Arabic Name and Pronunciation: Hale, pronounced hail
Origin: India
Taste: Cardamom has a very unique flavor and scent. It is heavy like black pepper, yet sweet like cinnamon or nutmeg, and has an almost camphor like effect on the nose.
Buying Cardamom: Cardamom is sold ground or whole. Whole seeds need to be cracked open to release the flavor and scent. The seed is light green, white, or brown. The skin of cardamom seeds is thin and feels like paper. Ground cardamom is very fine, almost like a powder.
Storing Cardamom: Cardamom seeds or powder need to be stored in a cool, dry place and in an airtight container.
Uses: Cardamom is an essential for Turkish and Arabic coffee. It is also used in sweets and many other dishes.
