Description

Cardamom comes in different sizes, and grading by size is a common practice in the industry. However, it’s crucial to understand that the grading is based on the diameter size of the pod, not the length. High-quality cardamom should be uniform in size and should maintain its aroma and flavour for a long period.

Why it matters: Grading ensures that you get the right cardamom for your intended use, whether it’s for making high-end teas, premium spice mixes, or large-scale production. The diameter of the pods can also indicate the oil content, which influences flavour intensity.

Cardamom sometimes Cardamom or Cardamum, is a spice made from the seeds of several plants in the genera Elettariaand Amomum in the family Zingiberaceae. Both genera are native to India (the largest producer until the late 20th century), Bhutan, Indonesia and Nepal. They are recognized by their small seed pods: triangular in cross-section and spindle-shaped, with a thin papery outer shell and small black seeds; Elettaria pods are light green and smaller, while Amomum pods are larger and dark brown.