Swastik Green Cardamom (Elachi)

Swastik Green Cardamom - Premium Quality Pods | Queen of Spices | 100% Pure & Natural

Product Overview

Discover the royal essence of Swastik Green Cardamom (Elachi), often referred to as the "queen of spices". These premium green cardamom pods (Elettaria cardamomum) are carefully sourced from the finest plantations to deliver the authentic, complex flavor that has made cardamom the third most expensive spice in the world (only behind saffron and vanilla).

Product Description

Green cardamom, scientifically known as Elettaria cardamomum, is a member of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. Our Swastik Green Cardamom pods are hand-picked at optimal maturity to ensure maximum flavor intensity and aromatic properties. Each pod contains small, black seeds that release their distinctive fragrance when crushed, providing the authentic taste that transforms ordinary dishes into culinary masterpieces.

Key Features:

• 100% Pure & Natural: Authentic whole green cardamom pods with no artificial additives
• Premium Grade: Hand-selected pods for uniform size and maximum oil content
• Queen of Spices: Warm, citrusy, spicy, and even minty notes that can pull together diverse spices and flavors
• Whole Pod Form: Preserves essential oils and maintains freshness longer than ground alternatives
• Intense Aroma: Complex flavor profile perfect for both sweet and savory applications

Health Benefits & Therapeutic Properties

Science-Backed Health Benefits:

• Digestive Wellness: Traditionally used to benefit digestion, ease piles, jaundice, and urinary complaints
• Antioxidant Power: Contains powerful antioxidants, essential oils, and bioactive compounds
• Respiratory Health: Used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries to improve respiratory health
• Detoxification Support: Helps aid digestion, detoxify the body
• Ayurvedic Benefits: Warming and detoxifying effects aid in reducing the accumulation of ama (toxins) in the body
• Natural Stimulant: Arabs have added cardamom to coffee as an aphrodisiac and stimulant for centuries

Active Compounds:

• Essential Oils: Natural aromatic compounds providing distinctive flavor and therapeutic benefits
• Bioactive Compounds: Contribute to cardamom's numerous health-promoting properties
• Volatile Oils: Responsible for the characteristic aroma and flavor intensity

Culinary Uses & Applications

Traditional Indian Cooking:

• Garam Masala: Essential ingredient in authentic Indian spice blends
• Rice Dishes: Perfect for biryanis, pulaos, and aromatic rice preparations
• Curries & Stews: Enhances curries, rice dishes, and marinades with its warm aroma
• Masala Chai: Indispensable for authentic Indian spiced tea

International Culinary Applications:

• Scandinavian Baking: Traditional use in Scandinavian breads
• Middle Eastern Cuisine: Coffee enhancement and dessert flavouring
• Beverages: Adds a fragrant twist to teas, coffees, and even cocktails
• Baking & Desserts: Commonly used in breads, cakes, and cookies for a unique flavour

Flavour Profile & Characteristics

• Taste: Complex blend of sweet, spicy, and citrusy notes with hints of mint
• Aroma: Intensely fragrant with warm, exotic essence
• Texture: Small, triangular pods containing aromatic black seeds
• Intensity: Complex flavour profile that lends itself well to both sweet and savoury applications

Quality Specifications

• Botanical Name: Elettaria cardamomum
• Origin: Premium quality pods from certified sustainable plantations
• Processing: Traditional harvesting and drying methods to preserve essential oils
• Form: Whole green pods with intact seeds
• Colour: Vibrant green exterior with dark brown to black seeds
• Size: Uniform, plump pods measuring 8-15mm in length

Usage Tips & Recommendations

Cooking Techniques:

• Whole Pod Usage: Whole pods can be added to dishes as they cook to infuse them with cardamom's aroma and flavour
• Seed Extraction: You can use either the seeds from green cardamom pods for maximum flavour
• Fresh Grinding: Crush pods just before use to release maximum aromatic oils
• Pod Removal: Remember to remove the pods before serving

Preparation Methods:

• Lightly Crushing: Gently crush pods to release oils while keeping seeds intact
• Dry Roasting: Toast whole pods briefly to intensify flavour
• Infusion: Perfect for flavoring milk, cream, or syrups
• Spice Blends: Essential component in homemade garam masala and spice mixtures

Storage Instructions

• Store whole cardamom pods in airtight containers away from light and moisture
• Keep in a cool, dry place to prevent essential oil evaporation
• Properly stored whole pods maintain potency for 2-3 years
• Avoid grinding until ready to use to preserve maximum flavour and aroma

Versatile Applications

Culinary Diversity:

• Sweet Applications: Ice creams, custards, and traditional Indian sweets
• Savoury Dishes: Meat preparations, vegetable curries, and rice dishes
• Beverages: Chai, coffee, lassi, and speciality cocktails
• Baking: Cookies, cakes, pastries, and bread preparations

Premium Usage:

• Restaurant Quality: Professional chef-grade for gourmet cooking
• Special Occasions: Perfect for festival cooking and celebration dishes
• Gift Giving: Premium packaging suitable for spice enthusiasts
• Culinary Education: Ideal for cooking classes and spice appreciation

Why Choose Swastik Green Cardamom?

Quality Assurance:

• Hand-Selected Pods: Each batch carefully inspected for size, color, and oil content
• Traditional Processing: Methods that preserve the natural characteristics of cardamom
• Purity Guarantee: 100% pure green cardamom with no fillers or artificial additives
• Freshness Promise: Sealed packaging maintains aromatic intensity

Value Proposition:

• Premium Quality: Restaurant and professional chef grade
• Authentic Flavor: Traditional taste that elevates any dish
• Versatile Usage: Uniquely flavorful and versatile. Used in a wide range of cuisines and recipes
• Long Shelf Life: Excellent value with extended usability when properly stored

Product Specifications

• Form: Whole green pods with intact seeds
• Appearance: Bright green, plump, triangular pods
• Seed Color: Dark brown to black aromatic seeds
• Packaging: Food-grade, moisture-resistant containers
• Shelf Life: 2-3 years for whole pods when properly stored
• Grade: Premium export quality

Recipe Ideas & Inspiration

• Authentic Chai Masala: Combine with cinnamon, cloves, and ginger for perfect spiced tea
• Cardamom Rice: Add 4-5 whole pods while cooking basmati rice for aromatic pulao
• Kheer (Rice Pudding): Essential for traditional Indian desserts
• Cardamom Coffee: Middle Eastern-style coffee enhancement

Expert Tips

• Don't be afraid to experiment with cardamom in your recipes. Its versatile flavour profile makes it suitable for a wide range of dishes, from savoury to sweet
• Start with small quantities, as cardamom has an intense flavour
• Good for salads, breads, main dishes, desserts, and drinks
• Pair with complementary spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise

Experience the royal essence of Swastik Green Cardamom - where premium quality meets authentic flavor in every perfectly formed pod.