Black cardamom is not the same as green cardamom: While both green and black cardamom are members of the same plant family, they have different flavors, aromas, and uses. Green cardamom is lighter in flavor and aroma, while black cardamom is more intense and smoky.
Black cardamom can be used in a similar way to green cardamom in cooking, but there are some differences in how they are prepared. Green cardamom pods are typically crushed or ground before use to release their aromatic oils and help the flavor to permeate the dish more effectively. Black cardamom, on the other hand, is often used whole and can be added to a dish as is.
However, if you want a more intense flavor from black cardamom, you can lightly crush the pods to release their aroma. This is typically done by lightly tapping the pods with a rolling pin or the back of a knife. Crushing black cardamom pods can also help to release their flavor into a dish more effectively, but it is not necessary for every dish.
Remember that black cardamom has a more intense and smoky flavor compared to green cardamom, so it's best to use it in moderation. In most recipes, 2-3 pods of black cardamom are enough to add a noticeable flavor. The addition of black cardamom is usually made at the beginning of cooking, so that the flavor has time to develop and infuse the dish.
Black cardamom has a longer shelf life compared to green cardamom, as it is less susceptible to spoilage and retains its flavor for longer.