Green Cardamom for Cooking, Medicinal Purposes

A favorite herb in India, Cardamom is considered to be one of the most expensive spice after saffron and vanilla. It is an aromatic fruit of a ginger-family perennial native to India. It is used in a variety of cuisines today, medicinal uses and beverages. The pods can be used whole or split when cooked in meals. Otherwise, the seeds can be taken out from the pods, bruised and fried before adding main ingredients to the pan or pounded with other spices as required. Keep the pods whole until use.