Green Cardamom

8mm AGEB bold — graded on size & colour

Green cardamom is graded almost entirely on capsule size and colour, and both drive price steeply. Capsules are screened at 6 mm, 7 mm and 8 mm, with 8 mm bold and AGEB (Alleppey Green Extra Bold) at the top of the ladder, and a deep, retained green colour commanding a substantial premium over the pale or yellowing capsules that result from over-drying or age. Volatile oil runs 6–8% and is what carries the aroma, with moisture ≤ 12% and empty or split capsules kept low. Kerala and the Western Ghats are the traditional origin; Guatemala is now the largest producer by volume and generally supplies bolder, greener capsules at lower cost, while Indian cardamom is often preferred for aroma intensity in South Asian and Gulf markets.

This is the most expensive spice in the book after saffron, so specification discipline pays for itself. Buy 8 mm bold and AGEB for gifting, premium retail and any pack where the capsule is visible — size and colour are the entire visual proposition. Buy 6 mm and 7 mm for grinding, masala blending, tea and coffee preparations and food processing, where the capsule is destroyed and paying for boldness is pointless. Do not confuse this product with black cardamom, which is a different species entirely: Amomum subulatum, dried over open fire, smoky and resinous, used in savoury cooking, and priced at roughly half. They are not substitutes in either direction. CBIL supplies against SGS or Intertek certification of capsule size, colour grade, volatile oil, moisture, empty capsules and pesticide residues, in 5 kg, 10 kg and 25 kg vacuum or lined cartons, on FOB, CFR and CIF terms.