What is cardamom (seasoning)? Where to add it so that it makes the dish more fragrant and tasty? We will answer these and other questions in the presented article.
General information
Do you know where to add cardamom? The use of seasoning with a pronounced aroma and bright taste is very common in cooking. Such a spice is obtained from the fruits of a perennial herb and plant of the same name belonging to the ginger family. The homeland of cardamom is Ceylon, the Malabar coast of India and Guatemala.
Features of use
How is cardamom (seasoning) used? Where to add this spice? Due to the fact that the aroma from shredded cardamom fruits disappears very quickly, they should be purchased in pods, or so-called boxes.
Before use, the pods are peeled, and the fruits are ground. You can also grind whole pods. But in this case, the aroma of such a spice will turn out less pronounced.
Composition and properties
What properties does cardamom (seasoning) have? Where to add this product? As mentioned above, the fruits of the plant in question are a concentrated spice with a pronounced taste. In this regard, it is used only in small quantities.
Cardamom grains contain about 3-8% of the essential oil, which consists of fatty oils, as well as terpinyl acetate, terpineol, cineole and protein.
What is cardamom (seasoning)? Where to add this unusual spice? Cardamom is a pronounced tonic. In India and the Middle East, it is customary to add the fruits of this plant to tea and coffee. It should be noted that cardamom grains and coffee grains are often ground together.
If cardamom is combined with other seasonings, then it can easily interrupt their aroma.
What is the use of the product?
Now do you know what cardamom spice is? Where to add it, we will tell a little lower.
Due to the presence of useful and nutrients in this seasoning, it is able to stimulate the secretion of gastric juice and strengthen the muscles of the stomach. Also, it is often used as a carminative and an aphrodisiac (that is, drugs for impotence).
Specialists claim that cardamom contains a large amount of calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and zinc. Also considered spice includes vitamins B1, B3 and B2.
In oriental medicine, cardamom is believed to help remove mucus from the body. In this regard, it is very often used in the treatment of bronchitis, asthma, as well as for cough and colds. In addition, this spice cleanses the digestive tract. It is included in various fees that significantly improve digestion.
Cardamom is used to cleanse the respiratory system and the oral cavity. It is very effective and neutralizes the pathogenic flora.
Cooking Application
The fruits of the plant in question are actively used not only in traditional medicine. What other uses of cardamom? Application as a spice is very popular in culinary practice. It should immediately be noted that the beneficial properties, taste and aroma of this seasoning are not destroyed even with prolonged and intensive heat treatment.
Some experts say that cardamom can be consumed without pre-treatment. For example, in Indian restaurants, grains of the same name plant are served on a plate after dinner. In this case, the fruits are used instead of chewing gum. They freshen the breath well and stimulate digestion.
Those who decide to add this spice to homemade dishes should know that the aroma and taste of cardamom takes time to manifest itself in a pronounced form. Therefore, it is better to cook dinner using the said seasoning several hours or one day before consumption.
Where to add?
Experienced chefs say that green cardamom is perfect for any kind of dish. As for the black spice, it is placed only in unsweetened drinks and dishes.
Shredded cardamom is present in almost all Indian spicy mixtures, including garam masala.
It should also be noted that the aromatic spice in question can be found in a variety of soups, including pea, bean, lentil and bean. In addition, it is ideal for dishes with rice and potatoes. It is added to fruits, vegetables and nuts.
In drinks, cardamom is used as an infusion (without boiling) and milk broth. This seasoning is also found in liquors such as Chartrese and Curacao. In addition, it is often added to jelly, compotes, coffee and tea.
In the dessert menu, the fruits in question are used as a component for pilafs and sweet milk porridges, cookies, cakes, gingerbreads, cakes, muffins, mousses and halva.
Simple recipes. Where to add cardamom?
You can add this spice to the following drinks:
Cardamom coffee is a traditional drink of Arab and Asian countries. The condiment under consideration gives coffee a noble taste. In addition, it eliminates the toxicity of caffeine, reduces the risk of tachycardia and increases blood pressure.
According to consumer reviews, in order to make such a drink on their own, several ground fruits must be laid out in a Turk with ready-made coffee or before it is directly brewed.
Cardamom in pods or grains may be added to black teas instead of citrus fruits. The taste of such a drink is especially appreciated by someone who loves tea with the aroma of bergamot.
The tradition of using cardamom tea came to us from China and India. In these countries it is considered a drink of wisdom.
Experts say that teas in India are made from various spicy masal mixes. Usually they include cinnamon and cardamom. Kashmiris have a tradition of drinking sweet green tea not with grains, but with boxes of cardamom.
This seasoning is very useful to take with milk. What is the reason for this? The fact is that such a spice neutralizes the secretion of mucus (increased), which is observed with the use of cold dairy products.
As a medicine, cardamom is better to use along with a heated drink, but not brought to a boil. To do this, add honey to the milk, as well as chopped almond grains.
Experts report that a milk drink with cardamom is a traditional remedy for soothing NS before bedtime. It relaxes well and relieves fatigue. With regular use, this tool is highly effective for the treatment of impotence.