green seed pods of the plant are used in both sweet and savory dishes. The triangle-shaped pods are made up of spindle-shaped clusters of seeds with a thin outer shell that can be enjoyed both whole or ground. Cardamom has a strong, sweet, pungent flavour and aroma, with hints of lemon and mint tending menthol-like flavour. 

It is best to store cardamom as whole pods in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. The can be used for hot drinks or in cooking by grinding or chopping before use to get the best flavour. The whole pod can be used, or just the seeds inside the pod. 

Elettaria cardamomom

Kerala, India