Personal Use
This is our cardamom Co2 total extract. It is beyond fantastic. So now you are saying great, so I have Cardamom essential oil, what is the difference between that and the CO2?
The main difference between Cardamom essential oil and the CO2 extract is the process of extraction. The essential oil is steam or hydro distilled, while the CO2 extract is extracted by using carbon dioxide gas and a low pressure. They also vary a bit chemically, not too much though. However the aroma of the Co2 select is fuller and deeper and rounder.
Tip: If something is referred to as an essential oil, this tells you that it has been steam or hydro distilled. If it is referred to as a CO2 total or select or supercritical, this this tells you that it has been extracted by Carbon Dioxide gas. The analogy we like to use is that the steam distilled cardamom is like a light beer and the co2 extract is a deep stout.
Cardamom CO2 extract is much “fuller” in aroma. This select extract truly has the aroma of freshly dried Cardamom pods, and it’s a much deeper aroma than Cardamom essential oil.
We have found that this extract is highly anti spasmodic and great for the digestive system, and respiratory system. This is in part due to the high percentage of of esters. It is also quite warming and acts as a rubefacient. This means it’s wonderful in blends to increase circulation and bring heat to an area. It is also a mental stimulant and can be used to clear the mind and increase focus. It is a great extract for anything digestive and stomatchic. It has also been know to use it as a pulmonary stimulant.
Cardamom is referred to as the Queen of Spices. and we love to use this extract in cooking. Here are some ways to use it:
• In baked goods such as breads, cookies or a muffin recipe.
• Make a killer cup of chai tea
• Add flavor to rice
• To make honey Cardamom flavored
• To flavor soups
• Add a warmth to coffee
Botany
Elettaria cardamomum is a pungent aromatic herbaceous perennial plant, growing to about 2–4 m (6 ft 7 in–13 ft 1 in) in height. The leaves are alternate in two ranks, linear-lanceolate, 40–60 cm (16–24 in) long, with a long pointed tip. The flowers are white to lilac or pale violet, produced in a loose spike 30–60 cm (12–24 in) long. The fruit is a three-sided yellow-green pod 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) long, containing several black and brown seeds. (Wikipedia)
Small Cardamom or True Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is a member of the Ginger family (Zingiberaceae). It grows wild in the monsoon forests of South India and Sri Lanka. It is cultivated extensively in these countries, as well as in Guatemala and elsewhere.
There are two types of cardamom
- Green cardamom
- Brown cardamom
