Green Cardamom Pods 2 lbs fresh stock Elettaria 



It may seem surprising that cardamom is the third-most expensive spice in the world, since it’s virtually unheard of in much of the U.S. Why would this spice be such a desirable commodity?

Cardamom is used in both spicy-hot ground masala and milder curry blends, especially in East Indian cultures. Cardamom tea is as famous as the ginger varieties in India. In some Middle Eastern cultures, a strong cardamom-based coffee called “gahwa” is served daily and considered a necessity when demonstrating hospitality.

In areas of the Western world, cardamom is an essential sausage ingredient, and adds a singular flavor to Scandinavian pastries. The essence is also appreciated in the fragrance market, but perhaps more importantly, Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicines hold cardamom in high esteem.Health Benefits of Cardamom

In ancient medical traditions, cardamom could cure a sore throat, teeth and gum infections, congestion, tuberculosis, stomach, kidney, and lung problems, and also be used as an antidote for spider and snake bites. It’s been long noted, and more recently in lab studies, to successfully treat urinary tract infections – even gonorrhea.

For centuries, cardamom has been touted as having aphrodisiac properties with the ability to cure impotency. In clinics using East Indian medicine practices, five grains of cardamom chewed three times a day is prescribed as a way to kill harmful H. pylori bacteria that causes intestinal infections and chronic pain.

In both early and modern medicine, cardamom is believed to have mood-elevating properties, so it’s used both as an antidepressant and in aromatherapy. It’s said to relieve problems with muscle spasms, and according to studies at the Central Food Technological Research Institute in India, contains several blood clot-preventing components. Studies show that the many layers of phytonutrients in cardamom even offer cancer protection and improved blood circulation, which is heart protective.

Nutritionally, no other vitamin or mineral ingredient in cardamom comes close to the manganese content, which is 80 percent of the recommended value in a single tablespoon. You’ll also find smaller amounts of fiber and iron, as well as plenty of vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin A, and zinc.

Volatile oils in this spice are also important, limonene being the most prominent, as well as pinene, sabinene, myrcene, phellandrene, terpinene, terpinolene, linalool, terpinen-4-oil, a-terpineol, a-terpineol acetate, citronellol, nerol, geraniol, and methyl eugenol. Studies show that these oils are the main reason for its effectiveness in treating gastrointestinal disorders.