Green Cardamom

• English:  cardamom, true cardamom, small cardamom, Queen of Spices
• Spanish:  cardamomo verde
• Portuguese:  cardamomo verde
• French:  cardamome verte
• Italian:  cardamomo verde
• German:  Grüner Kardamom
• Dutch:  groene kardemom
• Czech:  zelený kardamom
• Hungarian:  zöld kardamom
• Greek:  prasinos kardamomos
• Danish:  grøn kardemomme
• Norwegian:  grønn kardemomme
• Swedish:  grön kardemumma
• Finnish:  vihreä kardemumma
• Polish:  kardamon zielony
• Turkish:  yeşil kakule
• Hebrew:  hal yarok
• Arabic:  hayl 'akhḍar, habbahan akhdar
• Persian/ Farsi:  hel-e sabz
• Swahili:  iliki ya kijani
• Russian:  zelyonyy kardamon, zelenyy kardamon
• India
  • Bengali:  chhoto elach, elach
  • Hindi:  chhoti elaichi, hari ilaichi
  • Gujarati:  elaichi, lili elchi
  • Marathi:  velchi, hirvi velchi
  • Sanskrit:  ela
  • Tamil:  elakkai, pachchai elakkai
• Sri Lanka (Sinhala):  enasal
• Burmese:  pharon
• Thai:  krawan kheaw, kra wan kiew
• Cambodia (Khmer):  kroich krahob
• Vietnamese:  thảo quả xanh, bạch đậu khấu xanh
• Malay:  buah pelaga hijau
• Indonesian:  kapulaga hijau
• Filipino:  berdeng kardamono, kardamono
• China
  • Mandarin:  xiǎodòukòu, lǜ dòu kòu
  • Cantonese:  siu dau kau, luk dau kau
• Korean:  nogsaek ka damon
• Japanese:  midori no karudamon, gurīn karudamon

Source:  USDA FoodData Central

Daily Value % based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Green cardamom is wonderfully complex, its sensory effects the result of a multi-layered chemical composition. Here is a breakdown of its primary compounds, highlighting the culinary and medicinal properties of each:

Aroma & Flavor Compounds

• α-Terpinyl Acetate
  • Culinary:  The most abundant compound in cardamom essential oil (~40%), greatly contributing to its sweet, floral, and herbaceous aroma and flavor.
  • Medicinal:  Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial potential.
• Cineole
  • Culinary:  The primary compound in eucalyptus essential oil - adds a subtly sweet, minty note.
  • Medicinal:  Potent decongestant - used in many cough drops, chest rubs, and inhalants. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial potential.
• Linalool
  • Culinary:  Adds a floral note with hints of lavender and spice. 
  • Medicinal:   Potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Antioxidant and anti-anxiety potential. Often used in aromatherapy for stress reduction. 
• Limonene
  • Culinary:  A major component of citrus fruit peel essential oils - adds a bright, citrusy note.
  • Medicinal:  Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. It's also used to ease digestion, relieve anxiety, and boost mood.
• Linalyl Acetate
  • Culinary:  Adds a sweet, floral note with hints of lavender and bergamot.
  • Medicinal:  Potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• α-Terpineol
  • Culinary:  Contributes a sweet, floral, and slightly woody note.
  • Medicinal:  Potential antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
• Myrcene
  • Culinary:  Adds an earthy, musky note with hints of clove and tropical fruit. 
  • Medicinal:  Potent pain reliever with anti-inflammatory and sedative effects. Antioxidant, anticancer, and antibiotic potential.
• Sabinene
  • Culinary:  Adds a warm, peppery, woody note. 
  • Medicinal:  Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain-relief potential.

Other Phytochemicals

• Flavonoids & Phenolic Compounds
  • Culinary:  Contribute to the overall color of green cardamom and subtly influence flavor.
  • Medicinal:  Potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Notes

• Since the macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates, proteins) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) are listed in the nutrition facts above, this section focuses on the compounds most responsible for a spice or herb's unique culinary and medicinal properties.
• Keep in mind that chemical composition can vary, mainly in proportion and concentration, but it is possible for certain compounds to be entirely absent. In fact, these variations are the reason for differences in quality. This is why spices are typically graded by measuring the levels of key compounds that directly contribute to aroma, flavor, and color.
• Composition variation (and hence, quality) is affected by plant part, variety/ cultivar, age/ freshness/ ripeness, region, terroir, environmental stressors, potential adulteration, and the techniques deployed throughout the following processes: cultivation, harvesting, processing (drying, curing), shipping, storage, and preparation (grinding, grating, infusing, roasting). A magnificent spice is thus a celebration of a complex journey, shaped by natural forces and human ingenuity.

Green cardamom holds a wealth of medicinal benefits rooted in ancient traditions like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Today, modern science is starting to validate these traditional uses. Some of the most promising areas of green cardamom’'s medicinal potential are:

• Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties
  • Green cardamom is packed with antioxidants, such as terpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, which help neutralize free radicals in the body. The essential oils in green cardamom also exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory properties. 
• Digestive Health
  • In traditional medicine, green cardamom has been used for centuries to alleviate various digestive complaints, including indigestion and bloating. Its carminative properties can help relax the digestive muscles. 
• Antimicrobial Action
  • Green cardamom exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, making it effective against various bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Cardamom's antimicrobial effects are harnessed in natural remedies for skin infections and wounds, and as a food preservative.
• Oral Health
  • The spice's antimicrobial properties make it an effective natural remedy for maintaining oral hygiene. It helps combat bad breath, reduce cavities, and prevent gum disease. Chewing cardamom seeds or using cardamom oil in mouthwash can freshen breath and promote a healthy oral microbiome.
• Cardiovascular Health
  • Cardamom's ability to lower blood pressure and improve heart health is well-documented. Additionally, green cardamom's antioxidant compounds protect the heart by preventing the oxidation of cholesterol and improving overall lipid profiles. 
• Respiratory Health
  • Green cardamom has been used throughout history to treat respiratory ailments. Its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties improve breathing by clearing phlegm and congestion and soothing irritated airways. 
• Liver Health
  • Some studies suggest that cardamom may protect the liver from damage and improve its function. 
• Mood Enhancement and Stress Relief
  • The aromatic compounds in green cardamom have a calming effect on the mind and body. It is used in aromatherapy to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. The spice's uplifting scent can promote relaxation and improve mood, making it a valuable natural treatment for mental well-being.
• Detoxification
  • Cardamom is known to have diuretic effects, which can help promote the elimination of toxins and waste products from the body through increased urine production. 
• Anticancer Potential
  • While research is still in its early stages, some studies suggest that compounds in green cardamom may have anticancer properties, potentially inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells. 

Important Considerations

• Most Research is Preliminary:  While research is promising, more extensive human clinical trials are needed to definitively confirm the efficacy and safety of green cardamom's medicinal properties. 
• Dosage Matters:  Researchers commonly use concentrated extracts, so keep in mind that standard dietary consumption may not yield the same results. More studies are required to establish proper dosages and administration methods.
• Medication Interaction:  Green cardamom should not be considered a replacement for conventional medical treatments, and while it is generally safe for most people, it is critical to exercise moderation and consider potential interactions with other medications. 
• Disclaimer:  Consult healthcare professionals before using spices and herbs for medicinal purposes. 

True cardamom’s most popular alternative use cases are:

• Spiritual and Cultural Significance
  • India
    • Green cardamom is often used as offerings during pujas (prayers) in Hindu ceremonies. It symbolizes purity, prosperity, and devotion. It is also used in making prasad (food offerings to deities), particularly in sweets and beverages. In Indian weddings, green cardamom is sometimes included in traditional wedding sweets like laddoos and kheer and beverages like spiced tea or masala chai and thandai. It symbolizes prosperity in marriage.
  • Middle East
    • In the Middle East, particularly in Arab countries, green cardamom is used in various cultural rituals. It is a common ingredient in gahwa (Arabic coffee), which is often served during important social and religious gatherings, including after prayers and during Ramadan. Cardamom-infused beverages are seen as symbols of hospitality and respect. In some Middle Eastern cultures, cardamom is added to sweets and desserts that are traditionally prepared for weddings and festive occasions, representing joy and celebration.
  • Iran
    • Cardamom is sometimes used in the rituals of Zoroastrianism, which originated in ancient Persia. It is also a key ingredient in Persian sweets like baklava and sherbet, which are often associated with celebrations and religious events.
• Gift Giving
  • In South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, cardamom is a symbol of luxury and is often included in traditional gift-giving practices as a token of hospitality, wealth, or good fortune.
• Fragrances and Aromatherapy 
  • The unique warm, spicy fragrance of green cardamom is often used in perfumes and other scented products. Cardamom essential oil is also used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and uplift mood.
• Aphrodisiac
  • In various cultures, like traditional Indian and Middle Eastern medicine, green cardamom is believed to enhance sexual health and libido. It is often added to herbal remedies or consumed in teas, sweets, or other foods for this purpose.
• Oral Care
  • Cardamom is often chewed to freshen breath and its antimicrobial properties may help to promote oral health. It is also used in some traditional remedies for toothaches and gum infections. 
• Air Freshener
  • Green cardamom is sometimes used in sachets and potpourri to impart a pleasant fragrance in homes, closets, and cars. The natural aroma of cardamom helps to neutralize odors and foster a refreshing atmosphere. 
• Traditional Skincare
  • In some traditional skincare practices, the spice is added to homemade facial masks and scrubs to improve complexion and reduce blemishes. 

Disclaimer:  While green cardamom shows promise in these areas, it's important to manage expectations. Its effectiveness may be limited compared to commercial alternatives.

Before we discuss the spices that can be used as substitutes, here are the spices with similar names that often get confused with the real thing:

• Black Cardamom:  This is a different species (Amomum subulatum). Although closely related, it has a much different flavor profile - smoky and more intense compared to the sweet, floral notes of green cardamom. 
• Thai Cardamom:  Another different, yet related species (Amomum krervanh), this spice is more pungent, camphorous, and medicinal tasting than the sweeter green cardamom.
• Ethiopian Cardamom:  Also known as korarima (Aframomum corrorima), it has a different flavor profile and should not be used as a direct substitute for green cardamom.
• White Cardamom:  This refers to bleached green cardamom pods, which have a milder flavor but are not a different species. This term is also sometimes used to describe Thai cardamom. 

There is no definite substitute for green cardamom, but there are some options for getting creative:

• Cumin + Coriander + Cinnamon + Nutmeg
  • This combination is the closest approximation to the flavors of cardamom. Any warm spice, like ginger, allspice, and cloves can be together to try to resemble cardamom’s complexity. 
• Cinnamon + Nutmeg
  • A blend of ground cinnamon and nutmeg can replicate some of the warm, sweet, and slightly spicy notes of green cardamom. Use a 2:1 ratio of cinnamon to nutmeg to replace cardamom in desserts and baked goods.
• Cloves + Cinnamon
  • For a more aromatic and spicy substitute, a mix of ground cloves and cinnamon can be used. Cloves offer a strong, pungent flavor, so use sparingly: a pinch of ground cloves with a bit of cinnamon can approximate cardamom's complexity in savory dishes and spice blends.
• Allspice
  • Ground allspice has a warm and slightly peppery flavor with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making it a reasonable stand-in for cardamom in both sweet and savory dishes. Use it in equal amounts to replace ground cardamom.
• Pre-ground Cardamom
  • If you can’t get whole cardamom pods, pre-ground cardamom can offer similar effects, although it loses much of its potency as the valuable volatile oils dissipate after grinding. This results in a less intense and somewhat muted flavor.
• Star Anise
  • Offers a similar warmth and sweetness, but with a distinct licorice-like flavor. Use sparingly.
• Ginger
  • While not a direct replacement, ginger can add a similar warmth and sweet spiciness to some savory dishes and spice blends. Use it sparingly, as ginger is more pungent than cardamom. 
• Citrus Zest
  • Lemon or lime zest can provide a bright, refreshing note that complements some cardamom-based recipes.

Notes

• Incomplete Substitution:  All spices and herbs are too complex to match exactly, so it's crucial to consider the specific characteristics you aim to replicate, such as certain aspects of its flavor, aroma, texture, or color.
• Quantity Adjustment:  Start with a small amount of the substitute and adjust to taste, as it won't be a perfect 1:1 exchange for the original's flavor or potency.
• Context:  Consider the dish you're making and how the substitute's entire flavor profile will merge with other ingredients. Each alternative brings its own properties that will influence the final dish differently. 
• Experimentation:  Playing with substitutions is a great opportunity to explore how tastes and aromas interact. If you approach it with an open mind, you may really enjoy the process of fusing new flavors, and make some amazing discoveries along the way.

Native to the lush forests of the Western Ghats mountain range in Southwestern India, green cardamom, the only “true cardamom,” has been treasured since antiquity. Crowned as the Queen of Spices, this exquisite fruit pod was first cultivated by ancient Indian civilizations 5,000 years ago. The earliest written records of cardamom use are in ancient Sanskrit texts from 1500 BCE. It was described as a precious spice with a plethora of culinary and medicinal uses.

Cardamom quickly transcended its origins to become a coveted luxury item around the ancient world. Its popularity spread to the courts of Persia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome through networks of Arab traders. The ancient Egyptians used cardamom in embalming rituals, in perfumes, and as a breath freshener, while the Greeks and Romans used it to flavor wines and delicacies. And cardamom-infused coffee, known as "gahwa," became a cultural symbol of hospitality all throughout Arabian society. 

It was highly sought-after in the Middle Ages, its price often skyrocketing due to its scarcity. Recognizing the immense value of controlling its supply, the European powers wanted direct access to the East. The British East India Company started cultivating cardamom in India on a large scale and exporting it to global markets. By the 19th century, cardamom plantations had been established in other tropical regions as well. A German coffee planter introduced cardamom to Guatemala in the early 1900s and the country has since overtaken India as the largest global producer. 

Today, green cardamom remains essential to many cuisines worldwide, and while not as luxurious as it once was, its rarity and status are still quite high. It is one of the world’s most expensive spices, and its ability to grace a dish with elegance will always be deeply appreciated by those with discerning taste.