Cardamom is the fruit of the Elettaria cardamomum plant, and is used to flavor both sweet and savory dishes. Native to the eastern part of the forests of South India, it is one of the kings of spices, along with black pepper and saffron. It is part of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and its use is widely spread in Indian, Middle Eastern, Arabic and Swedish cuisine.
The ancient Egyptians used to chew it to freshen their breath and it is therefore referred to as the toothpaste of antiquity. Cardamom pods are a couple of centimeters long and contain several seeds. These are small and black, while the pods differ in color and size depending on the species.
The plant
Elettaria cardamomum is a plant in the Zingiberaceae family just like turmeric and ginger. It develops in height and can reach up to 5 meters. It usually grows between 800 and 1,500 meters above sea level in a hot and humid climate and its leaves are very large and it is here that, in turn, cardamom seeds grow.
The properties
Let's find out together the properties and benefits of cardamom:
Lowers blood pressure
Cardamom can help lower blood pressure, most likely due to its diuretic properties. It also exerts antioxidant actions and is rich in minerals and vitamins.
Molto utile per chi soffre di ipertensione, il cardamomo aiuta la circolazione sanguigna, con effetti benefici per la pressione sanguigna.
Problemi digestivi
Il cardamomo è stato utilizzato per migliaia di anni per favorire la digestione. I semi profumati stimolano le funzioni dello stomaco, rafforzano le sue pareti e sono un buon rimedio naturale per disturbi come meteorismo e bruciore da stress.
Aiuta contro alitosi e carie
L'uso quotidiano del cardamomo può alleviare l'alitosi e migliorare la salute orale. In alcune culture, è comune rinfrescare l'alito masticando interi baccelli di cardamomo dopo un pasto. Il motivo per cui il cardamomo può portare a un alito fresco potrebbe avere a che fare con la sua capacità di constrastare i batteri della bocca.
I valori nutrizionali e le calorie
100 g di baccelli di cardamomo apportano circa 311 calorie e contengono:
- 8,28 g di acqua
- 10,76 g di proteine
- 6,70 g di lipidi, tra cui: 0,680 g di grassi saturi, 0,870 g di grassi monoinsaturi, 0,430 g di grassi polinsaturi
- 68,47 g di carboidrati
- 28 g di fibre
- 21 mg di vitamina C
- 102 mg di niacina
- 0,230 mg di vitamina B6
- 0,198 mg di tiamina
- 182 mg riboflavin
- 119 mg of potassium
- 28 mg of magnesium
- 383 mg copper
- 383 mg of calcium
- 229 mg magnesium
- 178 mg phosphorus
- 18 mg sodium
- 13.97 mg of iron
- 7.47 mg of zinc
Uses
Cardamom seeds have a typical floral flavor (they taste vaguely lemony), and resemble the scent of eucalyptus. The taste is fresh and pungent, enhancing rice dishes, desserts and hot drinks and, together with turmeric and ginger, is one of the ingredients of curry.
Interestingly, one of the countries that consumes the most cardamom is Sweden, where it is used to season everything from baked goods to burgers to meatloaf. It goes well with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves in typical autumn spicy recipes. But if you are a coffee lover, know that it is essential as an ingredient in Turkish coffee.
In Indian cuisine it is essential for the success of garam masala. But cardamom is also widely used by us: in fact, there are those who use it to give an extra touch of flavor to mulled wine and zabaglione.
Contraindications
People with digestive problems, especially gallstones, should avoid eating this spice. If, on the other hand, you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should seek advice from your doctor and in general do not overdo it with the use of this ingredient.
