Cardamom processing

Cardamom is a valuable spice that is obtained from the seeds of a perennial plant (Elettaria cardamomum). Cardamom originates from the coastal area of India. It is now grown in Guatemala, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, El Salvador, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. India is the main exporter of dried cardamom. Cardamom must be dried before it is stored and sold for market. This Technical Brief outlines the important steps that should be taken pre-harvest and post-harvest to ensure that the dried cardamom is of top quality for the market.