Cardamom is of the ginger family and both grows wildly and is cultivated in mountainous areas under tree shade. Cardamom trees are native to southeastern Asia. They are 30–50 cm tall although some have woody parts and branches up to three meters high. Some of them are alternate-leaved (with pointy leaves) and have tiny white flowers similar to fava (broad) beans flowers. Cardamom bears bean-sized indehiscent fruits with dark skin and lots of seeds.
Black cardamom falls in the same family, but green cardamom is mostly used as a spice in Iranian kitchen. However, in different parts of the world, cardamom comes in various forms including powder and oil and is used in herbal medicine and food industry. Cardamom gives tea a spectacular flavor which is very popular. Moreover, it is used extensively in making sweet liqueur such as banana or quince liqueurs.
Cardamom is good for the digestive system and prevents serious diseases such as cancer. Furthermore, it helps the treatment of diabetes and depression. These are not the only benefits and green cardamom and these tiny aromatic pods have considerable nutrients.
In addition to its aroma and flavor as a culinary spice, cardamom can be added to dishes to boost digestion. It is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and stimulates metabolism. Cardamom stimulates secretion of bile acids in the stomach, which helps digestion. It also prevents digestive disorders such as acid reflux, heartburn, and diarrhea.
As it is antioxidant, cardamom boosts heart health. In addition, it has fiber, a nutrient that can help lower cholesterol level and have a healthy heart. It lowers blood pressure which is good for heart. However, it should be noted that black cardamom is better than green for this purpose.
Cardamom is known as a natural cancer treatment; it can be used to prevent, delay, and even reverse cancer. Additionally, cardamom can help inhibit nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys) and the development of cancerous cells and it can even destroy them.
Ten-gram humidity-resistant packages are great to be put on the shelf. It is better to store cardamom away from sunlight in containers with lid.