Travel Photo Of The Day: Cardamom

From a tooth-cleaning mechanism to a perfume to an exotic spice used in different cultures worldwide, cardamom has a variety of applications.

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Next to saffron, cardamom is one of the more expensive spices. It is native to southern India, but now also grows in the tropical climates of Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Indochina, and Tanzania.

The spice itself comes from the seeds of a "ginger-like plant." They're known for their pungent and warm smell that's reminiscent of "eucalyptine [aromas] with camphorous and lemony undertones." There are several varieties of cardamom, but the most prized are Malabar and Mysore.

Craving cardamom? Check out our recipe for a blood orange and cardamom mojito with basil!

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