Cardamom
Warm, floral flavor transforms chai, baked goods, and curries into an exotic pantry staple.
What it is
Cardamom is a fragrant spice that comes from the seed pods of plants in the ginger family, native to India and Guatemala. The small green or black pods contain tiny black seeds with an intensely aromatic flavor.
Flavor and texture
Cardamom has a complex, sweet-spicy flavor with hints of citrus, mint, and pine. The seeds are slightly crunchy when whole, or can be ground into a fine powder.
Best uses
Perfect for chai tea, coffee, baked goods like cookies and cakes, rice pilafs, curries, and Middle Eastern dishes. Also wonderful in ice cream, custards, and fruit desserts.
Storage & freshness
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry away from light and heat.
| As purchased | 6-12 monthsdepending on pod quality and freshness |
| Sealed (pantry) | 2-3 yearsif kept airtight in cool conditions |
| Refrigerated | 3-4 yearsif kept airtight and dry |
| Frozen | 4-5 yearsif kept airtight and moisture-free |
Durations are for best quality. Safe to consume longer if no spoilage signs present.
Whole pods retain flavor longer than ground cardamom — grind just before use for best results.
Cooking tip
Lightly crush whole cardamom pods with the flat side of a knife before adding to dishes - this releases more flavor than using them whole, but gives you more control than pre-ground powder.
Interesting note
Cardamom is one of the world's most expensive spices by weight, ranking just behind saffron and vanilla, and has been traded for over 4,000 years.
Quick facts
Pairs well with
Nutrition snapshot
Basis: per 100 g · USDA FoodData Central · Match confidence: High