Cardamom (Elettaria cardimomum) is a plant in the ginger family. The seed, and sometimes the crushed pod, is used to flavor many dishes and beverages, including curries, pickles and chai tea. The oil in the seed dissipates quickly when it is released from the pod, so it’s best to store the pods and remove the seeds as needed.

Allow fresh cardamom pods to dry in the sun. If you have a drying screen, place them in a single layer on the screen and run a fan, set on low, over the tops of them.

Store the cardamom pods in an airtight container until you are ready to use them.

Remove the seeds from the cardamom pod by placing the pod in the mortar and pounding it with the pestle. Use gentle pressure and the pod should pop open, releasing the seeds.