Trade · 5 min read
How Green Cardamom Is Harvested and Dried in Kerala
The green that buyers pay for is created in the drying room.
Quick answer
Kerala's green cardamom is hand-picked in rounds as capsules ripen, then dried in curing chambers with controlled heat that removes moisture while preserving the green colour. The dried pods are cleaned, sorted by size (for example 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm), checked for colour and litre weight, and packed for export.
Where is cardamom grown in Kerala?
Most of India's small green cardamom comes from the Cardamom Hills of Idukki district, where altitude, rainfall and forest shade suit the plant.
Why is cardamom picked by hand?
Capsules on the same plant ripen at different times, so they are harvested selectively in several rounds during the season. Picking at the right maturity gives fuller pods and better colour.
How does drying affect quality?
Controlled drying in curing chambers keeps the pods green and aromatic. Sun-drying or excessive heat can bleach or darken the pods, lowering their value.
Frequently asked questions
How is cardamom graded after drying?
By sieving into size grades, then checking colour, litre weight, moisture and the share of empty or split pods.
