Authentic Small Size Cardamom 6mm (इलायची)

Kerala Small Cardamom 6mm — the everyday Queen of Spices

Our small-size green cardamom (6mm) comes from the Idukki plantations of Kerala — the premium cardamom-growing region of India. 6mm is the most popular household grade: smaller than the premium 8mm but still fresh, aromatic, and well-filled with seeds. Perfect for daily chai, everyday biryani, kheer, and routine use where you don’t need the flagship AGEB grade.

Why Kerala cardamom is preferred over Guatemalan

• Higher essential oil content — 7-9% vs 5-6% for Guatemalan.

• Richer aroma — complex eucalyptus-camphor with sweet floral notes.

• Shade-grown tradition — produces denser seeds than plantation monoculture.

• Short supply chain — reaches you within weeks of harvest.

How to use

Chai: Crush 2-3 pods per 2 cups chai, boil with tea and milk.

Biryani: 6-8 whole pods per 1kg rice, in oil during tempering.

Kheer/Payasam: Open 4-5 pods, grind seeds, add to milk desserts at the end.

Mouth freshener: Chew 1 pod after meals.

Authenticity check

Fresh Kerala cardamom is bright green (not pale yellow), firm when pressed, and releases strong eucalyptus aroma when a pod is crushed. Seeds inside should be dark brown-black, sticky, tightly packed. Pale yellow pods indicate old stock or sulphur-bleaching.

Storage

Whole pods in airtight glass jar away from light: 2 years peak aroma. Do not refrigerate — condensation causes mould. Ground cardamom loses flavour within 2-3 months.

Health benefits

Cardamom aids digestion, freshens breath (antimicrobial), supports respiratory health (cineole content), and shows mild blood-pressure-lowering activity in studies. Traditional Ayurvedic post-meal digestive.

FAQ

What’s the difference between 6mm and 8mm cardamom? 8mm is larger, bolder, more aromatic (and 2-3× the price). 6mm is standard grade — excellent quality for daily household use.

Can I substitute black cardamom? No — black cardamom is smoky and belongs in savoury North Indian dishes. For chai, biryani, and desserts always use green cardamom.

How many pods in 100g? Approximately 400-450 pods of 6mm size.

Why is my cardamom yellow? Likely aged or sulphur-bleached. Fresh Kerala cardamom is green. Don’t buy pale-yellow pods.