Elachi
QUEEN OF SPICES
Elachi is seen in kitchens in every household across the globe. It is one of the spices in Indian cuisine. During religious festivals here in India, we prepare ” kheer”, a sweet dish, and often use this elachi to add flavour to the dish. Though it looks like a small spice, its seeds will give a flavour when added to any dish.
History :
It is a perennial plant , mostly cultivated in India, Sri Lanka, and Guatemala. The names of this spice differ from one area to another. Cardamom is a spice made from the seeds of several plants. It is one of the world’s oldest spices. Consumption of this spice is dated back at least 4,000 years. It is believed that ancient Egyptians used cardamom for medicinal purposes as part of rites. The Greeks and Romans used elachi for its pungent aroma. It is called the “Queen of spices.”
Benefits
- Antioxidant properties may lower blood pressure.
- Thei cardamom may help fight cancer cells.
- Rich in compounds that may fight inflammation.
- It protects against digestive issues and has been shown to reduce the size and number of stomach ulcers.
- It is often used to treat bad breath. By chewing, it may kill mouth bacteria and prevent cavities.
- May improve breathing and oxygen use.
- When taken in powder form, it may lower blood sugar.
- It may decrease elevated liver enzymes by cardamom extraction.
- It is highly available and safe to use.
- Guatemala is the biggest commercial producer of cardamom . It is considered even more valuable than coffee as a crop.
Significance
As said, it is the Queen of spices, used in sweet preparations , adds a pungent and aromatic flavour to dishes, and is used in making perfumes as well. Though it is a green colored pod , the benefits from it are bountiful.
Conclusion
Elachi is a wonderful seasoning to flavor various dishes while also serving as an herbal solution for countless diseases such as high blood pressure, bad breath, and cough. Those who want to beat the winter blues will find a cuppa of tea with elachi powder will uplift their mood and boost their immunity.
