Cardamom Pods, Elettaria cardamomum, are also known as cardamom, cardamom wholesale, bulk cardamom, or green cardamom. May also be referred to as True or “lessor” cardamom. Alternative spellings are cardamon or cardamum.

Known as the “queen of spices,” Cardamom is considered the 3rd most expensive spice in the world, after saffron and vanilla. Top quality cardamom is harvested while immature and dried to preserve its bright green color. Whole pods retain flavor longer than either decorticated Cardamom Seeds or Ground Cardamom, though this product requires some additional steps in order to use it in cooking.

Cardamom Pods are popular with cafes; coffeeshops; Middle Eastern and Indian restaurants; independent spice shops; jam, condiment, coffee, and tea manufacturers; breweries; olive oil shops; seasoning companies; and catering companies.

There are approximately 20 Cardamom Pods in a one-ounce packet.

Flavor Profile

Cardamom Pod’s flavor is warm, peppery, and floral, with elements of mint and citrus.

How To Use

Whole Cardamom Pods can be crushed and used to flavor casseroles, curries, rice, and stew. Add both the crushed pod and the seeds to the cooking pot as there is flavor in the pod that will incorporate into the dish. Toss a few pods into Vindaloo Curry Spiced Bean and Tomato Soup for extra fragrance and flavor that will stand up to vindaloo’s heat. Grind the inner seeds and add aromatic essence to the eggplant dish Imam Bayildi. One of our favorite recipes using cardamom is Masala Chai, a delicious tea. It is also frequently used in Swedish meatballs and in sweet treats like tarts, cakes and cookies.

Green cardamom products and pods can be used to substitute for black cardamom, though it will impart a lighter flavor to a dish. Black cardamom has a deep and smoky profile and is not an acceptable substitute for green cardamom.

We especially like Green Cardamom with apples, oranges, pears, sweet potatoes and use whole pods in coffee. Works well in combination with chili powder, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, paprika, pepper and saffron.