Cardamom is regarded as the “Queen of Spices” and has always been valued for its distinctive flavor and health benefits. The extract captured the essence of this spice. This extract has been in continuous usage since traditional times all over the world, incorporating it into a huge number of culinary dishes, health, and beauty benefits. In this article, we will help you understand how cardamom extract can assist you in enhancing your culinary creations for the sake of both good health and new flavors.
Culinary Applications
One of the major uses of cardamon extract is in the culinary sector. The warm, sweet, yet unique flavor gives dishes a desirable taste. Here are some ways you can use cardamon extract in your kitchen:
1. Baking: Cardamom extract is a great additive to cookie, cake, pastries, biscuits, muffins, etc. baking. This provides a different flavor and supplements very well with cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla.
2. Flavoring beverages: A few drops of the cardamom extract added to your beverages, be it tea, coffee, juices, or hot chocolate, brings a different blend of taste and aroma to your beverages, giving it a distinct flavor.
3. Improvement in Savoury dishes: A pinch of cardamom extract may add a savoury and heavenly flavour to your preparations. This is commonly used in soups, curries and rice dishes which deliver a flavour of aroma. The most used cardamom extracts are in preparations like pulav or biryani.
4. Desserts :Cardamom extract finds an apt place in milk-based sweets like ice-creams, creams, milk, kheer etc.
Health and Wellness
Besides culinary, cardamom has been in use for medicinal purposes for centuries. It is known for having natural healing properties which helps to cure various ailments. Here are some of the uses of cardamom extract for your health and wellbeing.
1. Digestion – Cardamom is said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which help in proper digestion. It can cure symptoms like bloating, gas and indigestion and soothe the stomach.
2. Oral health – Cardamom extract has anti-bacterial properties that help to improve your oral hygiene. It helps to prevent oral infections and bring freshness in your mouth. It is widely used in toothpastes and mouth washes.
3. Respiratory health – Cardamom helps to improve your respiratory health. It removes the blockage from the airways and reduce mucus production, thus allowing you to breathe properly. It can be added in your tea or add it in your dishes to avail it’s benefits. This is effective during cold and flu season.
4. Mood Enhancement – Cardamom extract can help to enhance your mood by relieving you from stress, anxiety, depression, mood swings and insomnia. Adding drops of the extract to your diet or while bathing can help you to avail the benefits.
Beauty care
Cardamom extract also has a distinct place in the beauty and personal care routines. Here are some of the uses of cardamom extract in beauty routines:
- Skincare – Cardamom is commonly used in skincare routines. Individuals from teenagers to old age benefit from this. This extract can help you get clear skin, remove blemishes, and give a clear look to your skin. It can be applied directly or mixed with face packs, creams, masks etc.
- Haircare – Apart from skincare, cardamom extract is also used in haircare. It keeps your hair smooth and shiny. It gives a lusturous look to your hair while keeping it strong and healthy. The extract can be mixed with your shampoo, conditioner,hair masks or benefit it through essential oils.
Conclusion
Cardamom is a very versatile ingredient which has it’s benefits in culinary, health and beauty world. Whether you are looking forward to adding a unique twist to your dish, improve your overall well-being, or enhance your beauty, this natural remedy will help you with it through it’s rich and aromatic benefits.
Here are 10 FAQ’s
1.What is cardamom extract?
Cardamom extract is a concentrated liquid produced from the seeds of cardamom. It has an aromatic flavor and provides various culinary, health and beauty benefits.
2.How can I use cardamom extract in cooking?
It can be used in a lot of dishes and beverages. One can use in baking, desserts, enhance the dishes, sweets and beverages like tea, coffee, hot chocolate etc.
3. What are the health advantages of cardamom extract?
Cardamom extract offers various health benefits, such as aiding digestion, oral health, respiratory, and mood enhancement.
4. How is cardamom extract used in skincare?
Cardamom extract in skincare gives clear and blemish-free skin. This is used in face creams, face packs, and masks, among others.
5. How can cardamom extract be used in hair care?
Cardamom extract can be used in hair care by using it in shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, etc. This makes your hair soft, smooth, and healthy.
6. How can I use cardamom extract for digestive health?
Cardamom extracts have many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This helps in improving indigestion, gas, and bloating and helps in proper digestion.
7. Is cardamom safe for daily use?
Yes, it is safe to use cardamom extract if used in moderation. You are recommended to consult a specialist before consuming cardamom if you have any medical issues or on medication .
8.How do I store cardamom extract?
Cardamom extract should be stored in a cool, dark place in order to preserve it’s aroma and taste.
9. What does cardamomo extract taste like?
The flavor of cardamom extract is warm, spicy-sweet, with notes of citrus and mint.
10. Can I use the extract of cardamom as a natural mouthwash?
Yes. Cardamom extract can be used as a natural mouthwash. It can be diluted in water in order to be used as a mouthwash.