Cardamom Substitutes

Cardamom Substitutes

This article provides an overview of cardamom, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make cardamom substitutes.

What is Cardamom?

Cardamom is a spice made from the seeds of several plants belonging to the family Zingiberaceae, which is native to the Indian subcontinent and Indonesia.

Nowadays it is also cultivated in other countries such as Malaysia, Tanzania, and Guatemala. Cardamom is a common ingredient in Indian and Asian cooking, in both sweet and savory dishes.

What does Cardamom taste like?

Cardamom has a strong and unique flavor that is paired with a pungent resinous aroma. Black cardamom in particular has a smoky aroma and a coolness similar to mint.

Is Cardamom readily available in Supermarkets?

Cardamom should be readily available in supermarkets, often sold as a ground powder or in whole cardamom pods. It will usually be found in the spice section.

What are some alternative names for Cardamom?

Cardamom may be referred to as cardamon or cardamum, they are the same thing.

What is a good substitute for Cardamom in recipes?

Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for cardamom. These include: