Black Cardamom (Badi Elaichi)

General Description

Product Name Black Cardamom
Botanical Name Amomum subulatum
Common Name Badi Elaichi, Hill Cardamom, Greater Cardamom
Form Whole Pods / Seeds / Powder
Type Natural Spice, Food Grade
Origin India (Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh), Nepal, Bhutan, China
HS Code 0908.31.00

Black cardamom is a large, smoky, aromatic spice used in Indian, Nepali, and Southeast Asian cuisines. Known for its deep, earthy flavor with camphor-like undertones, it is often used in biryanis, garam masala, curries, and meat dishes.

Grading

Grade Description
Jumbo Extra large, full-size pods with high oil content
Standard Uniform medium pods, suitable for export
Mini/Chura Smaller pods or broken pieces, used for powder

Physical Characteristics

Parameter Specification
Appearance Dark brown to black, wrinkled pods
Shape Oval with ridges; 2–5 cm in length
Pod Size Jumbo (above 3.5 cm), Standard (2.5–3.5 cm), Small (below 2.5 cm)
Seed Color Brown to dark brown
Flavor Smoky, resinous, slightly peppery
Aroma Intense, camphor-like, slightly minty
Purity 99% min (machine/sortex cleaned)
Moisture Content Max 12%
Pods per kg Approx. 250–350 (depending on grade)
Volatile Oil Content Min 2%

Chemical Composition

Parameter Specification
Total Ash Max 8%
Acid Insoluble Ash Max 1.5%
Non-Volatile Ether Extract Min 10%
Essential Oils 2% – 3.5% (includes cineole, camphor, limonene)

Packaging & Labeling:

  • Retail Pack Sizes: 50g, 100g, 250g, 500g, 1kg
  • Bulk Pack Sizes: 5kg, 10kg, 25kg, 50kg
  • Packaging Types:
    • LDPE/poly bags, PET jars (retail)
    • Jute bags, PP woven sacks with poly liners (bulk)
  • Labeling Includes:
    • Product name, botanical name, net weight, origin, batch no., MRP, manufacturing & expiry date, FSSAI license no., barcode

Certifications & Compliance

  • FSSAI Certified
  • ISO 22000 / HACCP / GMP Certified
  • Halal & Kosher Certified (on request)
  • Spice Board of India Registration
  • EU/USFDA Compliant Export Grade
  • Pesticide Residue & Aflatoxin Tested

Black cardamom is a bold, aromatic spice essential to Indian and global cuisine, especially in savory and smoky dishes. Sourced from the Himalayan foothills and northeast India, our cardamom is processed hygienically, graded meticulously, and packaged for maximum flavor retention — making it ideal for retailers, bulk buyers, and spice exporters.

LIST OF SPICES (Masale)