Cardamom Chemistry

Cardamom Chemistry

Author: Vera Koester ORCID iD

Cardamom seeds, either whole or ground, are a common spice in Asian and Arabic cuisine. They are, for example, a main ingredient of Indian masalas. In European cuisine, especially in Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK, the spice is mainly used in Christmas pastries such as gingerbread and speculoos, but also in sausages, liqueurs, chocolate, and as a component of spice mixtures. In Scandinavia, cardamom is also a typical ingredient of sweet baked goods (e.g., Swedish kanel bull or Finnish pulla) and in mulled wine (glögg). In the preparation of Arabic mocha, cardamom is often added to coffee grounds. It is considered an aphrodisiac.

The seeds contain an essential oil that gives them a spicy, sweetish hot aroma. Since it evaporates easily, whole capsules should be preferred to cardamom powder. In the powder, the tasteless fruit shells are also usually ground. The seeds should only be ground as required.

When ground with a pestle, press the pestle onto the capsule until it pops open. Then the shell is removed, and the seed is ground. Good cardamom can be recognized by a fresh green color of the capsules and the oily black color of the seeds.

 

Cardamom ChemistryViews Advent Calendar

 

Cardamom ChemistryViews Advent Calendar

 

 

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