scored 94/100
Also known as amomum subulatum, brown cardamom, smoked cardamom, badi elaichi
Black cardamom is a large smoke-dried pod rich in 1,8-cineole, supporting digestion and offering antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits.
0.8 g net carbs after fiber.
These are the scored components, not a sum: the published score also reflects normalisation across the catalog, so the parts above will not add to 94.
Black cardamom (Amomum subulatum), distinct from the smaller green cardamom, is a large pod traditionally dried over open fires that gives it a resinous, smoky, camphor-like aroma. Its volatile oil is dominated by 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), accompanied by terpinene and limonene—monoterpenes with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and respiratory-soothing properties. Estimated conservatively at about 311 kcal per 100g, the dried pods are mineral-dense, supplying roughly 28 mg manganese, 14 mg iron, 229 mg magnesium, and over 1,100 mg potassium per 100g, plus notable zinc. Mechanistically, cineole acts as a mucolytic and bronchodilator while exerting anti-inflammatory effects on respiratory tissue, and the broader terpene profile contributes free-radical scavenging and digestive stimulation. In Indian cuisine black cardamom anchors savory garam masala and slow-cooked dishes, where its smoky depth differs sharply from green cardamom's sweet floral note. Used whole and removed before serving, it infuses dishes with both flavor and its bioactive volatile oils.
1,8-cineole acts as a mucolytic and mild bronchodilator while reducing airway inflammation
Aromatic terpenes stimulate digestive secretions and relieve gas and bloating
Cineole, terpinene, and limonene scavenge free radicals and inhibit microbial growth
Black cardamom is a culinary spice with no circadian dependency.
Fasting-compatible
Negligible calories per culinary serving; compatible with fasting.
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower black cardamom is than the average across 76 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
Black Cardamom is classified as a herbs & spices. Black cardamom is a large smoke-dried pod rich in 1,8-cineole, supporting digestion and offering antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits.
Black Cardamom scores 94/100 in Formulate, making it an exceptional choice. Its strongest contributions come from Manganese, Iron, Zinc. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Not particularly. A 2 g serving provides about 0.2 g of protein (~0% of the 50 g daily value).
Not really. A 2 g serving provides about 0.6 g of fiber (~2% of the 28 g daily value).
In a 2 g serving, black cardamom is highest in Manganese (~24% DV).
Yes — it fits comfortably in most keto plans. A 2 g serving has about 0.8 g of net carbs (1.4 g total minus 0.6 g fiber).
Best any time of day. Black cardamom is a culinary spice with no circadian dependency.
A typical serving is around 2 g (~6 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating black cardamom alongside several other herbs & spices sources.
Black Cardamom pairs nicely with: Pair with cumin and coriander in savory spice blends because their warming aromatics complement cardamom's smoky depth; Combine with slow-cooked legumes and meats because prolonged simmering releases its fat-soluble terpenes.
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients black cardamom contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
These are the nutrients black cardamomcontributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.