Cardamom

Cardamom is a herbaceous plant, from the fruits of which a spice is produced, the unique taste and aroma of which is known throughout the world. In other European languages, the name of this spice sounds like this:

• German - Malabarkardamom, Cardamom;
• English - cardamom, green cardamom;
• French - cardamome, cardamom vert.

Cardamom is a perennial herb that can reach 3-5 meters in height. The leaves of this plant are large, long, pointed at the ends.

The flowers are white or pale green with a pink pattern. They ripen on long stalks that spread along the ground.

Later, in place of flowers, oblong green boxes are tied, inside of which there are seeds. The famous spice is produced from these seeds.

Basically, the spice of the same name is made from two types of cardamom.

• Black - the seeds of this plant ripen in black-brown, ribbed boxes. This type of cardamom has a smoky flavor as it is dried over an open fire.
• Green (real cardamom) - the seeds of this type of cardamom ripen in small rounded green boxes. The seeds themselves are dark grey, sticky and angular.

In addition to the two most popular types of this plant, there are several less common ones:

• high;
• Javanese;
• Chinese;
• Bengal;
• narrow-leaved;
• African.

The birthplace of cardamom is India and Sri Lanka, where the plant still grows in the wild. Cardamom is cultivated in Asia, Tanzania and Madagascar. The largest number of this plant is grown today in Guatemala.

In order for cardamom seeds to retain all their beneficial properties, the boxes are harvested while still unripe. Then they are sorted and dried. The method of drying can be different, it all depends on the type of plant and on the individual characteristics of production.

Three types of cardamom are on sale:

• in boxes
• in seeds
• in powder.

The best way to preserve the aroma and taste characteristics of cardamom, which is sold in boxes.

Cardamom seeds and powder are cheaper, but have a less intense smell and taste.

It is better to buy such a spice in tight, airtight bags. Be sure to look at the expiration date: the closer it ends, the less original properties the product has retained. You can buy cardamom at the bazaar or in shops selling spices.

• light brown;
• floral-lemon aroma;
• spicy-spicy taste with notes of camphor and eucalyptus.

Nutritional value and calorie content of 100 grams of dry product

More information about cardamom can be found in an excerpt from the program "Live healthy!"

The chemical composition of cardamom includes:

• Vitamins: B1, B2, B6, C, PP.
• Micro and macro elements: Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese.

• tones;
• stimulates the production of gastric juice;
• strengthens the muscles of the stomach;
• promotes the removal of gases from the body;
• is a natural aphrodisiac;
• has an expectorant effect;
• improves digestion;
• supports oral hygiene;
• improves appetite;
• improves eye health;
• relieves some types of pain;
• produces a warming effect.

• People with stomach ulcers are contraindicated in eating cardamom.
• Pregnant women should also avoid eating cardamom-flavored foods.
• If you have a food allergy, this spice can cause a severe allergic reaction.

From the fruits of cardamom, by steam distillation, an essential oil is obtained. This drug is successfully used in cosmetology, medicine and aromatherapy. Cardamom oil tones and moisturizes the skin, as well as treats infections and inflammations. It has a beneficial effect on digestion, blood circulation, respiratory organs and the genitourinary system of a person. Inhalations with cardamom essential oil soothe and strengthen the nervous system.

• traditionally, cardamom is added to coffee to give the drink a richer taste and aroma;
• cardamom is used to flavor muffins and desserts;
• this spice goes well with legumes and cereals;
• in combination with other spices, cardamom serves as a seasoning for meat and fish dishes;
• cardamom is part of spicy sauces and dressings;
• with the help of cardamom, you can flavor homemade wines and liqueurs;
• cardamom goes well with dairy products - cottage cheese, ice cream, etc.;
• with the addition of cardamom, you can prepare sweet drinks - kissels, compotes, etc.;
• many dishes of national oriental cuisines cannot do without cardamom (for example, chutney and baklava).

Crush 4 cardamom pods, but do not crush them. Pour 3 tsp into the Turk. ground coffee (grade does not matter), 1 tsp. brown sugar and cardamom. Pour cold water over and put on the stove over low heat. When the coffee boils, you need to remove it from the heat and cover with a lid for about 5 minutes. Filter the brewed coffee. Now you can pour the drink into cups and enjoy its amazing taste and aroma.

Watch the recipe for risotto and cardamom cocktail in the next video "Apron TV.

Dilute a package of dry yeast in half a glass of warm water and, stirring, add 0.5 kg of flour. Leave the dough to rise in a warm place for 35-45 minutes. While the dough is rising, grind 150 grams of walnuts with sugar and mix with a pinch of ground cardamom. Put the oven to warm up to 200 degrees. Divide the dough into pieces and roll out each piece as thin as possible. Melt 200 grams of butter. Place the dough in a greased form, lubricating each layer with oil and sprinkling with the nut mixture (the first and last two layers are oil only). Make a few cuts on the top layer and grease it with egg yolk. Bake for 40 minutes. 15 minutes before readiness, baklava should be pulled out and smeared with honey.

The beneficial properties of cardamom allow it to be used as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment and prevention of the following ailments:

• colds;
• cough;
• asthma;
• bronchitis;
• impotence;
• migraine;
• intestinal diseases;
• skin infections;
• depression;
• anxiety states;
• insomnia;
• diseases of the genitourinary system;
• nausea;
• vomit;
• flatulence;
• sore throat;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• rheumatism.

Take 1/2 tsp. chopped cardamom and pour 1 tbsp. boiling water. After an hour, strain it and gargle until the symptoms of inflammation are relieved 5 times a day.

Take 1 tsp. mashed fruits, fill them with 200 ml. boiling water. The drink should be infused for about 30 minutes. Drink the cooled cardamom drink before going to bed.

10 gr. cardamom and 15 gr. mix cumin. Pour boiling water in the proportion: 1 tsp. per 100 ml. boiling water. After 10 minutes, strain and drink a drink at the rate of a daily allowance of 100 ml.

For more information about the use of the medicinal properties of cardamom, see the next program "Food of the Gods".

Cardamom is able to regulate appetite and improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, for those who want to lose weight, it is recommended to start the day with a cup of coffee or tea with the addition of this useful spice.

Cardamom can be grown at home as a houseplant, but there is a good chance that it will not bear fruit under such conditions. If you are lucky, the first fruits will appear in the third year of the plant's life. In the room where cardamom grows, you need to maintain a temperature of 20-25 degrees and a high level of illumination. This grass needs regular watering and fertilization (however, water should not be allowed to stagnate).

• In Saudi Arabia, the famous Arabic coffee with the addition of cardamom is considered a symbol of hospitality.
• Traditional medicine recommends using cardamom as an antidote for snake and insect bites.
• In some African countries, cardamom pods were used instead of money.