Cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum, is a member of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It is the aromatic seeds of the plant that are used for their sweet flavor. Most of us know the bite-on-your-tongue, zingy flavor of ginger, from gingersnaps, gingerbread, ginger ale or Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Cardamom has a warm, lemony flavor.
You may have eaten it in a number of things without knowing it. It is used extensively in Arab and Indian cooking, particulary curries, is a must for Turkish coffee and is an ingredient in some Scandanavian cookies and pastries, liqueurs and even gin. It has also been used in perfume making and is said to aid digestion.