The major use is for the preparation of coffee in the Middle East, a symbol for hospitality among Arabs. Cardamom is also widely used as a flavoring material in whole and ground form. Cardamom pods can be added to rice or meat dishes in the same way you would use bay leaf. Add cardamom to apples and cabbage; mix it into a rice pilaf with raisins, rosewater, and saffron; or add it to roast duck, specialty ice creams, custards and even pickles.