Cardamom: Most expensive ingredient

Cardamom is known as an expensive cooking spice and for being beneficial to the digestive system in a variety of ways. Cardamom seeds whole or in powdered form are regarded as one of the most valuable spices, often employed in the preparation of curry powder, pickles, sausages, cakes and confectionery.

Cardamom is added to traditional sweets and teas for its cool, minty aroma and flavor.

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton), the Queen of all spices has a history as old as human race. It is one of the high priced and exotic spices in the world. It is a perennial tropical herb plant belonging to the ginger family (Zingibaraceae) and grows from a thick rootstalk up to around 6-10 feet.

It is valued for its acceptable taste, flavour and aroma. Large cardamom has a fresh and spicy aroma. By virtue of the traditional drying procedure over open flames, the spice also acquires a smoky flavour.

The seeds have a pleasant aroma and a characteristic warm, slightly pungent taste. The aroma and medicinal properties of cardamom are due to the volatile oil present in it and it is obtained from the seeds by steam distillation.

Cardamom contains an abundance of antioxidants, which protect the body against aging and stress, and fight common sicknesses and bodily strife.
Cardamom: Most expensive ingredient