Grades — Size and Colour Decide the Price
Green cardamom is graded on capsule size in millimetres and on colour. Larger, greener capsules command substantially higher prices, and the spread between grades is wider than for almost any other spice.
Specify grade and millimetre size together. "Bold cardamom" without a size figure is not an enforceable specification, and the price difference between 7mm and 8mm+ is significant.
What Actually Determines Cardamom Quality
Beyond size, three things decide whether a lot performs: colour retention, volatile oil, and the proportion of split or empty capsules. Any supplier can show you a photo of good capsules — ask for these figures.
Faded or yellowish capsules indicate heat damage during drying or aged stock. Both reduce volatile oil, and neither can be corrected after the fact.
Typical Specifications
On specifications: the figures above reflect standard industry specifications for this product. Your actual batch values are confirmed on a NABL-accredited Certificate of Analysis issued against your specific lot — provided with every shipment, and with sample orders before you commit to bulk. We do not ask buyers to take a specification on trust.
Documentation — Handled End to End
Cardamom is among the spices most closely watched for pesticide residue in the EU. Spices Board OSCS certification is mandatory for spice exports from India to the EU.
HS Code 0908.31 (neither crushed nor ground) · 0908.32 (crushed or ground). Halal and Organic available on request.
How Ordering Works
MOQ is discussed at order stage based on grade and destination. Payment by advance TT, LC at sight, or DP/DA case by case.
Buyer Questions
What do cardamom grades like AGEB and AGB mean?
AGEB is Extra Bold, capsules of 8mm and above, the largest and deepest green grade used for premium retail and gifting. AGB is Bold at 7 to 8mm, the retail standard. AGS is Superior at 6 to 7mm for food manufacture, and shipment green at 5 to 6mm goes to grinding and blending. Always state the millimetre size alongside the grade letter.
Why does cardamom colour matter so much?
Deep green colour indicates proper drying and fresh crop. Faded or yellowish capsules indicate heat damage during drying or aged stock, and both correlate with reduced volatile oil, which is where the aroma and commercial value sit. Colour cannot be corrected after drying, so it is a reliable quality signal on arrival.
What volatile oil content should cardamom have?
Typically 6 to 8 percent, which is high compared with most spices and is why cardamom commands its price. Volatile oil drives aroma intensity and is the basis of oleoresin value. If you are extracting or need guaranteed aroma strength, state a minimum volatile oil percentage on the contract.
What HS code applies to cardamom?
Cardamom neither crushed nor ground is exported from India under HS Code 0908.31. Crushed or ground cardamom falls under HS Code 0908.32. We declare the correct code on all shipping documents.
What percentage of split capsules is acceptable?
Between 2 and 5 percent depending on grade, with premium grades held to the tighter end. Split capsules lose volatile oil faster and look poor in retail packs, so if you are packing for retail specify a maximum. Empty or light capsules are a separate issue and reduce usable yield per kilogram.
Can I get a sample with a COA before bulk?
Yes. Sample orders carry the same NABL-accredited Certificate of Analysis standard as bulk shipments, so you can verify capsule size, colour, volatile oil and pesticide results before committing.
Source Green Cardamom Export from India — Kerala Idukki from India
FOB or CIF quote within 24 hours. Full documentation, third-party inspection available.
Related Products
FOB or CIF pricing, full documentation, samples available.
Request Quote → 💬 WhatsApp +91-9066444896Export Ready