Cardamom is one of the most fragrant and expensive spices in the world. It is sometimes called the “Queen of Spices.” We at Bitepep are experts at getting high-quality cardamom from India and Guatemala, so our customers always get the best. It is important for buyers, cooks, and exporters to know how this spice is graded. This tutorial goes over the details of cardamom grades, such as size, color, provenance, and oil content, so you can make smart choices with confidence.
Green and black cardamom are two different types.
Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is the most valuable kind because of its delicious, lemony smell and bright green pods. India’s Kerala and Karnataka states are where most of it is grown, although Guatemala is the second-largest producer in the world. Black cardamom (Amomum subulatum), on the other hand, has a bigger pod and tastes smokey and earthy. It is usually cultivated in the Eastern Himalayas and is used in spice blends and savory cuisines.
Size, color, and smell are used to grade cardamom.
The method of grading cardamom is quite careful and looks at the size of the pods, how consistent the color is, the oil content, and the overall look. Premium pods are bigger, have a deep green hue, and a lot of essential oil. Not only do these traits affect the flavor, but they also affect the spice’s market worth.
In India, sieves are typically used to sort cardamom by size. AGEB, or Alleppey Green Extra Bold, is the most sought-after grade. It has pods that are more than 7mm in diameter and a deep green color with a strong smell. Guatemalan cardamom is also rated by size and color, and several types, such Jumbo Green and Fancy Green Extra, are quite popular in global markets.
AGEB: The Best Indian Cardamom Alleppey Green Extra Bold (AGEB) is the best Indian cardamom that is sent to other countries. These pods are big, full, and smell great, which makes them perfect for high-end retail packaging and gifts. AGEB cardamom is grown in the verdant hills of Kerala. It has a lot of oil—often more than 4%—which gives it a strong flavor and a long shelf life.
We make sure that our AGEB cardamom satisfies high export criteria at Bitepep. These include having low moisture level, little foreign matter, and a consistent pod color. This grade is quite popular in the Middle East, where deep green pods with striking colors are a sign of quality and friendliness.
Guatemalan Grades: A Favorite Around the World
Guatemala’s cardamom business has come up with its own grading system, which includes categories like Jumbo Green, Imperial Best Green, and Fancy Green Extra. The size, color intensity, and density of the pods are what these grades are based on. Guatemalan cardamom has a somewhat distinct flavor profile—less lemony and more herbal—but it is quite popular in the food and drink business in Europe and North America.
Bitepep sells Guatemalan Supreme Grade cardamom to customers who want high quality at a good price. Our partners in Guatemala that help us get food follow ethical farming techniques and respect international food safety requirements.
What Buyers Should Know About Export Quality Parameters
When getting cardamom to send to other countries, you need to think about a number of quality factors. These are the size of the pods (measured by count per ounce), the thickness of the skin, the color consistency, and the amount of oil. There should be fewer than 2% broken pods, less than 1% foreign matter, and less than 10% wetness in premium grades. At Bitepep, we do strict quality tests on every shipment to make sure it fulfills these standards.
How to Choose the Right Grade for You
Different grades are needed for different uses. Extra bold pods are great for giving as gifts and selling, while standard-sized pods (6–7mm) are great for grinding and making cuisine. Smaller pods don’t always have the same shape, but they often have a stronger taste per gram. This makes them a good choice for baking and spice blends.
We also have bleached cardamom for customers who want a consistent look, but this type isn’t as popular in natural and organic markets. Our organic certified cardamom is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, so it’s a good choice for anyone who want to avoid chemicals.
Why You Can Trust Bitepep with Your Cardamom
We don’t just offer spices at Bitepep; we also establish partnerships based on honesty, quality, and trust. We get our cardamom straight from farmers, which makes sure that it can be traced and that the trade is fair. We can grind, package, and label your products to meet the needs of your market, whether you are a wholesaler, retailer, or private label brand.
We know a lot about what people throughout the world like, from the bold pods that people in the Middle East adore to the organic-certified kinds that people in Europe prefer. We make sure that our products are exactly what you need.
Connect with BitePep – Importers & Buyers Welcome!
Looking for bulk spice orders or business collaborations? Get in touch:
📧 Email: info@bitepep.com
📞 Phone/WhatsApp: +91 7012 1 909 45
