Extra Bold Kerala Cardamom (Elaichi) – 8mm Whole Pods from Idukki

We grow cardamom on our farm in Rajakumari, in Kerala's Idukki district, where we live and farm. Our own farm gives us only a limited amount of 8–8.5mm pods, and those are the only sizes we sell. When our harvest isn't enough, we buy cardamom from other growers and hold it to the same standard: only 8mm and 8.5mm pods. Whether we grew it or bought it, you get the same grade.

Quick facts

From our plants to your pouch

1. Picked at the right stage. A pod is ready when the skin is dark green and the seeds inside have turned black. Picked too early, pods shrivel and smell weak. Picked overripe, they lose colour and split open.
2. To the dryer within 1–2 days. Fresh pods start losing quality quickly, so they don't sit in sacks.
3. Washed. The pods are washed in water to remove dust and soil, with a mild soda solution to help keep the green colour. This is standard practice in Kerala and is recommended by Kerala Agricultural University. We use a weaker solution than the usual 2%.
4. Dried for 6–12 hours. Controlled heat brings the moisture down while keeping the green colour and the oils that carry the aroma.
5. Graded by size. From our own harvest, we keep only the 8mm and 8.5mm pods and send the smaller grades to the Spices Board auction. Cardamom we buy has to meet the same 8–8.5mm grade.
6. Stored and packed airtight. Light and air fade cardamom's colour, so pods go into sealed containers and then into resealable pouches.

What we don't do

We don't bleach our cardamom, add colour or polish it. You get the pod as it was grown: washed, dried and graded.

Why our cardamom costs a little more

We sell only the top grade, 8–8.5mm, whether it comes from our farm or from growers we buy from. On our own farm we pick at full maturity rather than early for volume, and we never mix grades to lower the price.

How to check cardamom quality at home

• Open a pod. The seeds should be black and slightly sticky. Brown, dry seeds mean the pod was picked early or is old.
• Smell it. Crush one pod. A clean, strong smell should come out immediately.
• Look at the size. Extra Bold pods are plump and even. A bag mixing big and small pods hasn't been properly graded.
• Check the colour. It should be a natural, even green. An unusually bright green that tints wet fingers can be a sign of added colour.

How to use it

• Chai: crush 2 pods lightly and add them while the water boils.
• Payasam and sweets: grind the seeds with a little sugar just before using.
• Biryani and pulao: add whole pods to hot ghee at the start.
• Garam masala: toast the seeds lightly, cool, and grind with your other whole spices.

Storing it

Keep it in an airtight glass or steel jar, away from the stove and sunlight. Whole pods hold their smell for months. Powder fades in weeks, so grind only what you need.

Frequently asked questions

Where is this cardamom grown?
Some of it on our own farm in Rajakumari, Idukki. When our harvest isn't enough, we buy from other growers. Everything we sell is graded to 8–8.5mm.

What does "Extra Bold 8mm" mean?
Cardamom is graded by pod size, and 8mm and above is the top grade. We sell only 8mm and 8.5mm pods. Smaller grades from our harvest go to auction.

Do you use washing soda?
Yes, a mild solution during washing. It's standard practice in Kerala, recommended by Kerala Agricultural University to help the pods keep their green colour. We use less than the commonly recommended 2%. We never use bleach or colouring.

Is it organic?
No, it isn't certified organic. We follow natural farming practices on our own farm. For cardamom we buy from other growers, we check the grade and quality, but we can't promise how it was farmed.

Why is it green?
Mostly because of how it's handled: picked at full maturity, dried quickly at controlled heat, and stored airtight. The mild soda wash also helps hold the colour.

Why is it more expensive than market cardamom?
You're paying for top-grade pods only, processed without shortcuts. Market packs often mix grades.

Should I buy whole pods or powder?
Whole pods. Powder loses its aroma within weeks, while whole pods keep it for months. Grind only what you need.

Do you sell in bulk?
Message us on WhatsApp at +91 88482 65849 or see our Wholesale page.

Delivery usually takes 4–5 working days across India. Free shipping on orders above ₹649. Questions before ordering? WhatsApp us on +91 88482 65849.