Ingredient
Also called Green Cardamom
Fragrant green pods with a sweet, warming spice that lifts a blend.
Fragrant green pods with a sweet, warming spice that lifts a blend.
A lightly crushed pod or two gives warmth without overpowering. It appears in Howl at the Moon.
In the kitchen
Crack 2–3 pods and simmer for 5 minutes, or add to a blend just before steeping.
Simmer cracked pods with milk, black tea and spices for chai, or into warm golden milk.
The seeds can be chewed whole as a breath freshener. The flavor is strong.
Toast whole pods in oil for rice and curries, or grind the seeds into baking, porridge and coffee.
Bury cracked pods in honey or sugar for a week or two.
Used freely in cooking. Very large amounts may affect people with gallstones.
Garden & lore
Spring
Grow cardamom as a houseplant in cold climates; repot in spring.
Summer
Keep it warm and humid in bright, indirect light, and water often.
Fall
Bring it indoors before nights drop below 50°F.
Winter
Buy whole pods and crack them just before brewing for the best flavour.
Sweet and aromatic, cardamom carries Venus's warmth — pleasure, appetite and an open chest.
Traditional associations, shared for interest and reflection — not medical advice.
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