Cardamom Pods Black

Also known as Begal cardamom or brown cardamom, black cardamom (Amomum subulatum) is sourced from a herbaceous perennial plant. They predominantly grow in southern India but are also cultivated in Sri Lanka, Guatemala and more widely in the tropics. They are similar to green cardamom but possess a smokier flavour due to being dried over an open fire.

They contain volatile oils such as 1,8-cineole and alpha-terpinylacetate.

Alongside saffron, cardamom is one of the world’s most expensive spices. This is due to the lengthy and labour-intensive harvesting process. Black cardamom pods are harvested much later than their green counterparts and are fire-dried, which is where they get their colour from.

Buying cardamom in the pods helps retain their distinctive flavour and scent for longer, making them an ideal choice for cuisine that warrants their punchy, smoky tang with notes of liquorice.

How is it used?

The seeds can be eaten whole, crushed or ground. The pods themselves are not edible due to their tough fibrous texture, although they can be distilled to create alcoholic drinks and ground into a powder. Both the pods and seeds can be used to infuse gin with a smoky, earthy aftertaste.

Only small amounts are needed to liven up a host of savoury recipes.

In Asian cuisine, it’s a go-to choice for adding to meat, poultry and vegetable-based dishes. It’s one of the standout ingredients in Indian chai tea, and due to its strength of flavour, it is rarely combined with other spices. It’s also used to spice well-loved rice dishes, including Biryani and Kheer – a rice pudding. In Vietnam and China, black cardamom pods are a staple ingredient for jin-jin meat and phở broth.

In Nordic countries, green cardamom is often added to baked goods, including Finland’s quintessential braided sweet bread, known as pulla. However, the black variety is not used in sweet recipes.

A common addition to ancient Indian and Chinese home remedies, it’s believed that cardamom can relieve digestive problems.

Enquire about ordering wholesale black cardamom pods from Joseph Flach and Sons.

Natural products can cause side effects. As with any food product or herbal supplement, it is advisable to seek professional advice before newly incorporating into one’s routine or into a new product, especially for individuals who are susceptible to allergies, have dietary issues, weakened immune systems or other health complications.

Important: Joseph Flach & Sons are not herbalists and are unable to offer advice on or attest to the efficacy or suitability of a material for use in a herbal remedy or as a product ingredient.