Extrait de cardamome 500ml Prova

Prova, based in Montreuil, makes this cardamom extract in France for its Prova Gourmet line. The aroma comes from a preparation based on cardamom essential oil, in a glycerine and water base bound with acacia gum and xanthan gum. The label sums it up in two words, "lemony and floral", and mentions peppery and minty notes; Prova adds a terpenic side, the resinous freshness you notice when you split a green pod.

It saves you crushing pods and straining an infusion: the cream stays smooth and the flavour is the same from one batch to the next. Prova recommends 20 g per kilo for an ice cream, a pastry cream, a mousse, a genoise or a ganache, and 30 to 40 g per kilo for bakery, such as a brioche or Swedish kardemummabullar. Cardamom pairs with coffee, orange, dark chocolate and pear. The maker also lists savoury uses, hot or cold: a few grams lift a yoghurt sauce.

Shake the 500 ml bottle before use. Store it away from light, at room temperature, then keep it cool once opened. No allergen is declared on the label. You will also find it on the shelves of our shop, 58 rue Tiquetonne, Paris.