Cardamom is Queen: Sweden's Surprising Spice

This week, The Feast looks at the surprising history of Sweden’s favorite spice: cardamom! From its origins in India and the Middle East, how did this unlikely seed pod make its way to the chilly climes of Scandinavia? We break down how cardamom became the flavor backbone in Swedish favorites such as mulled wine (or glögg), flavored coffee, and Christmas sweet bread. Talking with everyone from culinary archaeologists to Swedish-Canadian grandmothers, we’ll uncover the unlikely history of this millenia-old spice! 

Written and produced by Laura Carlson

Assistant production and research by Emma Allen

Sound Mixing by Mike Portt

Special Guests:

-Daniel Serra, culinary archaeologist and author of An Early Meal: A Viking Age Cookbook and Culinary Odyssey

-Anna Tvinnereim, Swedish expat & former owner of Toronto’s Beaches Bakery and Cafe

-Betty-Ann Duncan, Emma’s grandmother, Swedish-Canadian, and long-time baker of Swedish coffee bread

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More information at www.thefeastpodcast.org

Part of the Podglomerate network

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