Cardamom pods whole – the queen among spices

Cardamom pods whole are among the most beloved and most exclusive spices in the world. The aromatic green pods are known as the 'queen of spices' and are praised for their warm, fresh and slightly sweet flavor. After saffron and vanilla, cardamom is among the most valuable spices there are.

The whole cardamom pods from Natural Spices come from Guatemala, one of the world's main producers of high-quality green cardamom. You can order them easily online in packages of 340 grams or 5 kilos.

Where do cardamom pods come from?

Cardamom originates in the humid mountain regions of South India, better known as the Cardamom Hills. Today the spice is also widely cultivated in Guatemala, where the ideal growing conditions produce pods of excellent quality.

The cardamom plant belongs to the ginger family. The green pods are the dried seed capsules of the plant and are harvested by hand just before they are fully ripe. Because the plant only bears fruit after about two years and the harvest is largely done manually, cardamom is a particularly valuable spice.

Green cardamom: the true classic

There are two well-known types of cardamom: green and black cardamom. Green cardamom is smaller, more refined and more aromatic. The flavor is fresh, warm, mildly citrusy and subtly sweet, with notes of eucalyptus and herbs.

Because of this refined aroma, green cardamom is regarded worldwide as the classic or 'true' cardamom. Our whole cardamom pods consist exclusively of this high-quality green variety.

How do you use whole cardamom pods?

Whole cardamom pods are surprisingly versatile. You can simmer the pods whole to subtly flavor a dish, or open the pod and grind the black seeds for a more intense flavor.

Cardamom is indispensable in many dishes from Indian, Middle Eastern and Scandinavian cuisines. Use the spice for example in:

• curries and stews;
• rice dishes such as pilav or biryani;
• coffee and chai;
• cookies, cake and bread;
• desserts and compotes.

Because of the powerful flavor you usually only need one or a few pods to season a dish.

Why choose whole cardamom pods?

Whole cardamom pods retain their aroma significantly longer than ground cardamom. By removing and grinding the seeds from the pod only shortly before use, you enjoy maximum scent and flavor. That makes whole cardamom the preferred choice of both professional chefs and enthusiastic home cooks.

Want to know more about cardamom? Also read our blog 'Cardamom: what is it and why is it so special?' and discover everything about the origin, flavor and uses of this special spice.