Due to adverse global weather conditions caused by climate change, we are seeing a shortage in cardamom harvests. The limited availability continues to drive up the price of this beloved spice, however, we pledge to continue to watch the market closely and adjust our prices accordingly.
Our organic hulled cardamom is an incredibly rich and aromatic spice with a distinct, citrusy, spicy flavor. Cardamom seeds can be ground fresh and added to curries, rice dishes, breads, and sweet pastries. Elettaria cardamomum is an integral ingredient in chai tea blends and is also added to coffees and liqueurs.
A member of the Zingiberaceae family, the sweetly aromatic cardamom is the fruit of a tropical plant related to ginger, and is one of the world's most expensive spices, after saffron and vanilla. Growing cardamom is extremely labor intensive. The tall plants, grown on plantations in Guatemala or India, flower for eight or nine months of the year. Each pod, or capsule, ripens slowly, and must be plucked when it is three-quarters ripe.
After harvest, the pods are washed and dried. The method of drying dictates the final color. White indicates the pods have been dried for many days in the sun leaving them bleached. Green pods have been dried for one day and night in a heated room. The three seeds inside each pod are considered the spice.
Cardamom is essential to the cuisines of the Middle East and Scandinavia. Cardamom coffee or gahwa is a symbol of Arab hospitality. Cardamom flavors ground meat in Norway and baked goods in Sweden. Cooks all over the world combine cardamom with cloves and cinnamon. Cardamom lends its distinctive flavor to chai.
In India Cardamom was known as the "Queen of spices" to black pepper's title as the "King of spices". Also, in India during the 11th century, it was listed as one of the ingredients in the "Five fragrance betel chew" in the Book of Splendour. Cardamom oil is used to flavor pharmaceuticals, and as a fragrance in soaps, detergents, perfumes and other body care products.
Hulled cardamom consists of the cardamom seed, removed from the pod for use in cooking, teas, tinctures, and infusions.
Precautions
No known precautions. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.
