Eating in China
Generated guide illustration of round white cardamom pods and dark seeds.

Chinese white cardamom

白豆蔻Bái dòukòu

Baidoukou, also called baikou, is a round dried cardamom fruit used as an aromatic spice.

Type
Spices

A CLOSER LOOK

How to recognize it

Nearly spherical ivory to pale yellow pods with lengthwise grooves, a thin brittle shell and clusters of dark brown seeds inside.

In the kitchen

Used in spice mixtures for simmering meat, including some preparations of Xinjiang jiaoma chicken.

The Chinese name covers related white-cardamom plants, and size and aroma vary. It is distinct from the elongated green cardamom commonly used in other cuisines.

Ask about this ingredient

这道菜里有白豆蔻吗?

Does this dish contain Chinese white cardamom?

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