Cardamom Ground Related to the ginger family, cardamom is a popular flavoring for Scandinavian pastries and sweets of all kinds. It is also an essential ingredient in garam masala and other Indian, North African and Asian cooking. Originally prized for its use in perfume manufacturing, Cardamom finds itself in rubs and marinades as well as on the breakfast table in scones and muffins. Cardamom is similar in aroma to ginger, but with less spiciness and added floral notes.