The Queen of Spices
CardamomElaichi
Sweet, floral and unforgettable: green cardamom from the Cardamom Hills of Idukki, Kerala.
- Masala chai
- Scandinavian cardamom buns
- Biryani
- Arabic coffee
Born in the shade
Green cardamom grows wild and cultivated in the cool, shaded forests of the Western Ghats. Its sweet, floral perfume lifts masala chai, biryani and Indian sweets, and a single pod after dinner freshens the breath. Idukki grows most of India’s small cardamom, and Alleppey Green cardamom carries a GI tag.
A little history
Native to southern India and traded to the Middle East and Europe for more than a thousand years, cardamom gave its name to the very hills it grows on. It is still one of the world’s most expensive spices by weight, after only saffron and vanilla.
2×India’s cardamom exports more than doubled in value in FY 2025–26.
What premium means
- Graded by pod size, with bold 7 mm and 8 mm+ on request
- Deep, natural green, never artificially coloured
- Plump, well-filled pods, with few split or empty ones
- Lab-tested for purity and contaminants before shipping
- Where we source it
- Idukki, Kerala (Cardamom Hills).
- How we supply it
- Whole green pods, packed to order. Cardamom is usually bought in smaller volumes than other spices, so ask us about smaller pack sizes.
- Samples
- Ask for a cardamom sample
Health and traditional use
In Ayurveda, cardamom supports digestion and freshens the breath, and it is a classic in chai and milky drinks. Its aroma comes from essential oils, mainly 1,8-cineole and terpinyl acetate, studied for their antioxidant properties.
This information describes traditional use and general research and is not medical advice. Our spices are sold as food ingredients and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Importing cardamom from India: quick answers
What grades of cardamom can I buy in bulk from India?
Forms: whole pods, seeds. Grades: 7 to 8 mm and 8 mm+ bold, deep green. We agree the grade and specification with you in writing before you order.
Where is your cardamom sourced?
From Idukki, Kerala (Cardamom Hills). We buy directly in India’s main growing regions and trading hubs for cardamom.
How is cardamom tested before it ships to the US?
Every lot is tested by an independent third-party laboratory in India against the specification agreed with you, and comes with a certificate of analysis (COA). Depending on your requirements, testing can cover Salmonella, aflatoxin, pesticide residues and heavy metals. You see the results before shipment.
How is cardamom packed and shipped?
Whole green pods, packed to order. Cardamom is usually bought in smaller volumes than other spices, so ask us about smaller pack sizes. We ship mixed containers or full loads, with the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate and the lab report for the lot.
Can I get a cardamom sample before ordering?
Yes. Tell us the grade and how you’ll use it, and we’ll confirm what we can send and how long it will take, before you commit.
Is there a minimum order for cardamom?
Minimum quantities depend on the grade and pack size, and we confirm them in your quotation. Mixed containers and sample lots are welcome.