Cardamom, also known as cardamon or cassia, is a spicy spice extracted from the leaves of many herbs in the genus Elettaria and Amomum from the family Zingiberaceae. Both these genera are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, while the other places where cardamon is cultivated are in Indonesia and Malaysia. Cardamom is cultivated all over the world, especially in Southeast Asia. It has a number of health benefits, and is an integral part of a number of popular and tasty culinary concoctions.
Cardamom comes in many different varieties and has different qualities depending on where it is from. In India, for example, cardamom is known as Indian cardamom. In Indonesia, it is called Pedi-Gheer or Tuma cardamom. In Malaysia, green cardamom or cassia cardamom is more commonly known as tongkat Ali. And in America, the most common kind of cardamom is American cardamom.
Green cardamom is used as a spice and as a flavor for a number of cuisines. Because it has a distinct nutty flavor that some people find unappealing, green cardamom is often used to give food a little more flavor. For instance, it can be added sparingly to stir-fry, stews, and even soups. It has a warming, earthy flavor that makes it ideal for chicken or fish dishes.
In addition to its unique flavor, cardamom contains a number of health benefits. Like most spices, it has antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, antiparasitic, and anti-fungal properties. Some of these properties help fight against the harmful bacteria, fungi and viruses that cause disease. These properties are believed to be responsible for the increased longevity seen in people who regularly consume this spice.
The Nuttall-Hubbell research also found that cardamom contains at least five different antioxidants. These antioxidants may help fight cancer. Antioxidants can prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals. Antioxidants can also neutralize the damaging effects of the damaging enzyme, AGEs. Free radicals are one of the causes of cellular aging. People who live an antioxidant rich lifestyle have a healthier immune system, are less prone to infections, and have less risk of developing chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Cardamom has a very distinctive nutty flavor. It pairs well with rice, fish, poultry, lentils, stews, salads, and many other culinary dishes. In addition to being a great spice to add to a wide range of dishes, it is a medicinal herb that can be beneficial to people of all ages. This flavorful Indian herb can be grown and consumed in India, Mexico, Peru, Egypt, Arab nations, as well as other countries around the world.