Cardamom. What is this spice?

Cardamom is a herbaceous plant, attributed to a family of ginger. The most valuable are its seeds, which in their structure are three-chambered boxes. The territory of the plant is the forests of South India. There he is not fully ripened. The raw material is dried in the sun.

Cardamon has several varieties. In India, a plant is harvested, the fruits of which are green boxes. The spice produced from them has a complex, somewhat tarry smell and aroma. Cardamom black is cultivated in Australia and the tropical regions of Asia. Its cost is lower than the green one. Black cardamom has a delicate, slightly chilling taste, does not have bitterness. Among culinary experts it is believed that it can be used in large quantities. In this case, do not be afraid that the dish will be spoiled.

Fragrant boxes have long been used in countries of the East and North India as a condiment. Cardamom - what kind of spices are these? The seasoning is a part of many spicy mixtures. Use its piquant scandinavian scent and the Germans. In Europe, except for its northern part, this spice is not used. This is due to its specific flavor.

Cardamom - what is this product in terms of the usefulness of the substances contained in it? In the spices there are proteins and dietary fibers, carbohydrates and fats. Adding cardamom to dishes, you can replenish your body with many vitamins, as well as mineral substances. It contains riboflavin and thiamin, pyridoxine and niacin, ascorbic acid and potassium, calcium and phosphorus, magnesium and manganese, copper and zinc, and sodium and iron.

Cardamom is one of the most expensive spices. At the same time, its use is very diverse and universal. Cardamom - what kind of spice is it for the food industry? This unique seasoning is used for the production of sausages and cheeses. Because of its light lemon flavor and piquant camphor flavor, it is often added to a variety of sweets. Cardamom is perfectly combined with other spices. The resulting mixtures, which, thanks to this seasoning, have a strong smell and a burning aftertaste, find their application in the confectionery business.

Cardamom - what is this spice in Scandinavian cuisine? The inhabitants of this northern country give this spice a special role. It is put in meat and fish dishes. The main highlight of any feast is liver sausage, in which burning seeds are added.

Famous German Christmas gingerbread also contains cardamom. In these works of culinary art, the fragrant spice plays a dominant role along with honey, candied fruits and almonds.

In Eastern countries, cardamom is placed in festive dishes from rice. Add this spice to the sour milk drinks, coffee and tea.

Did not pass spicy spice and Russian cuisine. Russians add cardamom to the dough for pancakes, cakes, buns and sweet pies.

When buying, pay attention to the integrity of the spice boxes. In case of damage, the seasoning loses the flavor and taste inherent in it. In the dishes, according to the recipes, you can put the ground cardamom or its whole boxes.