian origin have larger seeds and lower quality.

Green cardamom

The most popular variety of spice in the world. It has a strong, pronounced aroma that can overpower other odors, so it is added to food in minimal quantities.

Black cardamom

Black cardamom is less common than green or true cardamom. This type of seasoning has a more delicate and fresh aroma, so it can be used in cooking in large quantities.

White cardamom

The white spice is a type of green cardamom, but its seeds are bleached naturally or with special chemicals. Processing softens the pungent taste of the spice and gives it a sweetish tint.

Ethiopian cardamom

The variety is found on the African continent and the island of Madagascar, and its seeds are cheaper than other species due to their large size and weak culinary characteristics.

For reference! Only garden varieties of the plant can be used as a food seasoning - wild cardamom is of extremely low quality, so collecting seeds from the bushes or trying to propagate them is impractical.

Cardamom: beneficial properties and contraindications

Cardamom has many medicinal properties, so the plant is highly valued in medicine. When consuming spices, you need to observe moderation, as it contains bioactive substances that in large quantities can harm the body.

Benefit

The unique composition of cardamom and the content of a large number of useful substances provides the following effects on the body:

• destruction of pathogenic microorganisms;
• activation of the digestive system;
• improving the functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous system;
• reducing the negative impact of free radicals and slowing down the aging process;
• reducing blood viscosity and the risk of thrombus formation;
• normalization of urinary and sexual function;
• cancer prevention;
• elimination of hair loss, brittle nails, skin defects;
• increasing immunity and general tone;
• liquefaction of sputum, relief of inflammatory processes of the respiratory organs during colds and acute respiratory viral infections.

Cardamom is used in the treatment of any disease, from infectious and inflammatory diseases to insomnia and chronic fatigue.

Harm

The use of cardamom can be harmful in the presence of certain diseases, including pathologies of the biliary tract, gastrointestinal diseases with high acidity, cardiovascular disorders, allergies or individual intolerance. In large quantities, the spice can cause side effects such as heartburn, abdominal pain, and increased heart rate, so it should be consumed in small quantities.

For men's health

Cardamom is considered one of the most effective natural aphrodisiacs. It is recommended for use for sexual impotence, problems with potency and inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system. It activates blood circulation in the pelvic organs and promotes the activation of the genitourinary system.

Eating a few cardamom grains a day can reduce the effects of nervous tension and stress, which are often the cause of sexual dysfunction.

For women

Royal spice is a powerful natural antioxidant that reduces the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Cardamom normalizes hormonal levels, so menstruation becomes regular and less painful, and the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome disappear.

Under the influence of substances with an antibacterial effect included in its composition, pathogenic microorganisms are destroyed and normal vaginal microflora is restored. The spice is useful for the condition of the skin, hair and nails - its components reduce signs of aging, stop baldness, eliminate skin rashes and other cosmetic defects.

Cardamom: application

Cardamom is widely used in the preparation of various dishes - first and second courses, baked goods and all kinds of desserts, as well as as a component of traditional medicine and cosmetology.

In cooking

Royal spice is one of the most popular food additives in Eastern countries. It is part of many spicy mixtures, and in some countries it is mixed with crushed salt and added to almost all dishes.

Cardamom: photo spice

Best stored in a glass jar

Freshly ground spice

What dishes are they added to?

Cardamom goes well with poultry and meat, especially lamb, fish and seafood. It is added to soups and sauces, used to flavor sausages, marinades, brines and desserts - compotes, mousses, etc. In the East, various cocktails are made based on the spice, and they are also added to tea, coffee and milk. It can be added to dishes before cooking, since cardamom does not lose its culinary and healing properties during the heating process.

Pistachio cake

Grilled salmon

For reference! Cardamom is an essential component of mulled wine - a drink made from red wine with spices, which is consumed hot.

What to replace

It is quite difficult to replace cardamom, but a similar taste can be achieved by mixing white pepper with ground cumin, and adding a few drops of lemon juice to the mixture for freshness.

Ground cardamom

Ground cardamom is obtained by grinding the seeds of the plant - it is in this form that the spice can most often be found on store shelves. Unlike whole grains, it loses its specific taste and aroma faster, so when purchasing, you need to pay attention to the integrity of the packaging. It is better to store ground seasoning in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid.

Real ground cardamom

White ground cardamom

What does it taste like

Cardamom has a pungent taste, with a slight note of freshness, and the intensity of the taste depends on the type of spice. Green cardamom is the hottest, while white and black have a more delicate taste, with a slight sweetness.

Advice! Cardamom has antibacterial properties, so it is recommended to add it to marinades for home preserves - it will protect them from spoilage and fungus.

For weight loss

You need to use cardamom for weight loss with great caution, as it is quite high in calories and has the ability to increase appetite. In small quantities, it activates metabolism, promotes the breakdown of fats and can diversify the bland diet that those who are struggling with excess weight usually adhere to.

In cosmetology

Cardamom in cosmetology is most often used to combat rashes and signs of aging - after use, the skin becomes smooth, elastic, and acquires a healthy color.

Essential oil

Cardamom essential oil is obtained from the seeds of the plant through special processing. It can be used in its pure form or added to tonics, creams and other facial products. Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, the substance eliminates acne, acne and other skin defects, and also helps to moisturize it and whiten age spots.

When hot with the addition of red pepper and mustard, cardamom oil can serve as an effective anti-cellulite remedy.

Essential oil

In perfumery

The aroma of cardamom is an original blend of camphor, lemon and eucalyptus. It goes well with other aromatic additives and is used in the production of women's and men's perfumes, giving them a slight bitterness, a touch of elegance and brightness. It is widely used by the most famous perfume manufacturers in the world, including Yves Saint Laurent, Hermes, Giorgio Armani.

In medicine

Products containing cardamom are used to treat various diseases, most often colds and ARVI. The easiest way to get rid of sore throat, weakness and fever is to drink a glass of milk with some seasoning added on the tip of a knife. For genitourinary diseases and digestive tract disorders, the spice can be added to any dish. Drinking green tea with a pinch of cardamom and a slice of lemon in the morning will improve your body tone and freshen your breath.

Cardamom is a spice with unique characteristics and medicinal properties, which, if used correctly, will become the housewife's best friend. It will help in the difficult task of preparing culinary masterpieces, preserving youth and maintaining the health of household members.

People often use complementary foods and spices as regular seasonings or to treat some diagnosed medical condition. Useful properties and contraindications of cardamom deserve special attention, so they should be analyzed in detail and with particular enthusiasm.

After all, this spice has a magical effect on the human body - this is what they wrote in ancient books, describing the fruits of a herbaceous plant of the ginger family. But people could only find out about their real beneficial properties several decades ago.

Cardamom - what is it?

Not many residents of Russia know about the existence of cardamom, as a tasty spice and seasoning for drinks. It is consumed only by connoisseurs of its wonderful aroma and subtle aftertaste. coffee, tea or other type of drink.

The seasoning cardamom was discovered to the world by the inhabitants of the Malabar coast of India. Already in the 21st century, this product is produced in Guatemala, which is in great demand all over the world, because people prefer to use the finished product and often in ground form.

This seasoning is collected in its unripe form. The fruits are dried, moistened, and then dried again until they are ready to be used as food. It is better to purchase cardamom in the form of boxes and pods., since the aroma of this seasoning quickly disappears when opened, which makes all the enjoyment of the taste properties of the seasoning meaningless.

Photo of cardamom:

Photo of cardamom flowers

This is what cardamom fruits look like

Beneficial properties of cardamom

Before disassembling benefits and harms of cardamom, you should list all of them beneficial features so that the reader of the article has a desire to please himself with the impeccability of the seasoning.

Medicinal properties of cardamom

Since the spice seeds contain up to 8% essential oil and a large number vitamins and beneficial microelements, they have a positive effect on the human body and can eliminate various diseases.

So, the presented spice is used for prevention and treatment ailments such as:

Cardamom improves blood circulation, which helps prevent and eliminate cardiovascular diseases, paralysis and rheumatism, where it is necessary to saturate bone, cartilage and muscle tissue with useful microelements, and also improves immunity and normalizes blood and blood pressure.

If a person has nausea and vomiting, he can chew a few cardamom seeds, which will have a positive effect on the stomach.

One chewed seed of this spice energizes you in the morning., eliminating lethargy and morning drowsiness, and also eliminates bad breath.

Due to its composition, the described seasoning has a positive effect in the treatment of diseases through traditional medicine. Some manufacturers add seed powder to the production of medicines, as an additional stimulating component, and dietary supplements.

It should be noted that cardamom is used by the fair sex for weight loss. In India, the spice began to be used for this purpose back in the 4th century BC.

The magical properties of cardamom

Cardamom is famous for its magical properties. Even in ancient times, this spice was used for rituals and ceremonies. Historical manuscripts confirm this.

Moreover, special potions were prepared from cardamom, which were subsequently added to the lover’s food for the purpose of a love spell.

Such properties have not been proven to date, but this spice is considered excellent aphrodisiac– the spice can provoke sexual attraction to the opposite sex.

Before using a certain type of spice presented, you should carefully study its beneficial properties so that the treatment, if pursued by a person, is more effective.

Coffee with cardamom, video:

Cardamom uses and contraindications

It is better to completely abandon such seasonings if you have serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or consult a doctor before use.

Particular attention should be paid to consideration of the issue uses of cardamom in the treatment of diseases. A list of ailments for which the spice is used should be provided. So, as a treatment, the spice is used in the presence of diseases:

• Colds and viral diseases as an antiseptic– used for oral administration and inhalation.
• – acts as an expectorant.
• When cholesterol levels rise– can reduce cholesterol in the blood and prevent the formation of blood clots.
• Cardamom is used as a diuretic, therefore, pregnant women can use it in small quantities to prevent edema, but only in consultation with a doctor.
• In the presence of flatulence and other bloating, as well as diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Insomnia is also the reason for the consumption of the described seasoning.
• Excellent effect on the female reproductive system, therefore used for serious menstrual irregularities.

Use of cardamom for medicinal purposes should only be done after consulting a doctor. Otherwise, you can harm yourself even more.

Cardamom: instructions for use

The presented natural component is used to treat a wide variety of diseases, which entails compliance with the established instructions for use. A short list of recipes for consuming cardamom in the treatment of diseases should be given:

If a person feels nauseous, he can simply chew 2-3 spice seeds. Due to its effect on the functioning of the stomach, it is often recommended to take it with you when traveling by transport.

If you experience intestinal upset, cardamom in the amount of three crushed seeds and a small amount of grated ginger are brewed with a glass of boiling water. Then the infusion should be boiled for one minute and left to cool slightly. Drink the resulting decoction as regular tea. In a similar way, you can drink regular tea with cardamom and. The same composition should be consumed for constipation.

As a prevention of viral diseases cardamom is used together with honey, mixed in a 1:1 ratio.

Cardamom for weight loss used in combination with green tea and lemon juice. For one mug of brewed natural green tea there is a quarter of a teaspoon of ground cardamom and a few drops of fresh lemon juice. Drink a similar mixture every morning - this promotes normal digestion and accelerates metabolism.

If you decide to get clean, it is recommended to pour a glass of boiling water over a teaspoon of ground cardamom and drink the slightly settled, strained composition over a few days - the daily dose of the drink is a quarter of one glass.

Milk with cardamom consumed at night as an excellent sedative. There are only 2-3 ground grains per glass of milk.

As already described above, coffee with cardamom has an excellent tonic and invigorating effect on the human body. This drink allows you not only to wake up and get rid of drowsiness during the day, but also eliminates weakness after intense physical labor or sports. The preparation of the drink is the same as with tea and milk. Approximately 1-3 grains of the described spice are squeezed into a glass of coffee. You should drink in small sips, enjoying the pleasant aroma and taste.

Where else to add cardamom The doctor will tell you in detail, if you decide to use this natural component as a medicine. He will also carry out diagnostics and prohibit the use of cardamom in the event of a serious gastrointestinal disease.

Tea with ginger and cardamom, video:

In cooking, this spice is used in the preparation of any dishes, which makes them unique in taste and aroma. Use the variety of spice you like to taste and don’t be afraid to experiment with combinations of additional natural ingredients. Of course all food experiments should be within reason.

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In the article we discuss cardamom. You will learn what kind of spice it is, how it is used in cooking, where you can buy it, and where to add it. You will also learn how cardamom is useful for men and women, what contraindications there are for it, and how to use the seasoning for weight loss.

Cardamom is the spicy fruit of true (green) Cardamom, a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Eletaria of the Ginger family. The plant's homeland is the southern regions of India. Today, cardamom is also grown in France and the south of the North American continent.

What does it look like

Appearance (photo) of cardamom

Cardamom fruits are multi-seeded three-chambered capsules, similar to rounded pods about 2 cm long with a leathery shell of pale green or olive color. Each pod contains a large number of small oily brown or black seeds.

Unripe fruits are collected for drying. They are dried in direct sunlight, then moistened with steam and sent for drying. This harvesting technology is used to prevent the pods from opening prematurely, as well as to preserve the taste and aroma of the spice.

What does cardamom taste like?

The spice has a peculiar sharp-sweet taste with notes of citrus.. Thanks to a large number of essential oils, cardamom has a spicy, pungent, slightly camphorous, fragrant aroma.

What can you replace the spice with?

There is no complete replacement for cardamom in dishes, but you can mask the lack of spice by combining other spices.

For one teaspoon of cardamom, take the following amount of spices:

• in dessert dishes and baked goods - ½ tsp. cinnamon and nutmeg;
• in meat dishes and rice dishes - ½ tsp. cinnamon and ground ginger;
• in meat and fish dishes - ½ tsp. ground allspice;
• in a mixture of curry and garam masala spices - 1 tsp. coriander and ½ tsp. cumin.

Other types of cardamom

The following types of cardamom can also be found in culinary recipes:

• Black (brown, bengal, nepali)- these are the dried fruits of plants of the Amomum genus of the Ginger family, which have a pronounced camphor aroma combined with a slight smell of smoke, and in dishes enhance the aroma of other spices.
• White- the fruits of real (green) cardamom, treated with sulfur oxide to soften the pungent taste and strong odor, as well as to increase the shelf life of the spice.

For more information about cardamom, watch the following video:

Beneficial properties of cardamom

The benefits of cardamom are due to the high content of essential oils, vegetable fats, B vitamins, iron, calcium, phosphorus and other organic compounds.

The spice has the following medicinal effects:

• suppresses inflammatory processes in the body;
• strengthens the immune system;
• helps cope with infectious contamination;
• thins mucus and increases cough productivity;
• increases the production of gastric juice;
• eliminates flatulence;
• stimulates digestion;
• stimulates appetite;
• removes waste and toxins from the body;
• helps cope with nausea and vomiting;
• relieves pain and muscle spasms;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• suppresses the growth of pathogenic microorganisms;
• eliminates depression, lethargy, emotional and physical fatigue;
• increases sexual desire and potency;
• has a beneficial effect on vision;
• eliminates bad breath.

Benefits of cardamom for women

Cardamom is useful for women to use for menstrual pain and cycle disorders, as well as to relieve premenstrual syndrome. In addition, the spice helps cope with stress and emotional burnout, tones the body, increases sexual desire and gets rid of extra pounds.

Cardamom also has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and hair. It is added to various cosmetics - creams, scrubs, masks. Cardamom promotes the healing of microdamages on the skin, stimulates the production of its own collagen, eliminates signs of fatigue from the face, heals hair follicles and accelerates hair growth.

For women over 50 years old, cardamom helps cope with urinary incontinence, alleviates menopausal symptoms, and stimulates mental activity.

Benefits of cardamom for men

For men, cardamom is useful primarily as a powerful aphrodisiac, which increases sexual activity and helps cope with erectile dysfunction. Spice also eliminates physical and emotional stress in men, which are common causes of sexual impotence.

Uses of cardamom

Cardamom is used in cooking, folk medicine, cosmetology and aromatherapy.

In cooking

In cooking, the spice is used in the preparation of the following dishes:

• soups - lentil, bean, pea;
• sauces and gravies for meat and vegetable dishes;
• potato dishes;
• rice-based dishes;
• vegetable stew;
• lamb or beef stew;
• barbecue marinade;
• homemade sausages;
• liver pates;
• fish dishes;
• seafood;
• baked goods - gingerbread, cookies, sweet buns;
• alcoholic drinks, tea and coffee;
• desserts - cake creams, marzipan sweets, etc.

Cardamom goes well with cumin, saffron, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and cumin. If you are using the spice for the first time, add ⅓ of the amount recommended in the recipe to the dish to get acquainted with the taste of cardamom and not spoil the dish for yourself.

For weight loss

Cardamom gently cleanses the intestinal tract of hardened feces, helps remove toxins from tissues, restores normal metabolism and helps reduce weight. For weight loss, tea with cardamom is prepared.

Ingredients:

1. Cardamom (fruit) - 1 tsp.
2. Drinking water - 250 ml.

How to cook: Boil water and steep cardamom fruits with boiling water. Let it brew for 20 minutes, then filter the drink.

How to use: Divide the drink volume into 3-4 doses. Take it before meals for 2 weeks. During the weight loss course with the help of cardamom, adhere to a plant-dairy diet.

For impotence

To treat impotence, a drink is prepared with milk, cardamom and honey.

Ingredients:

1. Cardamom (ground) - 1 g.
2. Milk - 200 ml.
3. Natural honey - to taste.

How to cook: Add spice to milk and place on low heat. As soon as the milk begins to boil, remove it from the heat, cool and add honey.

How to use: Take the product before bed.

How to make coffee with cardamom

Coffee gourmets love to add cardamom to coffee to add piquancy and a slight spiciness to the drink. Coffee with cardamom is called Jordanian coffee.

Ingredients:

1. Cardamom (ground) - ¼ tsp.
2. Coffee (ground) - 1 tbsp.
3. Drinking water - 150 ml.

How to cook: Mix coffee and cardamom, put them in a pot, add water and put on low heat. As soon as the drink begins to boil and foam appears, remove the Turk from the heat and wait until the foam settles a little. Then put the Turk back on the fire, bring the drink to a boil again and immediately remove from the heat. Add milk and sugar to taste.

How to use: Drink the drink no more than once a day, before lunch.

For more information about making coffee with cardamom, watch the video:

How to brew cardamom tea

Tea with cardamom helps normalize the gastrointestinal tract, increases metabolism, calms the nervous system, eliminates chronic insomnia and strengthens the immune system during colds and flu.

Ingredients:

1. Cardamom (fruit) - 4 pcs.
2. Green tea (large leaf) - 2 tsp.
3. Lemon zest - to taste.
4. Drinking water - 600 ml.

How to cook: Place water on medium heat. Once it boils, add the cardamom pods and cook for about 5 minutes. Then add tea and lemon zest. Let the drink simmer for about 2 minutes, then remove from heat and leave for 15 minutes.

How to use: Drink 1 cup of warm tea a day.

Cardamom tincture

Cardamom alcoholic tincture is consumed as a strong alcoholic drink. It has a pleasant aroma and a spicy, islandy taste. The tincture is also used in the treatment of joint diseases, nervous disorders, impotence, insomnia and chronic fatigue.

Ingredients:

1. Cardamom (fruit) - 2 g.
2. Food alcohol (40%) - 250 ml.
3. Drinking purified water (or distilled) - 250 ml.
4. Sugar - 150 g.

How to cook: Place cardamom fruits in a glass container, fill with alcohol and seal tightly. Let it brew for 2 weeks. After the expiration date, prepare the sweet syrup: pour water into an enamel saucepan, place over medium heat and bring to a boil. Then dissolve sugar in water, remove the syrup from the stove and cool to room temperature. Filter the tincture, pour into a glass bottle, pour in the sugar syrup using a funnel, seal tightly and shake a couple of times to mix the liquids.

How to use: Chill the drink in the refrigerator before drinking. For medicinal purposes, take 50 g of tincture before bed.

Cardamom essential oil

Essential cardamom oil is used as a sedative and antiseptic. It is used to prepare relaxing baths, home cosmetics, cough inhalations and mouth rinses.

The oil is also used for aromatherapy sessions, used for external treatment of dermatological diseases and taken orally for heartburn. The average price is 290 rubles per 10 ml.

Contraindications

Eating cardamom and using it internally for medicinal purposes is contraindicated in the following conditions:

• individual intolerance;
• ulcerative-erosive diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• irritable bowel syndrome;
• frequent diarrhea;
• acute form of hypertension.

Pregnant and lactating women should eat cardamom in minimal quantities, with extreme caution and provided that the spice was added during the preparation of the dish. The use of cardamom in its pure form and for medicinal purposes is not recommended to avoid harm to the child.

Where can I buy

Ground cardamom is often counterfeited - low-quality fruits are used or mixed with ground ginger and other spicy, inexpensive spices. Therefore, it is best to buy the spice in pods and grind it yourself. This way, the chances of running into a fake will be minimal.

Cardamom is one of the most expensive seasonings. You can buy it in pods at markets or in online stores specializing in the sale of oriental spices and organic food. It is sold in ground form in most large supermarkets.

The average price of spice in pods is 350 rubles per 50 g, in ground form - 70 rubles per 10 g. One of the main requirements for quality is hermetically sealed packaging without damage. For spices in pods, it is best if the packaging is vacuum sealed.

Store the spice in a tightly closed container in a dry place. When exposed to air or moisture, the taste and aroma of cardamom are reduced.

What to remember

1. Cardamom has medicinal properties and is used in cooking, folk medicine, cosmetology and aromatherapy.
2. Do not drink tea and coffee with cardamom more than once a day.
3. Do not overuse cardamom tincture treatment. If you have low libido or impotence, consult your doctor.
4. During the weight loss course with the help of cardamom, adhere to a plant-dairy diet.

An exquisite Indian spice with a pleasant sweet taste and medicinal properties was grown in the Gardens of Babylon and served with various dishes. Cardamom was considered an expensive spice that only nobles could enjoy, which is understandable given its noble aroma and ability to heal many diseases. It is one of the three most expensive spices in the world, in addition to saffron and vanilla - if, of course, we are talking about natural spices without any additives. Cardamom is both hot and tender, sharp and soft, and notes of eucalyptus and camphor give it a spicy, refreshing taste.

Cardamom is a powerful antioxidant that prevents the aging of the body, it removes toxins, lowers cholesterol and strengthens the immune system. In addition, this aromatic spice perfectly breaks down fats and normalizes metabolism, so it is effective in the fight against excess weight. Cardamom is indicated for pregnant women because it eliminates toxicosis and improves digestion, and in India, the grains of this plant are chewed after meals to freshen breath. Ayurveda specialists prescribe cardamom to improve vision, cough, migraines and neuroses, and andrologists have repeatedly mentioned this spice as a male aphrodisiac, which is used to treat impotence. Cardamom destroys caffeine and prevents its harmful properties from appearing, so coffee with cardamom is much milder than pure Arabica.

In addition to the beneficial properties cardamom has there are also contraindications- for example, allergic reactions, diseases of the stomach and intestines. It is also not recommended to consume cardamom with oil, as it provokes weight gain.

Use of cardamom in cooking

Sold in pale green pods containing hidden seeds, it can be purchased as loose seeds or powder. It is best to purchase pods, as they retain the divine aroma of the spice unchanged, and the seeds should be removed immediately before cooking, since the essential oils evaporate very quickly. There are two varieties of cardamom- green and black, with green being sharper, sweeter and brighter, and black being softer and more delicate, with a smoky flavor. In Indian cuisine, black cardamom is used to flavor sauces, pea soups, rice, meat and vegetable dishes, and green cardamom is indispensable in the preparation of sweets and drinks.

This spice goes well with black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, cumin, saffron and nutmeg, but it takes time to fully develop, so it is better to add cardamom to dishes at the very beginning of cooking. The pods are usually broken carefully so as not to damage the seeds, and after the dish is ready, the seeds should be removed. It is recommended to add freshly ground cardamom to cottage cheese, baked goods and sweets, and fresh or dried leaves of the plant are often used in salads.

The use of cardamom as a seasoning in different countries has its own characteristics. In Germany, cardamom is added to Christmas gingerbread; in Scandinavian countries, this spice is used in the production of meat pates and sausages; in Russia, cardamom is used to flavor dough, especially Easter cakes.

Cardamom is included in marinades for preserving fruits, berries, vegetables, mushrooms and fish, and is also used in the preparation of cheese and canned food.

If you add grains to homemade alcoholic drinks, it will eliminate the smell of alcohol and give wine and liqueur a unique, unique taste. You will certainly be asked what is added to the wine, but whether to answer or not- you decide. Maybe camphor cardamom pods will be the highlight that will distinguish your dishes from other delicacies?