Ingredient Guide•Cardamom
All Ingredients
High ProteinHigh Fiber
Spices & HerbsDried HerbsSouth India & Sri Lanka
CardamomCalories, Nutrition Facts, Culinary Uses & Recipes
Scientific Name:Elettaria cardamomum
Also known as:
ElaichiGreen Cardamom
Cardamom pods are aromatic spice. Sweet floral aroma. Used whole or ground. Enhances desserts and curries.
Calories (100g)311 kcal
Dietary ProfileVegan & Vegetarian
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Calories in Cardamom & Nutritional Facts
Standard food-composition values per 100g edible portion and realistic serving portions
How many calories are in Cardamom?
100 grams of Cardamom (raw/dry reference weight) provides approximately 311 kcal, 68.0g carbohydrates, 11.0g protein, 6.7g fat, and 28.0g dietary fiber. A realistic single-person portion of 50g contains roughly 156 kcal before cooking oils or garnishes.
311.0kcal
Calories
11.0g
Protein
68.0g
Carbs
6.7g
Fat
28.0g
Fiber
0.0g
Sugar
| Portion Size | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per 30g (Small / 2–3 Tbsp) | 93 kcal | 20.4g | 3.3g | 2.0g | 8.4g |
| Per 50g (Standard Home Serving) | 156 kcal | 34.0g | 5.5g | 3.4g | 14.0g |
| Per 100g (Standard Reference) | 311 kcal | 68.0g | 11.0g | 6.7g | 28.0g |
Source & Disclaimer: Nutritional figures represent approximate values per 100g edible portion compiled from standard food-composition references (including ICMR-NIN Indian Food Composition Tables & USDA FoodData Central). Values vary by grain thickness, moisture, brand, and added cooking oils or garnishes. Provided for general culinary information only and not as medical or clinical dietary advice.
Storage Instructions
Keep Cardamom fresh and long-lasting
Room Temperature: Whole cardamom pods stay fresh in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to one year. In the Fridge: Ground cardamom loses its aroma quickly and should be kept tightly sealed in the refrigerator for up to six months to preserve its oils.
Kitchen Preparation & Cooking Uses
Best culinary practices & prep tips
Which Type to Buy: Always buy green cardamom in whole pods rather than pre-ground powder because the pods trap the essential oils. How to Prep: Crack the pods open with the flat side of a knife just before cooking to release the tiny seeds inside. Best Way to Cook: Add whole pods directly into hot oil for a tadka in rice dishes and curries, or crush the seeds for sweet milk teas and baked goods.
General Nutritional & Wellness Notes
Everyday dietary context for Cardamom as part of balanced home cooking
Cardamom is a healthy spice that aids digestion and freshens breath naturally. It contains good amounts of dietary fiber and minerals like iron and potassium. Eating it regularly can help soothe an upset stomach and support overall gut health.
Culinary Uses, Origins & Cultural Heritage
How Cardamom is used across regional kitchens and history
Common Culinary Uses
Ancient Egyptians chewed cardamom seeds to clean their teeth, while ancient Greeks and Romans used it in perfumes and medicines. Over centuries, it made its way into Scandinavian baking, where it remains a favorite flavoring for sweet breads and pastries.
Historical Roots
Cardamom grows wild in the damp, shaded forests of the Western Ghats in South India. Historically, traders and merchants carried this prized spice along ancient trade routes to the Middle East and Europe, where it became a luxury trading item.
Regional & Cultural Traditions
In India and the Middle East, cardamom is a sign of hospitality, often added to welcoming cups of tea and coffee. It also holds an important place in festive sweets and wedding feasts across South Asia.
Did You Know?
Cardamom is often called the queen of spices because it is one of the most expensive spices in the world by weight, second only to saffron and vanilla.
Chef & Cooking Tips
If your dish tastes too bitter, you likely used too much cardamom or let the seeds fry in the oil for too long. Remove the pods early in the cooking process if you only want a mild hint of flavor rather than a strong spice kick.
Recipes Using Cardamom
Explore 2 recipes featuring Cardamom
Frequently Asked Questions about Cardamom
Common questions on calories, cooking methods, and kitchen storage
How many calories are in Cardamom?
Per 100 grams (raw/dry reference weight), Cardamom contains approximately 311 kcal, 68.0g carbohydrates, 11.0g protein, 6.7g fat, and 28.0g dietary fiber. A typical 50g culinary portion provides roughly 156 kcal before cooking oils, butter, or garnishes are added.
What is Cardamom and how is it used in cooking?
Cardamom pods are aromatic spice. Sweet floral aroma. Used whole or ground. Enhances desserts and curries.
How do you prepare and cook with Cardamom?
Which Type to Buy: Always buy green cardamom in whole pods rather than pre-ground powder because the pods trap the essential oils. How to Prep: Crack the pods open with the flat side of a knife just before cooking to release the tiny seeds inside. Best Way to Cook: Add whole pods directly into hot oil for a tadka in rice dishes and curries, or crush the seeds for sweet milk teas and baked goods.
How should Cardamom be stored to keep it fresh?
Room Temperature: Whole cardamom pods stay fresh in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to one year. In the Fridge: Ground cardamom loses its aroma quickly and should be kept tightly sealed in the refrigerator for up to six months to preserve its oils.
What are the nutritional qualities of Cardamom?
Cardamom is a healthy spice that aids digestion and freshens breath naturally. It contains good amounts of dietary fiber and minerals like iron and potassium. Eating it regularly can help soothe an upset stomach and support overall gut health. (For general culinary reference only, not medical advice.)
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