Green Cardamom Buying Guide: Sizes, Colour and Grades
Indian green cardamom, mostly from the Idukki hills of Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is one of the most valuable spices by weight. It is priced mainly by size and colour.
Size grades
Pods are sorted by diameter: 8 mm and above (often called extra bold), 7–8 mm (bold), 6–7 mm and smaller. Bigger pods cost more and are preferred in the Gulf for coffee and gifting. Smaller sizes and splits are used for grinding and in food manufacturing.
Colour
A deep, even green shows careful drying and freshness. Pale or yellow pods may be old or over-dried. Be careful with any lot whose colour looks unnaturally bright; ask for a test showing no added colour.
Other points
- Litre weight: the weight of one litre of pods; heavier means fuller, better-developed pods.
- Moisture and the share of open, split or empty pods.
- Pesticide residues: important for the EU, where limits are strict.
Seeds and powder
Cardamom seeds (decorticated) and powder are sold to food makers and spice packers. Powder loses aroma faster than whole pods, so buy it in smaller, fresher lots.
Prices
Cardamom prices move with weather in the growing hills and with auction results. Agree a price validity period with your exporter and confirm quickly when the price suits you.
