black cardamom pods

Black cardamom, also known as "brown cardamom", is a spice that is commonly used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is larger in size compared to green cardamom, and has a distinct smoky and intense flavor profile. Black cardamom is dark brown, and has a rough, wrinkled surface with an average length of about 2.5 cm. The aroma of black cardamom is smoky and pungent, with hints of camphor and eucalyptus. This spice's flavor is robust, smoky and slightly bitter, with a strong, slightly sweet aftertaste. The flavor profile of black cardamom does not change much with heat or time cooked, making it suitable for long-cooked dishes. Black cardamom is a key ingredient in various dishes including, biryanis, stews, soups, and spice blends like garam masala. In cooking, black cardamom is usually used whole, but it can also be ground into a powder. It is often added early in the cooking process to allow the flavors to develop and penetrate the dish. There is no need for any preparation before using black cardamom in cooking, simply add whole pods or ground powder to the dish as per the recipe's instructions. It is often used in dishes that require a longer cooking time, as the flavor of black cardamom intensifies with time. Some specific dishes that use black cardamom include Indian biryani, qeema, rogan josh, as well as some types of tea, such as chai tea. In Middle Eastern cuisine, black cardamom is used in dishes like kebabs and stews.