11 Gourmet Indian Ingredients Worth the Price

8. Green Cardamom Pods (Elaichi) — Floral lift for sweets and stews

Cardamom is a cornerstone of many Indian dishes, but the difference between stale, pre-ground spice and fresh green pods is striking. Whole cardamom pods preserve volatile oils that give chai, pulao, and many desserts their floral and resinous notes. Cards from specific regions are prized for subtle differences in aroma, and buying whole pods rather than ground powder is a simple way to get the most value out of the spice.