Cardamom Pods

Botanical Name: Elettaria cardamomum

Common Names: Bastard cardamom, cardamon, Malabar cardamom

Cardamom, or Elettaria cardamomum, grows in the humid tropical rainforests of southeast Asia. It is an herbaceous perennial which, after it flowers, produces a fruit that contains black seeds. These fruits are the Cardamom Pods. The seeds inside the Cardamom Pods are typically ground up and used as a spice for various foods. It is used in East Indian cuisine as a major component in the creation of curry dishes, and also is a distinctive flavoring in the popular drink known as masala chai tea. Scandinavian bread recipes often feature this exciting spice. In the Middle East, cardamom is commonly used to enhance the flavor of coffee and tea.