Black cardamom also known as Amomum subulatum, is a bold and smoky spice that comes from the dried pods of a plant in the ginger family. The pods are larger than green cardamom, dark brown to black in color, and have a rough, wrinkled texture. Unlike the sweet and delicate flavor of green cardamom, black cardamom has a deep, earthy, and smoky flavor with notes of camphor and menthol.
It is commonly used in savory dishes, especially in Indian, Nepali, and Chinese cuisines, to add a rich, robust flavor to meats, curries, stews, and rice dishes like biryani. Black cardamom is a key ingredient in garam masala and other spice blends, where it lends depth and warmth.