Cardamom Grades Explained: Complete Wholesale Buyer Guide
Cardamom Grades Explained: A Buyer's Guide
Cardamom prices mostly come down to three things: pod size, how full and even the pods are, and colour and freshness. Here's how grading works and how to pick the right grade for your business.
How grading works
Kerala green cardamom is traditionally traded as "Alleppey Green". Under India's AGMARK standards it is graded into bands such as Extra Bold (AGEB), Bold (AGB) and Superior (AGS), based on size, weight and quality. Many sellers, including us, also describe grades simply in millimetres, because that's something you can check with a ruler.
Grades by size
| Size | What to expect | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 8 mm and above | Bold, even, highest price | Retail packs, gifting, premium chai |
| 7–8 mm | Good size, strong aroma, better value | Everyday retail, hotels, restaurants |
| 6–7 mm | Smaller pods, good aroma when fresh | Chai and masala blending |
Which grade should you buy?
A simple rule: buy bold when the customer sees and smells the whole pod; buy smaller when it disappears into a blend.
- Retail brand or gift packs: 8 mm and above.
- Hotels and restaurants: 7–8 mm or 8 mm.
- Masala manufacturers: 7–8 mm or smaller.
- Tea and chai blending: 6–7 mm.
Size isn't everything
Freshness, maturity at picking and careful drying matter just as much. A fresh, well-dried smaller pod can beat an old bold one. Always crack a few pods: dark, sticky seeds and a strong smell are what you want.
Storage
Keep cardamom sealed, cool, dry and away from light. Whole pods keep their aroma for months; ground cardamom fades in weeks.
Before you commit
- Pick a grade using the rule above.
- WhatsApp us to ask which grades are available now.
- Check a small quantity in your actual use: brew the chai, grind the masala.
- Then order in bulk.
FAQ
What does AGEB mean?
Alleppey Green Extra Bold, the top size grade of Kerala green cardamom.
Do smaller grades taste worse?
Not necessarily. They're often a little milder, and in a multi-spice blend the difference is small.
Can I mix grades in one order?
Yes. Tell us what you need and we'll quote the combination.
Do you provide lab reports?
Not currently. If you need them, tell us before ordering.
