What is Cardamom Pods (Green)?

Green Cardamom Pods are the whole dried pods of Elettaria cardamomum, the plant in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) often called the "Queen of Spices." Each pod holds small black seeds, which are the actual spice, and the intact husk preserves the aromatics far longer than pre-ground cardamom.

About the plant

Cardamom is native to the Western Ghats of southern India and is now also grown in Guatemala and Sri Lanka. It is one of the most expensive spices in the world by weight, ranking third after saffron and vanilla, because the small pods must be hand-picked just before they fully ripen and processed quickly. Whole pods are a classic component of masala chai, Arabic coffee ("qahwa"), Scandinavian baking, and Indian curries, where they are often cracked and added whole to the pot.

Related herbs

• Cardamom Powder — the ground seeds for direct use in baking and blends.

Cardamom Pods (Green): form & sizes

We carry Cardamom Pods (Green) as organic whole dried pods, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Cardamom Pods (Green) in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Cardamom Pods (Green) at a glance

Botanical name

Elettaria cardamomum

Family

Zingiberaceae

Native region

the Western Ghats of southern India

Plant part

seed pods

Sourcing

Organic

Also known as

Queen of Spices

Price ranking

3rd most expensive spice by weight

Form

whole dried pods

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb