Bulk green cardamom: grades and buyer considerations

What green cardamom is

Green cardamom is the dried seed pod of Elettaria cardamomum, a perennial plant grown under forest shade in the hills of the Western Ghats. In India, much of it comes from Kerala's Idukki district and neighbouring areas. The pods are picked by hand near maturity and dried carefully to keep their green colour; the aroma sits in the small dark seeds inside.

How cardamom is graded

• Pod size. Usually stated in millimetres. Larger, bolder pods command a premium.
• Colour. A uniform, bright green is valued; pale, yellowed or brown pods are graded lower.
• Pod integrity. The share of open, split, shrivelled or immature pods.
• Seed content and aroma. Well-filled pods with dark seeds have more flavour.

Trade names such as AGEB (Alleppey Green Extra Bold) are still used to describe grades, but as with pepper, the specification should state the measurements you expect.

Why packaging matters

Cardamom's colour fades with heat, light and humidity, and its aroma escapes over time. For long routes, buyers often specify lined or moisture-barrier packaging and attention to storage before shipment.

Forms

Whole pods are the main trade form. Seeds (decorticated cardamom) and ground cardamom are also traded; ground cardamom loses aroma faster and is usually produced close to use.

Next step

See our green cardamom profile and spice packaging options for international buyers, or send an export enquiry.