Saturday 30 December 2017

Spices! Cardamom...

There are many spices that are used for both healing and cooking purposes. While all spices have their benefits, I wish to particularly highlight on one spice today: Cardamom. 

Yes! Cardamom....I am a person who is easily swayed by my sense of smell when it comes to perfumes, spices and essential oils. One of my all time favourite will be Cardamom. Below is an image of cardamom (if you do not know it). Some call it as "Queen of Spices". 

There are two types of cardamom: green and black (or brown). The green type is the more common type. 


Shutterstock Picture of Cardamom - Esther Neela Blog


In general, cardamom is used as a treatment for mouth ulcers, bad breath, digestive problems, and even depression.

Ayurveda uses this quite extensively for many purposes. But I am not going to go into further details on that. 

I am easily attracted by this due to the fragrance. I use this extensively for my cooking and when the fragrance of this particular spice hits my senses, I feel great....

Below are some websites that talks extensively on this spice. Recently, Crabtree and Evelyn had this used in their Xmas editions....A look at some of their items below (images taken from Crabtree and Evelyn website)...I have eaten the chocolate biscuits with a hint of cardamom...I do like the fragrance of the cardamom, but I do find the chocolate a bit overwhelming. 


Crabtree and Evelyn White Cardamom Indulgent Treats - Esther Neela BlogCrabtree and Evelyn All Butter Dark Chocolate and Cardamom Biscuits - Esther Neela Blog



So, if you are like me, who love the fragrance of cardamom...let us all appreciate and enjoy one of nature's creation.... :)

Some websites listing all on the spice cardamom:

From Myspicer.com
https://www.myspicer.com/history-cardamom/

From IndianMirror
http://www.indianmirror.com/ayurveda/indian-spices/cardamom.html

From WebMD
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-614-cardamom.aspx?activeingredientid=614&

From Organic Facts
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-cardamom.html

From Nutrition and You.com
https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/cardamom.html

Recipe using Cardamom
Semiya Payasam (Rich Indian Dessert)
If you have eaten out at an Indian Restaurant, mainly South Indian Restaurant, this dessert is usually popular. It is one of my favourite too :). 
Check out the recipe below...
http://www.happyandharried.com/2016/08/31/semiya-payasam-kheer/

Shutterstock Picture of Payasam - Esther Neela Blog


There are many other recipes for using cardamom in your daily dish. You can search for those...

Have a great weekend!


Spices Pictures - Esther Neela Blog