What Indian spice that grows in pods is used to make chai tea?

The Indian spice that grows in pods and flavors chai is cardamom.

Cardamom comes from plants in the ginger family, especially green cardamom, whose small green pods contain intensely aromatic black seeds. In Indian cooking, it is known as elaichi and is used in drinks, sweets, rice dishes, and spice blends as well as chai.

Masala chai recipes vary by household, but cardamom is one of its most recognizable flavorings. Cooks commonly crush whole pods so the hot water or milk can extract the seeds’ floral, citrusy, and slightly sweet aroma. Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper may be added, but they are not required in every recipe.

“Chai tea” literally repeats the word for tea in several languages, since chai simply means tea. The more precise name for spiced Indian chai is masala chai. Cardamom should not be confused with coriander pods or star anise, which have different shapes and flavors.