Premium Kerala Cardamom

These are bold 8mm+ pods from Idukki district in Kerala - the premium size preferred for chai, biryani and Indian sweets. Smaller 7mm pods (sold cheaper in most grocery stores) contain less oil and release weaker aroma. Each of our pods is plump, three-sided, and a bright green colour, indicating freshness.

This is 100% Kerala cardamom, grown in the Cardamom Hills at 600-1500m altitude. Guatemala is the world's largest cardamom producer by volume, but Kerala cardamom has a sweeter, more floral aroma due to the unique Western Ghats climate. It is also the only region whose cardamom is consistently used in authentic Indian cooking.

Crack 2 pods per cup of chai, extract the seeds and crush them slightly before adding to simmering milk. For a pot of 4 cups, use 6-8 pods. The pods should be added in the last 2 minutes of boiling - cardamom is delicate, and over-boiling destroys its aromatic oils.

Whole cardamom pods stay aromatic for 12-18 months when stored in an airtight glass jar away from sunlight and heat. Ground cardamom loses most of its flavour in 3 months. Always buy whole pods and crush them fresh - the difference in aroma between fresh-crushed and pre-ground is significant.

Yes, both are traditional Ayurvedic uses supported by modern research. Chewing 1-2 cardamom seeds after meals aids digestion, reduces bloating, and freshens breath naturally. The essential oil, cineole, also has mild antibacterial properties. Many Indian restaurants offer cardamom at the exit for this exact reason.