Cardamom Seeds

Cardamom seeds come from the fruit pods of several plants in the ginger family. The seeds are small, black, and have a strong, aromatic flavor often described as sweet, floral, and slightly spicy. They are typically dried and sometimes ground for use in cooking and beverages.

Cardamom seeds are primarily used as a spice to add a distinct flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. They are common in baked goods, curries, rice dishes, and beverages like coffee and tea. Manufacturers use them to enhance the overall flavor profile of food products.

Cardamom is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a flavoring agent. There is limited research on the specific health effects of consuming cardamom at typical dietary intake levels. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated cardamom, but no specific numeric limits were set. Some traditional medicine practices use cardamom, but scientific evidence supporting these uses is often mixed or inconclusive.