The main difference between green and black cardamom is that green cardamom is smaller in size and has an intense flavor while black cardamom is larger in size and has a smoky flavor.
Cardamom is a spice made from the seeds of various plants in the ginger family. These plants have small spindle-shaped seed pods, which contain a number of seeds. Cardamom is popular in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines, both in sweet and savory dishes. There are two main types of cardamom as green cardamom and black cardamom. There is also white cardamom, which is the bleached form of green cardamom.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Green Cardamom
– Definition, Features, Processing
2. What is Black Cardamom
– Definition, Features, Processing
3. What is the Difference Between Green and Black Cardamom
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Black Cardamom, Cardamom, Green Cardamom
What is Green Cardamom
Green cardamom, also known as true cardamom, is a spice obtained from the Elettaria cardamomum, a herbaceous plant in the Ginger family, native to Asia. It is the most commonly cultivated and used variety of cardamom. It is also one of the most expensive spices in the world. Green cardamom is a good spice for sweet dishes as well as savory dishes. It is a common spice in many Asian curries and is a primary ingredient in masala chai.
Figure 1: Green Cardamom
If we look at the production of green cardamom, the seeds are obtained by drying the green seed pods of the plant. Moreover, harvesting of the pod takes place before the plant reaches full maturity. It’s also important to note that we use both the pod and the seeds for flavouring food.
What is Black Cardamom
Black cardamom, also known as Bengal cardamom or greater cardamom, is a spice obtained from the plant Amomum subulatum, a plant in Ginger family that have large dark brown seed pods. Black cardamom is less common in use than green cardamom, but they are also cheaper. This cardamom type has a smoky and somewhat camphor-like flavor. There is also a hint of coolness some consider similar to mint. Although some use black cardamom in sweet desserts, it is more appropriate for savory dishes.
Figure 2: Black Cardamom
When compared to green cardamom, pods of black cardamom are harvested much later. More importantly, they are dried over large fire pits. It is this preparation that results in its smoky flavor. Furthermore, we only use the seeds in black cardamom. The pods are discarded.
Difference Between Green and Black Cardamom
Definition
Green cardamom is a spice we obtain from the plant Elettaria cardamomum while black cardamom is a spice we obtain from the plant Amomum subulatum.
Flavor
While green cardamom has an intense flavor and aroma, black cardamom has a smoky and vaguely camphor-like flavor and aroma.
Dishes
Green cardamom can complement both sweet and savory dishes while black cardamom is ideal for savory dishes.
Processing
When processing green cardamom, pods are harvested before the plant reaches full maturity. In contrast, pods of the black cardamom are harvested much later; they are also dried over large fire pits.
Seeds and Pods
We use both seeds and pods of green cardamom, but we only use black cardamom seeds.
Price
Green cardamom is very expensive, but black cardamom is less expensive than green cardamom.
Conclusion
There are two main types of cardamom as green cardamom and black cardamom. Green cardamom is smaller in size than black cardamom and has an intense flavor while black cardamom has a smoky flavor. While green cardamom can complement both sweet and savory dishes, black cardamom is ideal for savory dishes. Thus, this is the difference between green and black cardamom.
Reference:
1. Alfaro, Danilo. “How Can You Use Cardamom Spice In Your Cooking?” The Spruce Eats, Available here.
2. “Black Cardamom.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Aug. 2020, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Hell e Makke 001” By Jacopo188 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “166833” (CC0) via Pixabay
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