Cardamom is one of the world's very ancient spices. Cardamom has a strong, unique taste, with an intensely aromatic, resinous fragrance and is used as an essential garnish in biryanis and pulaos. It is a common ingredient in Indian cooking and is often used in traditional Indian sweets and in masala chai (spiced tea). It is best stored in pod form because once the seeds are exposed or ground, they quickly lose their flavour. Green cardamom is often used in the preparation of 'gahwa' - a strong cardamom coffee concoction which is a symbol for hospitality among Arabs.