Black cardamom is a small herb with strong aromatic fragrances and can be availed in two varieties ‘black cardamom’ and ‘green cardamom’. Black cardamom or hill cardamom is the most popular species among these two. It is widely used in cooking for its unique taste and powerful flavor. Black Cardamom is also known as ‘Kali Elaichi’ and ‘Bari Elaichi’ in Urdu.

While it is commonly used as a flavouring spice for many Asian dishes, it also contains a number of health benefits. In fact the oil, which is extracted from black cardamom seeds, is used for a number of health and beauty purposes. Black cardamom seeds prevent heart disease. THe seeds also help control cardiac rhythm, which is useful as it maintains blood pressure while also reducing the incidence of blood clots.

What Does It Taste Like?

Black cardamom is dried over an open fire, which is what gives it such a powerful smoky aroma. Beneath that are notes of resin and camphor, as well as green cardamom menthol, slightly minty aromas that provide balance to a funky kick. These intense, heady notes put black cardamom in the "warming" spice category, along with black pepper, cloves, and chilies. It's a major component of the spice blend garam masala, which literally means "warming mixture."