What is Cardamom?
{{taxobox |name = Cardamom |image = Elettaria cardamomum - Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-057.jpg |image_caption = True Cardamom (''Elettaria cardamomum'') |regnum = [[Plantae]] |unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]] |unranked_classis = [[Monocots]] |unranked_ordo = [[Commelinids]] |ordo = [[Zingiberales]] |familia = '''[[Zingiberaceae]]''' <!-- |subdivision_ranks = Genera |subdivision = *''[[Amomum]]'' *''[[Elettaria]]'' --> |}} '''Cardamom''' is the name used for two [[herb]]s related to [[ginger]]. Their [[seed]]s are used as a [[spice]]. The two [[species]] are named ''Elettaria'' and ''Amomum''. The seeds grow in a small seedpod. This seedpod is [[triangle|triangular]] in cross-section and has the shape of a [[spindle]]. There is a thin papery outer shell and small black seeds. Elettaria pods are light green in color, Amomum pods are larger and dark brown. Elettaria is commonly known as ''cardamom'', ''green cardamom'' or ''true cardamom''. It grows from [[India]] to [[Malaysia]]. Amomum is usually called ''black cardamom'', or ''white cardamom''. It grows in [[Asia]] and [[Australia]]. == Uses == [[File:Black and green cardamom.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Green and black cardamom]] Both forms of cardamom are used to add [[flavor]] to both food and drink, as cooking [[spice]]s and as a medicine. ''Elettaria cardamomum'' (the usual type of cardamom) is used as a spice and in medicine; it is also smoked sometimes; it is used as a food plant by the [[larva]] of the [[moth]] ''[[Endoclita|Endoclita hosei]]''. === Food and drink === Cardamom has a strong taste and an intense smell. Black cardamom has coolness similar to that of [[Mentha|mint]]. It is commonly used in Pakistani cooking. In [[Scandinavia]] it is often used for baking. Green cardamom is one of the most expensive spices by weight but little is needed to give the flavor. Cardamom is best stored in pod form. Once the seeds are exposed or ground, they quickly lose their flavor. High-quality ground cardamom powder can often be a substitute for the pods. T