Cardamom, with its appealing aroma that turns almost every recipe it’s added to into a feast of flavors, is becoming increasingly popular. So, what do you know about cardamom?

The world is a place of diversity in every sense and hosts many different cultures. Thanks to globalization, people from all over the world can now learn about each other. Thus, intertwining cultures become much richer. Of course, the cuisines of countries also get their share from this enrichment, and as a result, brand new flavors are discovered. One of these flavors is Asia's famous spice, cardamom!

With its palate-pleasing taste and impressive scent, cardamom is appreciated wherever it reaches. Moreover, this spice is also praised for the benefits it provides. Cardamom, which has managed to make a name for itself among the popular flavors of recent times, once tasted, is never given up. If you are curious about the taste of cardamom but need detailed information about this plant beforehand, keep reading this article!

1. WHAT IS CARDAMOM?

Cardamom is known as a wild plant species native to Asian lands, with large green leaves and an average length of four or five meters. Botanists refer to all species of the Elettaria and Amomum genera of the ginger family as "cardamom". The name of cardamom, known in Latin as Elettaria Cardamomum, is generally referred to by the name of the place where it grows in everyday pronunciation. Cardamom is a plant with fruits, which increases the number of people who think of it as a "cardamom tree". However, this is not correct information... Cardamom fruit is quite small, yellowish-green and off-white in color, and each contains a large number of seeds. These reddish-brown seeds stand out with their pungent smell and dominant aroma.

2. WHERE DOES CARDAMOM GROW?

The cardamom plant is known to thrive in warm climate conditions. Therefore, the plant can easily adapt to the climate of Southeast Asia in particular. Mostly cultivated in West and South India, cardamom usually grows as a wild plant in swampy forests. Produced in Asian lands and then imported to other countries, cardamom is becoming increasingly popular worldwide with its pleasant aroma and high nutritional value. So much so that in some countries such as Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Nepal, serving cardamom tea to guests has already become a tradition!

3. HOW IS CARDAMOM USED?

Cardamom, which can be used fresh or dried depending on the need, has multiple uses and forms of use. The most frequently used part of cardamom is the seeds inside its fruit. However, this should not lead you to the misconception that the cardamom leaf has no effect! Cardamom oil obtained from these leaves is frequently used in cosmetic products and in the field of pharmacology. So, how is cardamom used? Actually, there are many different options for this. The fruits can be dried directly as they are harvested and made ready for use. In addition, the seeds removed from the fruit can also be preferred alone. It is also possible to obtain cardamom powder by grinding these seeds.

4. HOW IS CARDAMOM CONSUMED?

Like its usage form, the consumption method of cardamom also varies according to preference. Dried cardamom fruit can be brewed in water and drunk as herbal tea. In addition, "cardamom coffee" is also among the much-loved beverages. For this, powdered cardamom is blended with any type of coffee. Thus, the mixed flavors of coffee and cardamom leave a pleasant taste on the palate. When powdered cardamom is added to meals and desserts as a spice, its dominant aroma doubles the flavor. Also, a considerable number of people consume cardamom by mixing it into yogurt!

4.1. CHEWING CARDAMOM LEAVES A PLEASANT ODOR IN THE MOUTH!

Cardamom in seed form can be used to flavor dishes, just like sesame or black cumin. But there is a more interesting use, which is how people in India chew cardamom... This tradition actually reminds one of the method of chewing cloves in Anatolia. However, to chew cardamom, it must first go through a few processes. As a first step, cardamom seeds are placed in boiling water. The seeds kept in water are removed after 15 minutes and mixed with a teaspoon of honey. Then, the dominant smell of the chewed cardamom seeds spreads throughout the mouth.

5. WHERE CAN CARDAMOM BE FOUND?

With the increasing demand for cardamom, it has become easier to find cardamom in different forms. It is possible to find cardamom in the desired form at herbalists, on market shelves, or at online sales points. Although accessing cardamom is easy, as with all herbal foods, care should be taken to avoid excessive use. Also, if you have a chronic illness or take regular medication, you should definitely consult your doctor before using the plant.

6. NEW APITERA GEST ALSO CONTAINS CARDAMOM!

Balparmak continues to develop and diversify its Apitera series with brand new formulas! Honey and propolis, which have countless benefits, meet valuable nutrients that respond to different needs in this series. Apitera Gest, the new member of the Apitera series, contains nutrients such as fennel, ginger, peppermint, and thyme, which have a relaxing effect on the digestive system. And, of course, the effect of cardamom in this regard is not overlooked. This aromatic and beneficial nutrient is also included in the content of Apitera Gest.

If you are looking for a delicious alternative to try cardamom, you should meet Apitera Gest right away!