Black Cardamom or Amomum Subulatum

Why Should You Select Dravidaspices Black Cardamom?

Dravidaspices Black Cardamom is harvested from the lush, green valleys of the Himalayas, ensuring that you get only the most aromatic and flavorful spices for your cooking. Our commitment to quality, sustainability, and the preservation of traditional spice cultivation methods makes Dravidaspices the preferred choice for chefs and home cooks alike.

What is Black Cardamom?

Black Cardamom, or Amomum Subulatum, is a large, dark brown pod containing intensely flavored seeds. Unlike its green counterpart, Black Cardamom is known for its smoky, camphorous aroma, making it a staple in savory dishes, particularly in Indian, Middle Eastern, and African cuisines.

What Does Black Cardamom Taste Like?

Black Cardamom tastes smoky and camphorous with a cool menthol undertone. Its robust flavor profile adds depth and intensity to dishes, distinguishing it from the sweeter, more floral green cardamom.

Key Benefits of Black Cardamom

• Digestive Health: Aids in digestion and reduces bloating.
• Antioxidant Properties: Helps in detoxifying the body.
• Respiratory Relief: Improves respiratory health and aids in treating colds and coughs.
• Oral Health: Freshens breath and has antiseptic properties.

Popular Recipes with Black Cardamom

• Black Cardamom Chicken Curry

• Ingredients: Chicken, onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, black cardamom, spices.
• Instructions: Sauté onions, garlic, ginger, and black cardamom. Add chicken, tomatoes, and spices. Cook until tender.

Image Source: Freepik

• Smoky Dal Makhani

• Ingredients: Lentils, cream, butter, tomatoes, black cardamom, spices.
• Instructions: Cook lentils with black cardamom. Add tomatoes, cream, butter, and spices. Simmer until creamy.

Image Source: Freepik

• Cardamom Scented Rice

• Ingredients: Basmati rice, black cardamom, water, salt.
• Instructions: Cook rice with black cardamom pods. Serve as a fragrant side dish.

Image Source: Freepik

• Spiced Tea (Masala Chai)

• Ingredients: Tea leaves, milk, sugar, black cardamom, ginger.
• Instructions: Boil all ingredients together. Strain and serve hot.

Image Source: Freepik

• Black Cardamom Meat Rub

• Ingredients: Ground black cardamom, salt, pepper, garlic powder.
• Instructions: Mix ingredients. Rub onto meat before grilling or roasting.

Image Source: Freepik

Black Cardamom FAQs

Q. What's the difference between black and green cardamom?

A. Black cardamom has a smoky, robust flavor suitable for savory dishes, while green cardamom is sweeter and more floral, commonly used in desserts.

Q. How do I store black cardamom?

A. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain its aroma and flavor, ensuring a shelf life of up to two years.

Q. Can I use black cardamom in desserts?

A. Although uncommon, it can be used to add a smoky note to certain desserts, offering an intriguing flavor contrast.

Q. Is black cardamom good for health?

A. Yes, it supports digestive and respiratory health, has detoxifying and antioxidant properties, and benefits oral health.

Q. How much black cardamom should I use in cooking?

A. A small amount, typically one or two pods, is enough to impart its distinctive flavor to a dish.

Q. Can black cardamom be eaten whole?

A. The seeds are edible, but the outer shell is usually discarded due to its toughness.

Q. What can I substitute for black cardamom?

A. Green cardamom or cloves can be used as substitutes, but they will offer different flavor profiles.

Q. Is black cardamom vegan?

A. Yes, it is a plant-based spice suitable for vegan diets.

Q. Can black cardamom be used in tea?

A. Absolutely, it adds a smoky flavor to tea, especially in masala chai recipes.

Q. Does black cardamom require special preparation?

A. Typically, pods are lightly crushed before use to release their flavors, either added whole to dishes or the seeds ground and used as a spice.