The Practical Reason Green Cardamom Is Bleached

Cardamom, or the Queen of Spices, is renowned for its warm flavor that features in both sweet and savory dishes around the world. White cardamom is a bleached version of green cardamom. It is usually bleached to provider baked goods and desserts a whiter color. It is mostly used in Scandinavian and northern European regions but brings depth to whatever it's added to. 

Bleaching the cardamom pods from green to white also alters the taste — some say it mutes the potent green cardamom taste and others suggest it sweetens it. The practice allegedly became commonplace when cardamom was transported from Asia to Scandinavia centuries ago. The cardamom pods became significantly lighter due to sun exposure while traveling by boat. This preference for lightening green cardamom became an ongoing tradition that still exists today. 

These days, there are several methods for bleaching green cardamom. Some methods bleach dry cardamom pods while others favor fresh pods. Soaking fresh green cardamom in processed solutions is one way to attain the white cardamom color. Otherwise, dry green cardamom pods may be bleached in sulfur dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, or soap nut water.

To keep your baked goodies free of the green cardamom coloring (and bittersweet flavor), make bleached cardamom your go-to. Swedish cardamom buns, aka kardemummabullar, are an easy way enjoy a tried and tested cardamom-infused classic. The sweet buns are the perfect balance between a spiced exterior and an extremely soft, gooey-textured center. The secret to this cardamom bake is top-quality ground cardamom for the pasty center. 

Since bleached cardamom is a milder alternative to green cardamom, it can be used as its direct replacement. Whether you're following a savory or sweet recipe, the bleached cardamom will make for a subtle adjustment without turning it bland. For a cake that isn't overpowering but instantly gives cozy fall vibes, give this cardamom cake with coffee buttercream a try.

Cinnamon and cardamom pair perfectly and are destined to make an impression when added to a batch of something fresh. In particular, making the perfect blueberry muffins with a combination of cinnamon and cardamom is a great way to make the most of these flavors. Grind up bleached cardamom with your favorite sugar to make delicious cardamom sugar. Alternatively, you could keep it simple with whole baked cinnamon-cardamom apples.