Is Ground Cardamom The Same As Coriander?

Is ground cardamom the same as coriander?

This brief guide will address the query, “Is ground cardamom the same as coriander?” We will also discuss the difference between cardamom and coriander, as well as the best substitutes for coriander powder.

Is ground cardamom the same as coriander?

No, ground cardamom is not the same as coriander. Cardamom and coriander are often used in similar recipes but their flavor, and appearance, are very different.

They have their own unique and distinct aromas which separate them from the rest of the spices. They both are loved for their use as aromatic spices but are far from similar in terms of their taste and smell.

What is the difference between cardamom and coriander?

Cardamom and coriander are two very unique spices with very different properties. The following comparison table will help you to understand the differences between the two spices.

Characteristics	Cardamom	Coriander
Parts used for cooking	Seed Pods and seeds	Seeds, leaves, roots
Flavor profile	Sweet, pungent, lemony, minty, peppery, floral	Leaves: Mild, floral, citrusy, pungent. Seeds: Mild, floral, sweet, earthy
Uses in cooking	Spice-mixes, curries, soups, marinades, baking, desserts, beverages, tea or coffee, vegetarian and non-veg recipes, sauces, cocktails	Salads, Spice-mixes, curries, soups, vegetarian and non-veg recipes, baking, beverages, pickling, brewing, ferments
Nutritional profile	Vitamin C, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Manganese, Iron Vitamin B6, Dietary fiber, Riboflavin, Niacin	Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Calcium, Manganese, Potassium, Iron, Calcium, Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Dietary fiber,

Can coriander and cardamom be used in place of each other?

No, coriander and cardamom cannot be used as substitutes for each other. As we already discussed before, coriander and cardamom both are very unique spices with very distinct flavor profiles which makes them difficult to use in place of one another.

If you do decide to use them interchangeably, you will end up messing up the entire dish as the taste and aroma will be all over the place.

What is cardamom?

Cardamom is an aromatic spice from the ginger family with an oblong outer covering. The tiny black seeds inside the green pods are a potent spice. Cardamom is usually used in ground form or the whole pods are crushed and used in your recipes. There are two main varieties available:

Black cardamom (Amomum subulatum) – native to Nepal, India, and Bhutan
Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) – native to India and Malaysia

What is coriander?

Coriander comes from the plant Coriandrum sativum, a member of the parsley family. It is also commonly known by names such as Chinese parsley, dhania, or cilantro. The coriander powder or ground coriander is made from the dried round seeds of the coriander plant.

Many people might have confusion about coriander and cilantro. Usually, the term coriander is used for the spice while cilantro refers to the leaves. Both the seeds as well as the leaves are widely used in cooking all over the world.

What are the possible substitutes for coriander?

Although the flavor of cardamom is very difficult to replicate, you can always have different options you can choose to substitute if you ever run out of coriander powder in the middle of cooking your favorite dish. Here are some of the best substitutes for coriander powder:

Cumin powder

Cumin powder and coriander powder always go hand in hand and they have similar flavors as well. You can use ground cumin as the best alternative to coriander powder. Even if you don’t have coriander powder in your kitchen, you will always have ground cumin which is a staple spice in everyone’s kitchen.

Garam masala

Garam Masala is a traditional Indian spice that is a blend of different spices like coriander seeds, cumin, cardamom, black peppercorns, nutmeg, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, etc. due to its strong aroma and flavors, you can use half the amount you would’ve used for coriander powder. For some easy flavorful garam masala recipes, please click the link here.

Curry powder

Curry powder is a spice blend that typically contains turmeric, coriander, chili powder, cumin, and fenugreek. This option maintains the flavor the same but adds more heat and a darker, reddish hue.

Crushed coriander seeds

If you have coriander seeds but no coriander powder, crushing them and using them while cooking will give you similar flavors if not the same.

Other FAQs about Spices that you may be interested in.

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What does coriander powder smell like?

What is garam masala called in English?

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Conclusion

In this brief guide, we have addressed the query, “Is ground cardamom the same as coriander?” We have also discussed the difference between cardamom and coriander, as well as the best substitutes for coriander powder.