What is Cardamom?

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is one of the world’s most aromatic and valuable spices, often referred to as the “queen of spices.” Native to the Indian subcontinent and part of the ginger family, it delivers a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor profile. Because of this it is widely used in premium spice blends. It pairs well with cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg in various blends across the herbs and spices market. Furthermore cardamom also appears in beverages, cosmetics, and herbal remedies. Cardamom is typically supplied as whole pods, decorticated seeds, or ground into powder.

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Types, Varieties & Forms of Cardamom

• ‍Green Cardamom: The most widely used variety. Bright green pods with intensely aromatic black seeds — prized in baking, curries, teas, and spice blends.‍
• Black Cardamom: Larger, smoky-flavored pods. Common in savory applications like rice dishes and slow-cooked stews.‍
• White Cardamom: Green cardamom that’s been bleached. Milder and used in some Nordic and Central European pastries.‍
• Cardamom Powder: Convenient for industrial spice blends and ready-to-use formulations in beverages or baking.‍
• Whole Pods & Seeds: Pods preserve freshness; seeds offer ease of use in milling or extraction.

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Harvest Season of Cardamom

Cardamom is typically harvested between September and December, depending on the region. The pods are handpicked just before maturity to ensure maximum aroma and essential oil content.

After harvest, the pods are sun-dried and graded by size, color, and oil yield, all of which influence flavor intensity and price point in wholesale markets.

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Producing Countries

In 2022, the global production of cardamom was approximately 138,888 tonnes, with India, Indonesia, and Guatemala accounting for 85% of the total output.

• ‍India: India is the world’s largest cardamom producer, with Kerala and Karnataka as key growing regions. Indian cardamom is known for its intense aroma and small-pod format.‍
• Guatemala: Now one of the world’s largest exporters of green cardamom, Guatemala supplies much of the Middle Eastern market.

Other producers include Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Nepal, and Tanzania.

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Trends & History of Cardamom Wholesale

Cardamom has been valued for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians used it in rituals and medicine, while Greeks and Romans appreciated its fragrance and flavor.

Modern demand is driven by growth in specialty teas and Ayurvedic blends, and an increased use in baking and dairy-based beverages. Cardamom is now a core ingredient in gourmet, health-focused, and ethnically inspired food lines.

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Cardamom Manufacturers

Nutrada helps you source high-quality cardamom in whole green or black pods as well as seeds and powder. Both conventional and organic options are available. Standard packaging formats include 5 kg, 10 kg, and 25 kg PE-lined kraft bags or vacuum-sealed cartons. Shelf life typically ranges from 12–24 months in dry storage. Through Nutrada, buyers are able to buy cardamom directly from manufacturers.

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Bulk Cardamom

For large-volume buyers, bulk cardamom can be sourced from different origins. Nutrada’s platform lets you compare suppliers by location, certification and type. Easily filter based on minimum order quantities to further narrow your search.

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Private Label Cardamom

Launching your own brand? Nutrada connects you with spice manufacturers offering private label packaging in retail-ready pouches, jars, or tins with custom labeling and barcodes. Sizes can be anything from 100g to 1kg and above. Find a supplier with MOQ flexibility for startups or e-commerce brands.

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Organic Cardamom

For sustainability-focused brands, Nutrada helps source organic cardamom certified by, USDA Organic, EU Organic, and India Organic (NPOP). Other organic certifications may also apply. Organic lots are free from synthetic inputs and are fully traceable. Documentation includes COA, pesticide testing, and microbial reports. Packaging is optimized for shelf stability.

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Find Cardamom Suppliers on Nutrada

Search, compare, and connect with vetted cardamom suppliers on Nutrada. Whether you need premium pods for tea blends, cardamom powder for baking, or foodservice packs for commercial use, our platform streamlines the process.

Sign up today to access supplier listings from India, Guatemala, and beyond, and source with confidence.

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