In a way, it's not fair that this spice has to share its name with the sweet and elegant green cardamom. Black cardamom is a totally different spice, and is not nearly as glamourous. Its pods are large and rough, it has an earthy, smoky flavour and it can never be used as a substitute for the more expensive and popular green variety. It does have its place, though. Black cardamom is used to give depth to Indian cooking, and it can be an important ingredient in many curry masalas.