Cardamom is the ground seed of a tropical
fruit in the ginger family known as Elettaria
cardamomum. The seeds are found in oval-shaped
fruit pods that are between 1/4- and 1-inch
long.
Geographical
Sources
Cardamom
comes from India, Guatemala, and Ceylon.
Traditional
Ethnic Uses
In
India Cardamom is traditionally used in curries,
and in Scandinavian countries it is commonly
added to breads; however, most of the world's
Cardamom crop is used in Arabic countries
as a flavoring for coffee.
Taste
and Aroma Description
Cardamom
has an intense, pungent, sweet flavor.
History
/ Region of Origin
As
early as the 4th century BC Cardamom was used
in India as a medicinal herb. Greeks and Romans
imported it as a digestive aid. In Sweden
it has become a more popular spice than cinnamon.
