Other Names tsao-ko, elaichi, thảo quả Description Black cardamom is the fragrant pods of one of two species of Amomum. The photo above shows the Chinese variety on the left and the Indian variety on the right. Both varieties of black cardamom have a strong smoky aroma owing to the way the pods are dried …
Other Names
tsao-ko, elaichi, thảo quả
Description
Black cardamom is the fragrant pods of one of two species of Amomum. The photo above shows the Chinese variety on the left and the Indian variety on the right. Both varieties of black cardamom have a strong smoky aroma owing to the way the pods are dried over fire. Because of this unique fragrance, they are almost always used in savoury dishes.
What’s it taste like?
Black cardamom has a potent smoky meat-like flavour reminiscent of pimenton. The Indian variety in particular has an underlying camphor-like aroma.
Where do I get it?
Black cardamom can be found in the spice aisle of Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese grocery stores, often coming in small clear plastic bags.
When is it best?
As with any spice, cardamom looses it’s potency with time, so try to get it from a store with a fair amount of turnover. Most of these packages don’t have expiration dates, so you’ll just have to do your best at looking for telltale signs of age such as dusty and faded packaging.
How do I use it?
It’s typically added whole into soups and stews, but could also ground into a powder and added to spice blends such as garam masala. Unlike green cardamom, black cardamom is rarely used in desserts.
Nutrition
While there are no documented nutritional benefits, black cardamom is prescribed in chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Recipes:
Braised Lamb Shanks in Cranberry
Eleanor Hoh(WokStar) says
I love these helpful nuggets of information. Another use for cardamom an Indian friend taught me is to use it to clear ‘garlic breath’ often offered after a meal in Indian restaurants. I use the pods rather than the actual seeds cause they lose potency faster. I carry pods in a little pill box, great for trips to refresh after coffee, tea as well as strong flavored foods. Folks either love or hate it.
colloquial cook says
Ok, I’ve just been given home-made garam masala – probably the only way I’ll ever get to taste this exotic dark cardamom 🙂 You’re da spice man Marc.
Almaz says
Hey Marc, Love your blog. Very inspirting. I am so happy you blog on black cardamom. I use it all the time on veggie or beaf dishes. I ground in my spice grinder a small amount at a time. Like you mentioned the aroma is out of this world.
In Ethiopia we call it korerima. Very famous spice. Some people add a little bit in thier coffee. An aquared taste thing? From your posted picture I think the korerima resembles the chinise black cardomon
Sanu Krishna Maharjan says
It is commonly available in Nepal and Nepal is one of the major producer of Black Cardamom