Cardamom is known as “The Queen of Spices”, and is the 3rd most expensive spice, falling just behind Saffron and Vanilla.

It is a pod spice that comes from the Ginger family. Though it originated from Southern India, Guatemala is the largest producer of Cardamom today.

It is mostly used in food, lending its piney, fruity, menthol-like essence to both sweet and savory dishes.

For centuries it has been used for its health benefits, aiding in digestion, used as a diuretic, and to freshen breath. The Greeks and Romans are thought to be the first to use Cardamom for its aroma, adding it to their perfumes and oils.

In fragrances, Cardamom adds a warm, spicy, sweet essence, and creates depth and complexity. It often pairs well with other spices, and is used as a fixative to help fragrances with their longevity.

Memoir Woman from Amouage is dark and sultry. Cardamom blends with the woody, earthy, boozy elements of this scent, spiking the piney essence of the herbs and resins found in the base.

African Leather from Memo Paris is dry and spicy. Cardamom works with Saffron and Bergamot to add a hint of sweetness to a blend of spices, Leather, and Oud.

Kredo from Nishane is a subtle, yet woody scent. Cardamom blends with Pink Pepper to add a faint sweetness to a blend of woods, giving this scent of fresh cut wood in a fire.

Imperator from Royal Crown is a fresh woody scent. Cardamom helps to make a note of Nutmeg a little sweeter, helping to tame some of the resinous qualities of Frankincense and Myrrh.

Gris Charnel from BDK Parfums is an interesting scent that is both light and dark. In the Eau de Parfum, Cardamom adds a faint sharpness to a blend of Fig, Vetiver, and Tea, while tempering the potency of Iris. In the Extrait, Cardamom helps to kick up the intensity of the purer essences, and boots the the added wood notes.

You can find these Cardamom infused scents, and more, at Parfumerie Nasreen in Seattle!