CARDAMOM--a flavor of life

 Cardamom sometimes consider as an Indian herb wide used throughout preparation of many cuisines. The herb’s common name is “chhoti elaichi” and it grows in an exceedingly smart range in Asian countries like Republic of India. Scientific name of cardamom is Ellet aria Cardamom. Indians, This smaller aromatic herb has several health edges once consumed justifiably. Generally, the herb has terribly less aspect effects however over intake of constant could cause some serious health consequences. it's thus extraordinarily vital to grasp the correct dose of the herb to avoid any of the aspect effects.

How To choose And Store? 

Selection: each ground and loose seeds of cardamom area unit obtainable within the spice section of the supermarkets whereas whole pods area unit obtainable in specialty stores. Once shopping for cardamom, continuously like the inexperienced one because it encompasses a complicated flavor that's appropriate for each sweet and savory dishes. Moreover, whole cardamom pods ought to be chosen over ground ones. Seek for tiny soccer formed pods having a inexperienced tint. they must smell sort of a combination of pine and flowers. Although the pods area unit usually inexperienced in color, they're typically found in an exceedingly gentle bleached kind. Black cardamoms having larger chromatic pods moreover because the bleached ones ought to be avoided. This is often as a result of they need a less dynamic style. You’ll be able to conjointly obtain ground cardamom however the standard isn't pretty much as good because the seeds from a full pod. If ground cardamom is required, it's well to grind the seeds from a full pod with a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. However, ground cardamom loses its flavor quickly whereas the entire spice stays potent for a year or perhaps longer.

Cardamom is a rich spice so alternative spices area unit usually additional to ground cardamom to scale back the value. The gap of the pods or the grinding of the seeds causes a fast loss of the flavor and aroma of the cardamom thanks to the speedy loss of the essential oils.

Storage: correct storage of cardamom is of prime importance to retain its style and aroma moreover as extend its time period. the most effective approach is to store cardamom within the kind of pods as a result of once the seeds area unit exposed or ground, they lose their flavor and aroma quickly. Cardamom pods will last up to a year once keep in an exceedingly airtight instrumentality in a cool, dry place. Dry cardamom capsules ought to be unbroken in wetness proof containers aloof from direct daylight. For bulk storage on long run basis, the pods ought to be unbroken in polyethylene lined sacking luggage within wood boxes. This may preserve the inexperienced color of the pods. Before putting the capsule within the sacking luggage for storage, make sure that they\'re absolutely dry. Any wetness within the bag can cause them to rot. Moreover, they must be inspected frequently for signs of wetness or spoilage.

The stowage ought to be dark, dry, clean, cool and free from pests. to guard the pods from pests and insects, dipterans nettings ought to be fitted

Cardamom, Nutritional value per 100 g.

(Source: USDA National   Nutrient data base)
Principle	Nutrient Value	Percentage of RDA
Energy	311 Kcal	15.50%
Carbohydrates	68.47 g	52.50%
Protein	10.76 g	19%
Total Fat	6.7 g	23%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Dietary Fiber	28 g	70%
Vitamins
Niacin	1.102 mg	7%
Pyridoxine	0.230 mg	18%
Riboflavin	0.182 mg	14%
Thiamin	0.198 mg	16.50%
Vitamin A	0 IU	0%
Vitamin C	21 mg	35%
Electrolytes
Sodium	18 mg	1%
Potassium	1119 mg	24%
Minerals
Calcium	383 mg	38%
Copper	0.383 mg	42.50%
Iron	13.97 mg	175%
Magnesium	229 mg	57%
Manganese	28 mg	1217%
Phosphorus	178 mg	25%
Zinc	7.47 mg	68%

So its better to use cardamom for the food. it helps you to prevent from diseases. and keeps you fresh and energetic.