This spice is also known as the “Queen of Spices” in India, its country of origin. Cardamom has a strong, pungent flavor that has subtle hints of lemon and mint. Interestingly, it is a very versatile spice so it can be used to intensify both sweet and savory flavors. There are two types of cardamom that are typically used in Indian cooking, as well as all over the world: Green and Black.
Green cardamom is used more commonly than its black counterpart and has a very light and sweet flavor. It is often used in desserts and sweet drinks. Black cardamom, on the other hand, consists of a very strong smoky flavor so it is often used in spicy rice dishes and curries.
Cardamom has quite a rich history behind it in terms of its medicinal properties and has been used since ancient times as a digestive aid, as well as to treat inflammatory and respiratory conditions.