StorageCardamom's aroma lives in oils inside the seeds. Heat, light, air and moisture all pull those oils out. Keep them away and your pods will stay fresh for a long time.
- Buy whole pods, not powder. The husk is natural packaging. Ground cardamom loses its aroma within weeks.
- Use an airtight container. A glass jar with a good lid is ideal. Open plastic bags let the smell escape.
- Keep it dark and cool. A cupboard away from the stove is better than a shelf in the sun.
- Keep it dry. Use a dry spoon and never store cardamom in the fridge, where condensation can form.
- Grind only what you need. Crush the seeds just before cooking for the strongest flavour.