Cardamom is the fruit of a tropical plant related to ginger, and is one of the world’s most expensive spices, after saffron and the vanilla bean. It is essential to the cuisines of the Middle East and India (think Chai Masala, Garam Masala, etc.), but is also a great addition to baking.

All about Cardamom Seed, Spice

What it’s like, and how to make it

HeatNo heat
CuisineIndian & south & asian, middle & eastern
Best forBaking sweet, braising, slow cooker
Goes inBaked goods desserts, curry dal, rice grains, beverages cocktails, pickling preserving
WithLamb, chicken
What’s in itcardamom seed

How to use it

Crack pods with the flat of a knife, pull out the seeds, grind fresh — that's the whole point. Simmer whole pods in chai, rice pilaf, or poaching liquid and remove before serving. Crush lightly for biryani or cardamom buns. One of the world's most expensive spices, but a little goes a very long way. The secret ingredient in Scandinavian baking — half a teaspoon transforms cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, and shortbread. Essential in Indian sweets and chai. A pinch in coffee is a revelation. Crack pods fresh and grind the seeds for the best flavor — pre-ground loses potency fast.

  • Cardamom Seed, Whole spice, shown over a chalk-and-watercolour illustration
  • Cardamom Seed, Ground spice, shown over a chalk-and-watercolour illustration
  • Illustration: Cardamom Seed, Whole with the Cardamom Hills of Idukki in Kerala
  • Illustration: Cardamom Seed, Ground with a Swedish town in winter
  • Illustration: Kulfi, made with Cardamom Seed
  • Illustration: Gulab Jamun, made with Cardamom Seed
  • Illustration of Cardamom Seed, Whole in The Tea & Spice Shoppe bag and jar, with the Cardamom Hills of Idukki in Kerala
  • Illustration of Cardamom Seed, Ground in The Tea & Spice Shoppe bag and jar, with a Swedish town in winter
  • Cardamom Seed - The Tea & Spice Shoppe
  • Cardamom Seed - The Tea & Spice Shoppe

What it goes with

Ayurveda's tridoshic digestive. Drop into our Peppermint for cooling digestive relief, our Breathe Deep for respiratory support (cardamom's 1,8-cineole opens airways), or our Pitta Balance for traditional Ayurvedic harmony. Connects across 20 herbal blends.

Where it takes you

Cutting Chai on the Platform

Also in these blends

On its own, this is the straight thing. It also goes into these blends, each made for a different evening. Read about Cardamom →

Reviews

What the time-travelers say

206 of the shop’s 213 reviews are five stars — left by people who actually bought the tea

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Jamaican Curry Powder

Great products and great service

I had a slight mix up on my order, they were quick to reply and correct my order with no issues. Amazing service and great…

I had a slight mix up on my order, they were quick to reply and correct my order with no issues. Amazing service and great products.

— Nick C. Verified

Peach White, Organic

Great tea

A lovely, delicate tea. The peach is strong without being overwhelming or cloying, and the calendula is a nice addition. Very…

A lovely, delicate tea. The peach is strong without being overwhelming or cloying, and the calendula is a nice addition. Very tasty!

— Zoe R. Verified

Maple Peach

Maple Peach

The maple peach is delicious. What a beautiful combination. I will most definitely order it again, and a higher quantity of it.

— Gerda S. Verified

Dill Weed

Always handy

I use dillweed often. This dill is fresh and has a nice aroma. I use it in marinades, salad dressings, and on fish. Good stuff.

— Jennifer D. Verified

Detox Tea, Organic

Great stuff

This has helped my household a lot with circulation and alertness when we had it everyday. Will be ordering again soon. Thanks

— Dave G. Verified

Blueberry Bang Rooibos

Love this tea. Hands down my fav rooibos. This store is our one-stop-shop for tea and spice. Great service, top notch product.…

Love this tea. Hands down my fav rooibos. This store is our one-stop-shop for tea and spice. Great service, top notch product. 10/10!!

— Erin Poeta P. Verified

English Breakfast Decaf

Delicious

I love this black tea, it has a really nice smooth flavour and love how it’s Swiss water method decaf. Will be buying again!

— Jessica A. Verified

Toffee Olé

Great flavorful tea

Toffee Ole is one of our favorite teas to share with friends in the evening, when we want something non-caffeinated but quite…

Toffee Ole is one of our favorite teas to share with friends in the evening, when we want something non-caffeinated but quite flavorful.

— Joel R. Verified

Assam Estate CTC BOP

Another full bodied ‘real tea’ . ie It is not a flavoured tea. However, we do very much enjoy the Cafe Latte tea which is a…

Another full bodied ‘real tea’ . ie It is not a flavoured tea. However, we do very much enjoy the Cafe Latte tea which is a flavoured tea!!!

— Ted H. Verified

Ayurvedic Throat Coat

teas

love , love, love and they shipping is very fast. the headache tea works great, the throat coat tea works great as well

— Miranda A. Verified

Ayurvedic Breathe Deep

4 stars

It worked beautifully; perhaps if I add a little more honey, it would make it better… It is a wellness tea, after all!

— Merrilee B. Verified

Bancha, Organic

Bancha with a splash of lemon

A wonderful Green Tea. Smooth in taste. Also suitable as a summer tea with a splash of lemon. A second infusion makes an…

A wonderful Green Tea. Smooth in taste. Also suitable as a summer tea with a splash of lemon. A second infusion makes an enjoyable second cup!

— Monika F. Verified

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Other ways in

Home The front door — what the shop has, how it reaches you, and where a cup can take you, in one scroll. Start here Collections Every shelf in the shop on one page — teas by leaf and flavour, spices by kind and cuisine. Open any shelf to see what is on it. Browse the shelves The Showroom The whole shop on one floor — every tea, spice and blend, filtered by what you are after, with the basket beside you. Open the Showroom Elsewhere Short trips — a place, a moment, a feeling — each with the teas and spices that get you there. Take a trip Ingredients Every plant, seed, bark and salt in the shop on one page — what it is, why it is in the blend, and where it comes from. See them all Local Delivery & Shipping How it reaches you — free Calgary delivery over $60, one flat rate for every province, and what happens if it is wrong. See the rates