If you like Science Fiction, you will have run across references to spiced coffee or cardamom coffee. For example, Kevin J. Anderson's Seven Sun Saga contains this dramatic scene:
After everyone had complimented the elaborate confection, a compy strutted in with a special pot of cardamom coffee for Basil. Rich aromas wafted up from the pot with sweet sharp bite of exotic spices. The compy poured a cup for the Chairman.
-- Kevin J. Anderson, Of Fire and Night: The Saga of Seven Suns, Book 5
The drama of Chairman Wenceslas's favourite coffee being poisoned drives much of the action of the series for the next book. You must read it yourself to find out how the much-reviled Chairman meets his doom, though!
Some people drink cardamom coffee for the flavour. That's not the only reason to recommend it, though!
Scientists work diligently to reveal Cardamom's positive effects on our bodies. Some examples include:
- Antioxidant and Diuretic Properties May Lower Blood Pressure
- May Contain Cancer-Fighting Compounds
- May Protect from Chronic Diseases
- May Help with Digestive Problems, Including Ulcers
- May Treat Bad Breath and Prevent Cavities
- May Have Antibacterial Effects and Treat Infections
- May Improve Breathing and Oxygen Use
- May Lower Blood Sugar Levels
- Safe for Most People and Widely Available
-- from 10 Health Benefits of Cardamom, Backed by Science
What is Cardamom Coffee?
On the simplest level, cardamom coffee is coffee with some cardamom added. Cardamom enhances stronger coffee more powerfully.
Cardamom comes in 2 forms. Pods, which are about the size of coffee beans and ground.
According to Olivia Williams in Gin Glorious Gin Cardamom is the world's third-most expensive spice. As measured by weight, only by vanilla and saffron surpass it in price. Some people would let that put them off. More intelligent people understand the flavour and health benefits are well worth the price!
How to Start With Cardamom Coffee
When you grind your own coffee, it's easy to toss in a pod with the beans, grinding them together. Experiment with the amount used, from a pinch to a tablespoon. More important than the amount is the resulting flavour. So, make it right for you.
Around the Middle East, very strong coffee is mixed with cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. I prefer a mix of 1 tablespoon of cardamom with a 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon and ginger. I add about 1/2 a teaspoon to the coffee press in the morning.
Is it Good for You?
In The Saga of the Seven Suns, Chairman Wenceslas's path to destruction accelerates when he stops drinking his favourite drink. Does his decreased intake of cardamom hasten his demise?
After drinking cardamom coffee for a few weeks I noticed several things that irritated me slowly disappearing. For example, though my weight stayed the same, the ring that was tight on my finger suddenly fit properly. I’m looking forward to my annual physical to see what other changes happened. Will increasing your intake improve your life?
There’s only one way to tell…
Photo by Preston Goff on Unsplash