Cardamom - The Spice Queen!A
Cardamom is a seed pod native to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia and Nepal. Regarded as the queen of spices, cardamom is the world's third-most expensive spice, surpassed in price per weight only by vanilla and saffron.
There are two main types of cardamom: true or green cardamom, which is a primary ingredient in Strongwater’s Golden bitters, and black cardamom. Both forms of cardamom are used as flavorings and cooking spices in both food and drink, and as a medicine.
Cardamom has a strong, unique taste, with an intensely aromatic fragrance. Black cardamom has a distinctly more smokey, though not bitter, aroma. Green cardamom is one of the more expensive spices by weight, but little is needed to impart flavor. India was originally the capital of cardamom until the 20th century. Guatemala is currently the largest producer of cardamom in the world. The plant was introduced there in 1914 by Oscar Majus Kloeffer, a German coffee planter.
In India, cardamom was traditionally used as one of the ingredients in Ayurveda (the ancient Indian science of medicine and lifestyle) and traditional Chinese medicine. It was believed to be a remedy for teeth and gum infections, throat problems, congestion of the lungs, pulmonary tuberculosis, inflammation of the eyelids, gastrointestinal disorders, disintegrating kidney, and gall bladder stones, and was also used as an antidote for poisons and venoms.
Cardamom is rich in various vitamins and micronutrients. These include niacin, pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin A, vitamin C, sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, and zinc.
The health benefits of cardamom are extraordinary. Full of anti-microbial and anti-carcinogenic properties, cardamom is a natural detoxifier. Cardamom is also good for the heart, can help lower cholesterol, fight cancer, combat depression, treat urinary tract infections, and prevent gastrointestinal diseases. Commonly consumed after a meal, cardamom is a terrific digestion aid and is frequently used to settle upset stomach, tame nausea, and even freshens your breath.
Strongwater Golden bitters is infused with whole organic green cardamom pods. Try it in tea, coffee, desserts, or use alone as a natural breath freshener. Add a few dashes to a whiskey cocktail for a divine take on the classic Old-Fashioned. Strongwater Golden bitters is an exotic twist on the traditional aromatic bitters and one of our most versatile flavors.
Get your cardamom in this beautifully Indian-inspired bitters here - the Strongwater Golden:
