Cardamom Thumbprint Cookies: A Seasonal Approach to Holistic Nutrition

BY: Andrea Nakayama

DATE: 2019-12-11

Winter mornings are dark. As I sit in my office reflecting on the season, I actually welcome the dark before dawn and embrace the silence. Amidst the holiday lights and snow flurries, I invite you to join me in a moment of quiet contemplation. Today, as we ponder, let’s shift our focus to something sweet and comforting—cookies and cardamom.

The magic of cardamom

Although not as common in kitchens here in the US, cardamom is an everyday spice in many corners of the world, including India and the Middle East, where it’s revered for both its culinary flavor and medicinal properties. Cardamom is composed of a small pod with black seeds inside. Both the seeds and the pod share the same distinct aroma and taste that’s a bit hard to describe. Is it citrusy, woodsy, lemony, peppery, spicy, sweet, or some combination of them all? Perhaps only your nose knows what it smells and tastes like to you!

Cardamom varieties

You might find a few different forms of cardamom if you sleuth around your local spice shop or ethnic market. The small and light green pods are called Elettaria and are often referred to as “true” cardamom. The larger pods are referred to as Amomum and may be black, white or red. Either type of cardamom is excellent and I encourage you to try them both!

Interestingly, cardamom comes from the same family of plants as ginger (Zingiberaceae), which may be why the two taste so terrific together and share many of the same medicinal qualities. Try this perfect pair in this ginger thai latte which will complement your cookies quite nicely!

Cardamom’s medicinal properties and holistic nutrition

While the taste alone is enough for me to include more cardamom in my cooking, it’s also a super spice when it comes to its medicinal properties. In fact, it’s a favorite in both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicines.

The most common use of cardamom is as a remedy for gastrointestinal disorders. Clinical trials have shown that the volatile oil present in cardamom (called methanolic extract) helps reduce flatulence, ease stomach cramps and supports proper digestion. Much like its plant partner, ginger, cardamom can also help combat nausea, heartburn, bloating, and loss of appetite.

Throughout history, cardamom has also been utilized for its infection-fighting properties. Clinical trials now support this ancient wisdom with research showing that the volatile oil mentioned above contains antimicrobial properties that can inhibit the growth of microbes that often cause food poisoning, in addition to pathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungus and mold.

Similar to turmeric, cardamom is also known to be anti-inflammatory. This makes it a powerful partner to help decrease inflammation and reduce pain and swelling, especially in mucus membranes and the throat.

If those reasons aren’t enough, know that cardamom is rich in various vitamins and micronutrients, especially manganese which plays a role in bone strength, healthy skin, balanced blood sugar and blood pressure. It also packs a punch with B-vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.

Just like some of our other favorite spices, you may get a bit zesty in the bedroom with a sprinkle of this condiment too. Cardamom has long been accepted as an aphrodisiac and was once even considered as a cure for impotence. Cookies anyone?

In the kitchen with cardamom

When buying fresh cardamom pods, they should be heavy and have a sweet aroma when rubbed. (Pass on the pods that feel light and have surface discoloration or spots.)

When buying fresh cardamom pods, choose heavy ones with a sweet aroma when rubbed. Pass on any pods that feel light and have surface discoloration or spots.
Fresh ground cardamom should have a spicy, sweet, citrusy smell.
Make cardamom-infused tea by simmering whole cardamom pods, alone, with ginger, or to enhance any type of tea you like.
Cardamom compliments sweets and desserts and is a common addition in Indian-inspired treats (like our cookies!).
Add ground cardamom to savory dishes like meat stews, lentil dishes, rice-pilafs and curries.
Make cardamom your secret smoothie ingredient with a dash or two added to it or on top.
Try cardamom in kheer or rice pudding with pistachio and raisins for a twist.
Diffuse or inhale cardamom essential oil to ease digestive issues or improve alertness.

Let’s infuse our collective cookie plate with nourishing spices and a whole lot of love this season. And all around, give yourself a thumbs up with a thumbprint—on a delicious cardamom cookie.