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black cardamom.

VegetarianVeganGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freePeanut-freeSoy-freeEgg-freeShellfish-freeHoney-freeAlcohol-free

ALSO KNOWN AS

Black Cardamomsbadi elaichibig cardamom

Recipes with black cardamom + Add to pantry

SERVING

CALORIES

271

PROTEIN

6.7g

CARBS

52.5g

FAT

2.8g

FIBER

23.5g

NUTRITION PROFILE · per 100 g

Everything in this ingredient.

MACRONUTRIENTS

Calories271kcal—

Protein6.7g13%

Carbohydrates52.5g19%

Fiber23.5g84%

Sugar2.3g5%

Total fat2.8g4%

Saturated fat0.49g2%

Trans fat0g—

Cholesterol0mg0%

Water6.7g—

MINERALS

Sodium16.3mg1%

Potassium1331mg28%

Calcium312mg24%

Iron7.9mg44%

Magnesium286mg68%

Phosphorus117mg9%

Zinc4.8mg43%

Copper0.75mg83%

Manganese30.3mg1315%

Selenium4.0µg7%

VITAMINS

Vitamin A77.5µg9%

Vitamin C0mg0%

Vitamin D43.5µg218%

Vitamin E1.1mg7%

Vitamin K5.7µg5%

Thiamin (B1)0.05mg4%

Riboflavin (B2)0.13mg10%

Niacin (B3)0.52mg3%

Pantothenic acid (B5)0.27mg5%

Vitamin B60.20mg12%

Biotin (B7)4.8µg16%

Folate (B9)5.0µg1%

Vitamin B120µg0%

%DV based on a 2,000 cal diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central. A dash in the %DV column means there’s no established Daily Value for that nutrient.

MEASUREMENT CONVERSIONS

How much is what.

1 cup96g

1 tablespoon6g

1 teaspoon2g

1 ml0.4g

1 liter400g

1 piece2g

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why eat it.

✓Traditionally used as a digestive aid to alleviate issues like indigestion, bloating, and flatulence.
✓Contains potent antioxidant compounds that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
✓Supports respiratory health; its essential oils are believed to help relieve symptoms of congestion, coughs, and colds.
✓Exhibits antimicrobial properties that can help maintain oral hygiene and combat bad breath.

COOKING TIPS

In the kitchen.

1Use sparingly, as its strong, smoky, and camphor-like flavor can easily overpower a dish. It is best suited for savory recipes.
2Lightly bruise or crack the whole pods before adding them to slow-cooked dishes like stews, curries, or broths to fully release their aromatic oils.
3It is common practice to remove the whole pods from the dish before serving, as biting into one can be unpleasantly intense.
4Pair with other robust spices like cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves in savory meat dishes, lentil stews (daal), and rice preparations like biryani.

STORAGE

Keep it fresh.

Store whole pods in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Whole black cardamom pods will retain their potent flavor and aroma for up to two years, while ground cardamom loses its potency much more quickly.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

Is black cardamom healthy?

Yes, black cardamom is highly nutritious and medicinal. It is traditionally used as a digestive aid to alleviate bloating and flatulence, and it contains potent antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

What are the nutritional values of black cardamom?

Per 100g, black cardamom contains approximately 270.55 calories, 6.69g of protein, 52.53g of carbohydrates, and 2.8g of fat. However, because it is used in very small quantities as a spice, its caloric contribution to a meal is minimal.

What does black cardamom taste like?

Black cardamom has a distinctively bold, smoky, and earthy flavor with subtle notes of camphor and menthol. This smoky profile comes from the traditional method of drying the pods over open flames, making it very different from the sweet, floral taste of green cardamom.

Can I substitute black cardamom with green cardamom?

They are generally not interchangeable because their flavors are vastly different. Green cardamom is sweet and used in desserts or chai, while black cardamom is smoky and savory. If a recipe calls for black cardamom, substituting with green will lose the intended smoky depth.

Is black cardamom vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, black cardamom is a natural seed pod from a plant, making it 100% vegan and naturally gluten-free. It is safe for those with celiac disease or those following a plant-based diet.

How do you use black cardamom in cooking?

It is best used in hearty, slow-cooked savory dishes like stews, curries, and biryanis. Usually, the whole pod is lightly crushed to expose the seeds and added to hot oil or liquid to infuse its smoky aroma throughout the cooking process.

Is black cardamom keto-friendly?

Yes, it is keto-friendly. Although it contains 52.53g of carbs per 100g, a typical recipe uses only one or two pods (less than 1 gram), resulting in a negligible impact on daily carb counts.

How should I store black cardamom and how long does it last?

Store whole pods in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place. When stored correctly, whole black cardamom pods can maintain their flavor and potency for up to a year.

Can black cardamom help with respiratory issues?

Yes, the essential oils in black cardamom are believed to support respiratory health. It is often used in traditional medicine to help relieve symptoms of congestion, coughs, and common colds.

Do you eat the whole black cardamom pod?

While the pod is edible, it has a very tough, woody texture and an intense flavor that can be overwhelming. Most cooks leave the pod whole during cooking and remove it before serving, or simply push it to the side of the plate.

RECIPES