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Cardamom is a spice with an intense, slightly sweet flavor that some people compare to mint. It originated in India but is available worldwide today and used in both sweet and savory recipes. It is regarded as the Queen of Spices and is one of the most expensive spices, ranking third, the first and second being saffron and vanilla, respectively.

It is known to be the ‘true cardamom’ with unique camphor-like aroma and excellent healing properties. The spice can be crushed and used in foods to enhance the flavor of the dishes and add an exotic aroma too. Not only does cardamom provide a sweet and deeply spicy flavor to everything you sprinkle it on, but it comes loaded with a ton of benefits to nourish your body. Cardamom is a nutritional powerhouse. It contains rich levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, and other micro nutrients. These vitamins and minerals work together to give cardamom numerous health benefits. For years, people have been chewing on cardamom pods as a cure for dental diseases. Cineole, a major component of cardamom oil, contains an antiseptic that kills the bacteria that produce bad breath.  

Prepare some elaichi chai - Sure, you can buy the dried-out bags of chai tea in the grocery store, but why not try to make your own! Combine cardamom pods with cinnamon, black peppercorns, and either black or green tea to make your own chai / tea mix. Simply add hot water and milk (if desired) to brew and start sipping away. 

Some of  curry recipes use cardamom to add a spicy element. It brings a depth to the flavor profile that makes the curry taste warming and delicious inside and out. Biryani, Pulao, Qorma, Kheer are a few dishes which are incomplete without the addition of hari elaichi to it. And if you are planning to bake some goodies for tea like nan khatais then dont forget to sprinkle a dash of cardamom powder to it. We bet no one can resist the aroma.