{"id":11230,"date":"2019-12-11T13:05:07","date_gmt":"2019-12-11T13:05:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fxnutrition.com\/?p=11230"},"modified":"2025-08-28T14:52:50","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T14:52:50","slug":"a-perfectly-sized-seasonal-prize-cookies-inside","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fxnutrition.com\/blog\/a-perfectly-sized-seasonal-prize-cookies-inside","title":{"rendered":"Cardamom Thumbprint Cookies: A Seasonal Approach to Holistic Nutrition"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u2019s shift our focus to something sweet and comforting\u2014cookies and cardamom.<\/span><\/p>\n

The magic of cardamom<\/span><\/h2>\n

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\u2019s 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\u2019s a bit hard to describe. <\/span>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!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Cardamom varieties<\/span><\/h3>\n

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 <\/span>Elettaria<\/span><\/i> and are often referred to as \u201ctrue\u201d cardamom. The larger pods are referred to as <\/span>Amomum<\/span><\/i> and may be black, white or red. Either type of cardamom is excellent and I encourage you to try them both!<\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>ginger chai latte<\/span><\/a> which will complement your cookies quite nicely!<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Cardamom\u2019s medicinal properties and holistic nutrition<\/span><\/h3>\n

While the taste alone is enough for me to include more cardamom in my cooking, it\u2019s also a super spice when it comes to its medicinal properties.\u00a0 <\/span>In fact, it\u2019s a favorite in both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicines.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

If those reasons aren\u2019t 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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. <\/span>Cookies anyone?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

In the kitchen with cardamom<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"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.)<\/p>\n