Cardamom

Cardamom may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.

Native to South Asia, cardamom is the dried fruit of several varieties of plants in the ginger and galangal family. Three main varieties are widely available: black cardamom, green cardamom, and white cardamom. Each has a distinctive aroma and flavor, and all three are often used in cooking as whole dried pods, cracked seeds, or finely ground-up powder, as well as in spice blends like baharat and garam masala, and tonics and teas like chai. Cardamom adds warmth and brightness to sweet and savory dishes in its native region and far beyond, from chana masala and kheer in South Asia, to cardamom breads and pickles in Scandinavian countries.

Yes. Cardamom is generally recognized as safe when used in amounts typically used in cooking.  

Yes. While cardamom is typically used in small amounts, it offers various vitamins, minerals, and fiber, as well as plant compounds like flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenols and more. Research also suggests that cardamom offers anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Plus, it may help in promoting oral and digestive health.

★ Tip: To get the most flavor out of cardamom, keep the whole pods in an airtight container in a cool, dark setting. When a recipe calls for cardamom, grind a few pods fresh in a mortar and pestle and add to the dish.

No. Allergies to cardamom are rare, but have been reported. Note that certain spice blends that feature cardamom may contain common food allergens, so make sure to read labels carefully.

Spices can also cause reactions similar to allergic symptoms. For example, inhaling a puff of powdered cardamom can irritate the nasal passageways and trigger sneezing and coughing, but may not be an allergic reaction.  

Foods with spices like cardamom may cause a harmless rash around the mouth while baby eats or may cause or worsen diaper rash. Applying a thin layer of barrier ointment (such as pure petroleum jelly or a plant-based oil/wax balm) to baby’s face and bottom can help prevent contact rashes.

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

It can be. Cardamom pods, when left whole in a dish, are firm and rounded, qualities that increase the risk of choking, although ground cardamom does not pose an increased risk. To reduce the risk, remove any whole cardamom pods or whole seeds from a dish before serving and prepare and serve cardamom in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. 

Learn the signs of choking and gagging and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.

While a high chair can help create a safe eating environment, there are alternative ways for baby to eat safely, such as holding the child on your lap or sitting together on the floor. For more information, see our article on high chairs.

You can if you’d like, but there's no developmental need to start with textureless food. Babies can be served modified versions of what you eat. Use our free First Foods Database to find how to safely serve any food.