Cardomom's the Word

Photo © Rob Jones

One pecularity of my Grandmother - and there were many - was her liking for Cardomoms in her tea.

She was a ferocious nurse and midwife, but we always got on very well, even if she did get a perverse delight in putting a saucer of milk on the floor for me to eat like a cat (Note: I was only 3 at the time.)

Anyhow - with a medical background - she must have known something which seems to have drifted into the mists of memory. My Mum, a doctor, was likewise into herbs and spices, and on reflection our larder was far more extensive than those of my friends, which seemed to contains sachets of Smash and Angel Delight.

So a little research reveals that Cardomoms allegedly are:

• Good for the digestion because they activiate our taste buds. They are especially good after a heavy meal.

• Good for colds - steeped in honey in hot water.

• Stops bad breath.

• Lowers blood pressure.

• Makes you live longer by flushing out toxins.

• Keeps your blood sugar on track.

• Helps burn fat more effectively.

I should emphasise that no claims are being made for Cardomoms. This is all heresay.

My grandmother added them to the tea pot. She did drink a lot of tea. That’s the way I like them, although they are curiously pleasant to chew.

R.