Trade · 6 min read
Cardamom Grades Explained: 8mm, 7mm, AGEB and What Buyers Should Check
Size gets the headline, but colour and litre weight tell you whether the pod is worth the price.
Quick answer
Green cardamom is graded by pod size in millimetres (8mm+, 7–8mm, 6–7mm), by colour (a deeper, even green is better) and by litre weight — the grams per litre of pods, which reflects maturity. Buyers should also check moisture and the share of empty, split and immature pods.
How is cardamom size graded?
Pods are sieved through screens and classified by the size at which they are retained. 8mm and above is the boldest premium grade, popular in Gulf retail; 7–8mm is the most widely traded export size; 6–7mm is used for grinding and blending.
What do AGEB and AGB mean?
They are traditional trade grades named after Alleppey, the historic cardamom trading town: AGEB is Alleppey Green Extra Bold and AGB is Alleppey Green Bold. Many buyers now specify directly in millimetres instead.
Why does litre weight matter?
Two lots of the same size can differ greatly in quality. A higher litre weight means fuller, more mature pods with more seeds and oil. It is one of the quickest ways to separate a premium lot from a merely large one.
What should you check in a cardamom sample?
Before approving a lot, check:
- Size distribution against the stated grade
- Colour — even green without yellowing or bleaching
- Litre weight
- Moisture
- Percentage of empty, split and immature pods
- Aroma when a pod is crushed
Frequently asked questions
Why is Kerala cardamom so green?
Careful harvesting and controlled drying preserve the green chlorophyll colour that buyers associate with freshness and quality.
