Cardamom

[Katiecooks]

Has anyone got an idea where one might find cardamom - I went hunting for it this morning at two of the local markets and couldn't find it in either one.
I understand the stuff is mighty expensive - when you can find it, but that it's rather hard to locate! What might be a good substitute for it in recipes calling for the stuff? There's no mistaking the musky flavour - it's wonderful!
I almost gave up and got cardamom seeds, prepared to grind them myself with a mortar and pestal. Another thing I found at neither market where I searched was simple msg. Would I need to go to a health food emporium for that? I've used msg (and cardamom) so infrequently that I'd never have a need for a large supply of either one.

[jglass]

A Kroger grocery store a few counties over from us carries it. It is very high.

[Katiecooks]

Good morning, Janie - Yes, I know - it's at least an arm, a leg, and a pint of blood to get Cardamom! None of the local markets around here had it - and they all said they didn't know when they'd have it, either. What can I substitute for it in a recipe? Any ideas would be very gratefully considered. Nothing can ever make up for that wonderful, musky flavoure Cardamom adds, but perhaps there's something that can suffice? My sister is hoarding two bottles of Cardamom () in her pantry and said she'd share - for a mere $6.00!! Now that's love!!

[ChileFarmer]

Katie, Accent product is MSG. Most stores have it.
Cardamon and most other spices I use, I order on line (much cheaper). Store spices are way over priced. Cardamon is in the ginger family, just saying. CF

[Katiecooks]

CF - you're a life-saver, but so was my sister!! She came up off one of those bottles of cardamom she was hoarding, today (for free, the price is RIGHT) and so I'm set for the time being. In future, I'll go online to find it and buy that way - anyplace in particular that you recommend? And thank you so much for clueing me in on msg, also. I never knew Accent was msg - that's available just about anywhere I go. Again, thanks so much for your help.

[ChileFarmer]

I like the spice barn good product and good price. Spices by Spice Barn
Ground cardamon 2 oz. $7.79 CF

[Katiecooks]

CF - You are a prince!! Just please don't leave Spice Place and go off and marry Kate Middleton!! Thanks so much for your recommendation. That's an excellent price!

[rgacat]

I buy most of my spices form Penzeys. Not the cheapest but always good.

[Katiecooks]

Thanks so much for your recommendation - it's always good to have several outlets from which to choose when shucking out money for things like spices and cooking supplies. Your help is really appreciated!

[ChileFarmer]

Cardamom is something that I use mostly in baking. Now my wife uses it a lot of different things. Mostly when she is cooking Syrian food. We don't grind our own. I am sure it would have a more intense flavor if we did. CF