Cardamom, Coriander and Garam Masala -- Help!
Hi,
I just did something very foolish. I went to the bulk food store to fill up my new spice rack, and of course forgot to label anything. While my novice nose was able to identify the majority, there are three that I cannot distinguish based on site and smell alone: cardamom, coriander and garam masala (and yes, I do realize that the garam masala likely contains both cardamom and coriander). Any tips for how to tell them apart?
Thanks,
Emily
Add a comment:
Previewing your comment:
HTML Hints
Some HTML is OK: <a href="URL">link</a>, <strong>strong</strong>, <em>em</em>
Comment Guidelines
Post whatever you want, just keep it seriously about eats, seriously. We reserve the right to delete off-topic or inflammatory comments. Learn more at our Comment Policy page.
If you see something not so nice, please, report an inappropriate comment.
Start Talking!
Need a question answered? Have advice to share? Start a Talk topic now!
Sign up to get your questions answered and share advice.
7 Comments:
Hmmm...I know the colors can vary, but at least in my spice cabinet, the coriander is pale greenish, the cardamom is a grey-black and the garam masala is brown with black flecks.
Don't know if that helps in the slightest...
Maybe go back to the store and look at the labeled containers or take small samples and match them up?
I would not be able to properly describe how to tell the smells apart...bet someone will though!
sadiepix at 8:12PM on 03/09/09
To me, coriander has a citrusy smell and it is the color of dark sand.
hammondcheese at 8:22PM on 03/09/09
I'd propose tasting it? coriander is citrusy to me as well.
I wonder if your garam masala has turmeric in it? It could be the dead giveaway.. especially if you mixed it with water?? Turmeric is quite yellow....
Garam masala should definitely have cumin in it. And that has a smoky sort of scent. It might be hard to pick up though since there are so many spices together.
I grind my own masala, so I can't say for sure what the store bought stuff might look/smell like.
I hope this helps!
engmcmuffin at 8:36PM on 03/09/09
Garam masala will have a spicy kick of heat to it that the other two won't. Put a dab of it on the tip of your tongue (a DAB!). The coriander is also probably lighter in color but it's hard to say for certain since spice blends can differ.
Coriander does smell a little citrus-y....sometimes almost windex-ish to me :)
@sadiepix's idea to take them back to the store to match up is a good idea too. Good luck!
nithya at hungrydesi at 8:48PM on 03/09/09
My Garam Masala smells like cloves. Yours may not contain cloves depending on the formulation, but it should also contain cassia (cinnamon) and be brown to burnt orange.
Cardamom will be green and smell sweeter than coriander, and coriander will be more peperry.
SqueezeBottle at 9:02PM on 03/09/09
Coriander will have a citrus/ Cilantro like flavor, it is the seed of cilantro.
Cardamom has what I describe as a soapy flavor, think Ralphy in Christmas story.
Garam Masala should have chilis and turmeric, so willhave a yellow to orange color if dissolved in water. The flavor will vary depending on who made it. it may contain both coriander and cardamom, so flavor may be deceiving.
Meat guy at 9:54PM on 03/09/09
Thanks, all! So helpful! I figured it out, and they all have neatly labeled homes in my spice rack now.
ironic_username at 10:56PM on 03/09/09