The short answer
Green cardamom is graded mainly by pod size, measured in millimetres by sieving. The larger the pod, the higher the grade and price: 7 to 8 mm is a bold grade, and 8 mm and above is the boldest. Size is not everything, though: a deep natural green colour and plump, well-filled pods matter just as much for aroma.
Where Indian green cardamom comes from
Green cardamom grows in the cool, shaded forests of the Western Ghats. Idukki district in Kerala grows most of India’s small cardamom, and Alleppey Green cardamom carries a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Bold export grades are often described as AGEB (Alleppey Green Extra Bold).
Pod size grades
| Size | What it is | Typically used for |
|---|---|---|
| Below 7 mm | Smaller pods, often sold for their seeds or for grinding | Ground cardamom, seeds, food manufacturing |
| 7 to 8 mm | Bold pods | Whole-pod packs, chai and food service |
| 8 mm and above | The boldest pods | Premium whole-pod packs and gifting |
Size bands, colour and other limits are agreed in the specification and confirmed with you in writing for every order.
Beyond size: colour, fill and aroma
A deep, natural green shows the pods were dried and stored well. Plump pods, with few split or empty ones, hold more seeds and more of the essential oils that give cardamom its sweet, floral aroma. Artificially coloured cardamom is a known problem in the trade, so ask for natural colour and lab testing.
What to put in your cardamom specification
- Pod size band (for example 7 to 8 mm, or 8 mm+)
- Colour: deep natural green, with no artificial colouring
- Maximum split, empty and immature pods
- Maximum moisture and foreign matter
- Whole pods or seeds
- Testing your market requires, such as pesticide residues and heavy metals
- Packing: cardamom is usually bought in smaller volumes than other spices, so ask about smaller pack sizes
Questions buyers ask
Is 8 mm cardamom better than 7 mm?
8 mm+ pods are larger and command a higher price, but a well-filled, deep-green 7 to 8 mm pod can be just as aromatic. Choose by use and budget.
What does AGEB mean?
Alleppey Green Extra Bold: a name used in the trade for bold Indian green cardamom.
Can I buy smaller quantities of cardamom?
Yes. Cardamom is usually bought in smaller volumes than other spices, so ask us about smaller pack sizes.