Cardamom Grades Explained: From 5.5mm to 9mm – How Size Defines Quality

Known as the Queen of Spices, green cardamom is one of India’s most prized and aromatic exports. Its strong fragrance, rich taste, and health benefits make it a favorite across the world — from Indian sweets to Middle Eastern coffee.

But what truly determines the quality and price of cardamom? It all begins with grading , a process that separates cardamom pods by size, color, and aroma.

At Greenwick Globals, we specialize in supplying export-quality green cardamom, carefully graded from 5.5mm to 9mm to match the diverse needs of global spice buyers.

How Cardamom Is Graded

Grading cardamom is both an art and a science. Each pod is sorted based on three key factors:

1. Size (Diameter in millimeters) – The most important quality indicator. Larger pods usually have stronger aroma and higher oil content.

   
   

2. Color – Bright green pods indicate freshness and good drying techniques.

   
   

3. Moisture & Texture – Perfectly dried pods have a crisp shell that locks in the seeds’ natural oils.

   These elements together define the market value and export quality of each batch.

Cardamom Size Grades: From Smallest to Boldest

Below is a simple guide to help you understand how cardamom is categorized by size:

👉 Did you know?

Only around 5% of total Indian cardamom harvested each season reaches the 8mm–9mm bold category — making it one of the most sought-after spices in international markets.

Hand Grading vs. Machine Grading

Cardamom can be graded in two main ways:

1. Hand Grading This traditional method involves experienced workers manually sorting pods based on size, color, and freshness. Though time-consuming, it ensures precision and visual quality control.

2. Machine Grading Modern grading machines use sieves and vibratory systems to separate cardamom pods by diameter quickly and consistently. This is ideal for large export batches and ensures uniformity.

At Greenwick Globals, we use a combination of both hand grading for premium orders and machine grading for bulk exports. This ensures every shipment meets strict international quality standards.

Packaging and Export Process

Proper packaging is just as important as grading. Cardamom’s aroma can fade if exposed to air or moisture.

That’s why we use airtight, moisture-proof pouches and bulk export bags , available in 5kg, 10kg, 25kg, and 50kg packs.Our packaging ensures that every pod retains its natural aroma, flavor, and color until it reaches your doorstep.

We also provide all export documentation, including FSSAI certification, phytosanitary certificate, and country-specific quality checks — making us one of the most trusted cardamom exporters in India.

Why Size and Grade Matter for Buyers

• Larger pods (7.5mm–9mm) contain higher volatile oil levels, giving stronger flavor and longer shelf life.

• Smaller pods (5mm–6mm) are perfect for blending or powdering.

• For exporters and wholesalers, uniform grading ensures consistency, helping you build trust with your customers.

  
  

When you choose properly graded cardamom, you’re not just buying spice — you’re investing in quality, aroma, and global standard excellence.

Why Choose Greenwick Globals

At Greenwick Globals, we’re not just exporters — we’re curators of the finest Indian cardamom.Our cardamom is handpicked from the lush plantations of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, sorted with care, and packed for worldwide delivery.

✅ 100% Natural, Pesticide-Minimized Cultivation

✅ Sizes from 5.5mm to 9mm , Hand & Machine Graded

✅ Premium Export Packaging

✅ Global Shipping Support

Whether you’re a wholesaler, spice brand, importer, or café chain, we deliver cardamom that speaks for itself fresh, aromatic, and authentically Indian.

Conclusion

From tiny 5.5mm pods to bold 9mm beauties, each size of cardamom tells a story of origin, quality, and care. At Greenwick Globals, we ensure that every pod carries the authentic flavor of India, ready to add value to your business and aroma to your brand.

🌿 Looking for premium green cardamom at export prices?

📞 Contact Greenwick Globals today or visit www.greenwickglobals.com to request your quote.

By Greenwick Globals – Leading Cardamom Exporters in India