Find Your Scent: What Does Cardamom Smell Like?

If you’re a lover of chai lattes and Indian curries, you’re likely also a fan of cardamom. 

Cardamom's sweet, spicy smell has sparked the imagination of chefs and perfume makers worldwide. 

On those cold winter mornings when you need a warm energy boost, cardamom is what you’ll want to throw in your simmer pot to coax you and your family out of bed. 

In this guide, we’ll provide all the information you need to know about cardamom, its smell, scents that pair well with it, and some of our favorite Snif products that feature this ingredient. 

What Is Cardamom?

Before we dive into cardamom’s distinct smell and the fragrances you can find it in, we need to take a look at its origins. 

The word cardamom comes from the Latin word “cardamomum,” which directly translates to “aromatic seed.” There are two main types of cardamom: green cardamom and black cardamom. 

Cardamom comes from the Zingiberaceae family, which is the same family as turmeric and ginger. In terms of fragrances, cardamom is often used as a middle note and combined with other perfume oils to make inviting, sultry scents. 

What Does the Cardamom Plant Look Like?

The cardamom plant is a perennial plant that can grow anywhere from 6 to 15 feet high, so it’s not likely to be your next houseplant. Indigenous to India and Sri Lanka, cardamom is now also grown in Guatemala, Honduras, Tanzania, Vietnam, and Cambodia. 

It has thick stems called rhizomes that produce flowers and fruit capsules. These capsules each contain anywhere between 10-20 seeds, which have the distinctive cardamom aroma. 

Cardamom is one of the most expensive spices because these cardamom pods are harvested by hand and then dried. After drying, they go through the process of steam distillation or solvent extraction to produce cardamom oil. 

How Was Cardamom Originally Used?

It’s thought that cardamom was first harvested in India and Sri Lanka. There, it was used (and is still used today!) by people who practice Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional form of medicine practiced in India and other parts of Asia. 

Some research shows that cardamom might help with bloating, reduce inflammation, and give your immune system a boost. 

The ancient Egyptians used cardamom essential oils for embalming, and the Greeks and Romans also took a liking to the spice. It had a revival in Europe when Crusaders brought it back from their campaigns, and nowadays, it’s a popular part of Scandanavian, Middle Eastern, and Indian cooking. 

What Does Cardamom Smell Like?

Now that we’ve learned about the history and origins of this precious plant, it’s time to explore its scent. 

To help you understand this sultry scent, we’ll break it down into its three main components: spicy, woody, and aromatic. 

Spicy

First and foremost, cardamom has a spicy smell that’s similar to a subtle black pepper scent. Although it’s not spicy like a jalapeño, when you smell cardamom, you might feel a little tingle in your nose. However, given that cardamom is a warm type of spice, it’s the kind of spicy you would reach for to warm you up when it’s chilly outside. 

Woody

Cardamom also has a slight woody and balsamic undertone. This makes it an earthy, grounding scent that can help calm you and energize you for the day ahead. 

Aromatic

Given that cardamom is a spice, its scent is also aromatic. Aromatic fragrances are the ones that you’d want to toss in your simmer pot or pie spices to give them even more scent or flavor. 

What Scents Pair Well With Cardamom?

Cardamom is known as one of the best “team players” in perfumery because it pairs well with such a wide variety of fragrances. 

You can think of cardamom as that friend you can bring to any party and know they’ll be fine. That said, in this section, we’ll examine three scents that pair exceptionally well with cardamom. 

Cedarwood

Cardamom pairs so well with cedarwood because cedarwood has a slight citrusy feel that perfectly complements the spicy edge of cardamom. Unlike creamy sandalwood, cedarwood has a slightly fresher feel that gives cardamom a lively twist. 

Tonka

Tonka smells similar to vanilla and balances out cardamom’s spicy punch. Nutty, resinous, and sweet, tonka can make cardamom warmer and more inviting. 

Cinnamon

As we mentioned at the beginning, cardamom will be a favorite fragrance for chai aficionados, and in a classic chai latte, you’ll always find cardamom mixed with cinnamon. 

Given that they’re so similar, you can think of cardamom as the slightly spicier cousin of cinnamon.

What Are Some Cardamom Scents To Try?

You’re officially a pro when it comes to cardamom, which means it’s time to look at some of our best sellers that feature this addictive fragrance. 

Instant Karma

Instant Karma is the kind of dreamy cardamom candle you’ll want to save for the coldest night of winter. 

Featuring a blend of cardamom, nashi pear, black plum, geranium vetiver, cedarwood, and black tea, it will give your space that “effortlessly cool while still somehow cozy” feel.

Old Money

Old Money is a woody-scented laundry booster that will stay with your clothes long after they come out of the drier. Cardamom, tonka bean, coumarin, vanilla, sandalwood, and musk come together in this product to make for a fragrance that will make you smell rich… in both meanings of the word. 

Lost Claus

Cardamom is undeniably one of those spices that defines the holiday season, and Lost Claus is no exception. 

With a blend of cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked marshmallow, peppered gingerbread, vetiver, caramelized patchouli, and milky musks, lighting this holiday spice candle is a fast track to the nice list. 

Reach for Cardamom 

Next time you’re looking for a scent that will be equal parts comforting and invigorating, reach for cardamom. Either in the form of a fragrance, scented candle, or laundry scent boost, this iconic smell is sure to make your day a little bit sweeter. 

Sources:

Ayurveda | Better Health Channel

The effect of Elettaria cardamomum (cardamom) on the metabolic syndrome: Narrative review -| NIH

(PDF) Cedar Wood Oil — Analyses and Properties | Research Gate

Cinnamon: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant | NIH