Large Cardamom (Amomum subulatum)

Premium quality large cardamom from Sikkim's high-altitude regions sourced by experienced indian spice traders and bulk spice suppliers - the world's finest "Black Gold" spice. Rich in 1,8-cineole (50-86%), organically grown at 800-2100m elevation with complete export documentation by trusted spice merchant partners offering bulk spices.

Premium Large Cardamom

Black Gold from Sikkim's Himalayas

  • Origin Sikkim, Darjeeling, Nepal
  • Grade Premium GI Tagged (2.8-4.2% Oil)
  • Moisture Max 12% | 1,8-cineole: 50-86%
  • Packing 25kg bags / Custom bulk orders
  • Export FOB/CIF - Premium markets
  • Certified FSSAI, GI Tag, Organic
  • Harvest October to November
  • Shelf Life 24 months from processing
  • Family Zingiberaceae (Ginger)
  • Part Used Dried pods & seeds
Large Cardamom - Premium Sikkim Quality
Whole Large Cardamom Pods Ramsey Cultivar Premium Grade Sawney Variety High Altitude Dried Seeds and Pods Export Packaging

Export Quality Large Cardamom from India's Himalayan Spice Gardens - Trusted Indian Spice Trader & Bulk Supplier

As a leading indian spice trader and bulk spice supplier, we source Large Cardamom, scientifically known as Amomum subulatum, representing one of the world's most prized spices, earning the title "Black Gold" due to its exceptional value and distinctive smoky flavor profile. Our merchant export model ensures competitive pricing while serving international spice manufacturers, spice wholesalers, and bulk spice importers. Primarily cultivated in the high-altitude regions of Sikkim, Darjeeling, and parts of Nepal and Bhutan, this premium spice thrives at elevations between 800-2100 meters above sea level. Our sustainably sourced large cardamom undergoes traditional curing and drying processes that preserve its unique smoky aroma and therapeutic properties, making it highly sought after in international markets across Asia, Europe, and North America through our spice exporter network.

The essential oil content of large cardamom ranges from 1.5-3.5%, with 1,8-cineole being the predominant component (50-86%), followed by α-terpineol, α-pinene, and β-pinene. This distinctive chemical composition gives large cardamom its characteristic medicinal properties including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and digestive benefits. Our role as trusted spice traders and bulk spice suppliers ensures we source directly from certified growers in Sikkim and surrounding regions, maintaining traceability and quality consistency for bulk orders ranging from 1000kg to full container loads. As a professional spice manufacturer partner, we serve bulk indian spices requirements for spice wholesaler clients through our established merchant export channels, supporting international food manufacturers, spice traders, and traditional medicine practitioners worldwide through reliable spice suppliers.

Why Choose Our Large Cardamom - Trusted Indian Spice Trader & Bulk Supplier

As a leading indian spice trader and bulk spice supplier, we offer comprehensive solutions for international spice manufacturers, spice wholesalers, and bulk spice importers. Our merchant export model ensures competitive pricing, consistent quality, and reliable supply chains for large cardamom sourcing from India's premier growing regions.

Trusted Spice Merchant

Established relationships with certified growers across Sikkim, Darjeeling, and neighboring regions, ensuring authentic bulk indian spices at competitive wholesale rates. Our spice trader network provides direct access to premium "Black Gold" large cardamom with high 1,8-cineole content.

Bulk Spice Specialists

Custom packaging and bulk quantities from 1000kg to container loads, serving international spice suppliers and bulk spice importers worldwide. Professional spice exporter services with complete documentation and quality assurance for global markets.

Quality Assured Export

FSSAI, ISO 22000, and organic certifications ensure our large cardamom meets international standards. Spice manufacturers and indian spice suppliers trust our quality control processes for consistent essential oil content and authentic smoky flavor.

Global Bulk Distribution

Efficient logistics network serving 50+ countries with specialized handling for premium spices. As experienced bulk spice suppliers, we ensure timely delivery and proper documentation for international spice wholesalers and manufacturers.

Basic Information
Common Name:Large Cardamom, Black Cardamom
Botanical Name:Amomum subulatum Roxb.
Family:Zingiberaceae
Origin:Sikkim, Darjeeling (India), Nepal, Bhutan
Altitude:800-2100m above sea level
Harvest Season:September to November
Part Used:Dried whole capsules and seeds
Shelf Life:18-24 months from processing
Multi-Language Names
Hindi:बड़ी इलायची (Badi Elaichi)
Nepali:अलैंची (Alainchi)
Sikkimese:སུག་སྨེལ (Sug-smel)
English:Black Cardamom, Large Cardamom
Chinese:草果 (Cǎo guǒ)
French:Grande Cardamome
German:Schwarzer Kardamom
Local:"Black Gold" (Trade name)

Premium Cultivars & Varieties

Ramsey (Premium Cultivar)

Highest quality variety with excellent essential oil content (2.5-3.5%) and superior aroma. Preferred for export markets due to large pod size and consistent quality.

Premium Grade High Oil Content Export Quality
  • Pod Size: 20-35mm length
  • Essential Oil: 2.5-3.5%
  • 1,8-Cineole: 80-86%
  • Best For: Premium export, pharmaceutical use
Sawney (Standard Export)

Widely cultivated variety with good essential oil content and robust flavor. Most commonly traded variety in international markets.

Export Standard Robust Flavor Commercial Grade
  • Pod Size: 18-30mm length
  • Essential Oil: 2.0-2.8%
  • 1,8-Cineole: 70-75%
  • Best For: Food processing, culinary use
Seremna (High Altitude)

Mountain variety adapted to extreme altitudes, producing pods with intense flavor and medicinal properties. Limited production but high value.

High Altitude Medicinal Grade Limited Production
  • Pod Size: 22-32mm length
  • Essential Oil: 2.2-3.0%
  • 1,8-Cineole: 75-80%
  • Best For: Traditional medicine, premium culinary
Varlangey (Aromatic)

Highly aromatic variety with distinctive smoky flavor profile. Preferred by chefs and specialty food manufacturers for its unique taste characteristics.

Aromatic Smoky Flavor Specialty Grade
  • Pod Size: 20-28mm length
  • Essential Oil: 1.8-2.5%
  • 1,8-Cineole: 65-70%
  • Best For: Specialty foods, gourmet cooking
Dzongu Golsey (Organic)

Organically grown variety from protected Dzongu region of Sikkim. Certified organic with traditional cultivation methods and sustainable practices.

Organic Certified Sustainable Traditional
  • Pod Size: 18-30mm length
  • Essential Oil: 2.0-2.7%
  • 1,8-Cineole: 70-75%
  • Best For: Organic markets, health foods

Processing Forms & Grade Options

Physical Forms

  • Whole Pods: Dried whole capsules, 20-35mm length
  • Decorticated Seeds: Seeds removed from pods
  • Ground Powder: Fine powder from whole pods
  • Essential Oil: Steam distilled oil extract

Processing Methods

  • Traditional Curing: Smoke-dried over alder wood fires
  • Solar Drying: Natural sun-drying for organic grades
  • Mechanical Drying: Controlled temperature processing
  • Steam Sterilization: Pathogen-free export processing

Complete Product Specifications

General Product Information
Parameter Specification Testing Method Remarks
Country of Origin India (Sikkim, Darjeeling) Certificate of Origin High-altitude cultivation
Altitude Range 800-2100m above sea level Grower Documentation Optimal for quality development
Harvest Period September to November Farmer Records Peak maturity season
Processing Method Traditional smoke-cured Process Documentation Alder wood smoking
Storage Conditions Cool, dry place, <60% RH Storage Guidelines Moisture sensitive
Shelf Life 18-24 months (whole), 12-18 months (ground) Stability Studies Proper storage essential
GMO Status Non-GMO Declaration Traditionally grown
Physical Parameters by Variety
Parameter Ramsey Sawney Seremna Testing Method
Pod Length 20-35mm 18-30mm 22-32mm Caliper measurement
Pod Width 10-15mm 8-12mm 12-16mm Caliper measurement
Color Dark brown to black Light to dark brown Dark brown Visual inspection
Moisture Content 8-12% max 8-14% max 8-12% max Oven drying method
Foreign Matter 0.5% max 1% max 0.5% max Manual sorting
Broken Pods 2% max 3% max 2% max Visual grading
Bulk Density 320-350 kg/m³ 300-330 kg/m³ 330-360 kg/m³ Volume displacement
Chemical & Microbiological Parameters
Parameter Specification Testing Method Standard Reference
Essential Oil Content 1.5-3.5% (variety dependent) Steam Distillation IS 1797:1985
1,8-Cineole 50-86% (in essential oil) GC-MS Analysis USP/BP Standard
α-Terpineol 4-12% (in essential oil) GC-MS Analysis USP/BP Standard
α-Pinene 2-8% (in essential oil) GC-MS Analysis USP/BP Standard
β-Pinene 2-18% (in essential oil) GC-MS Analysis USP/BP Standard
Limonene 4-12% (in essential oil) GC-MS Analysis USP/BP Standard
Total Ash 8% max AOAC 942.05 ASTA Method 3.0
Acid Insoluble Ash 2% max AOAC 941.12 ASTA Method 3.0
Aflatoxin B1 <5 ppb ELISA/LC-MS/MS EU Regulation
Total Aflatoxins <10 ppb ELISA/LC-MS/MS EU Regulation
Heavy Metals (Lead) <3.0 ppm ICP-MS EU Regulation
Pesticide Residues Below MRL limits GC-MS/LC-MS EU/US/Japan MRL
Salmonella Absent in 25g USP Method USP <62>
E.coli <10 cfu/g Plate Count Method ISO 16649
Packaging & Container Loading Options
Package Type Weight Options Material MOQ Container Load
Jute Bags (Traditional) 25kg, 50kg Natural jute with PE liner 1000 kg 16-18 MT (20ft FCL)
Polypropylene Bags 25kg, 50kg Virgin PP woven with liner 1000 kg 18-20 MT (20ft FCL)
Corrugated Cartons 10kg, 20kg Food grade cartons with inner bags 500 kg 14-16 MT (20ft FCL)
Consumer Retail Packs 100g, 200g, 500g Moisture barrier pouches 2000 pcs As per pack size
Private Label Jars 100g, 250g Glass jars with tight lids 5000 pcs As per jar size
Vacuum Packed 1kg, 5kg Multi-layer barrier films 200 kg Extended shelf life
Bulk FIBC Bags 500kg, 1000kg Food grade FIBC with liner 2000 kg 16-18 MT (20ft FCL)
HS Code & Export Classification
Product Form HS Code Required Documentation Additional Notes
Whole Large Cardamom 0908.21.00 Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate Amomum subulatum whole pods
Crushed Large Cardamom 0908.22.00 Certificate of Origin, Quality Analysis Report Broken pods and seeds
Ground Large Cardamom 0908.22.00 Certificate of Origin, Quality Analysis Report Fine powder form
Large Cardamom Seeds 0908.22.00 Certificate of Origin, Quality Analysis Report Decorticated seeds only
Large Cardamom Essential Oil 3301.29.90 Certificate of Origin, COA, MSDS Steam distilled oil
Large Cardamom Oleoresin 1302.19.90 Certificate of Origin, COA, MSDS Solvent extracted concentrate
Standard Export Documents
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Certificate of Origin (Chamber of Commerce)
  • Phytosanitary Certificate (Plant Quarantine)
  • Quality Analysis Report (Lab Tested)
  • FSSAI License Copy
  • Fumigation Certificate (if required)
  • Organic Certificate (for organic varieties)
Market-Specific Requirements
  • USA: FDA Prior Notice, Bioterrorism Act compliance
  • EU: TRACES notification, Novel Food regulation
  • China: CIQ inspection, Registration certificate
  • Bangladesh: Import permit, Quality certificate
  • Pakistan: Import license, Halal certificate
  • Middle East: Halal certification, UAE ESMA approval

Value-Added Products (Large Cardamom Derivatives)

Various value-added products derived from premium large cardamom for different industrial, culinary, and pharmaceutical applications.

Large Cardamom Powder

Fine ground powder from whole pods, retaining the smoky flavor and aroma for culinary applications.

Fine Ground
Essential Oil

Steam distilled essential oil with high 1,8-cineole content for pharmaceutical and aromatherapy use.

50-86% Cineole
Oleoresin

Concentrated extract with both volatile and non-volatile compounds for food industry applications.

Concentrated
Decorticated Seeds

Seeds separated from pods for specialized applications in traditional medicine and food processing.

Pure Seeds
Spice Blends

Custom blends incorporating large cardamom for specific culinary applications and regional cuisines.

Custom Blend
Standardized Extracts

Standardized extracts with specific 1,8-cineole content for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

Standardized
Tea & Beverage Grade

Specially processed large cardamom for tea blending and beverage manufacturing applications.

Beverage Grade
Organic Certified

Certified organic large cardamom products for health-conscious consumers and organic food manufacturers.

Organic Certified

Usage & Applications

Asian Cuisine & Regional Cooking

Essential ingredient in North Indian, Nepali, Tibetan, and Chinese cuisines. Used in biryanis, curries, meat dishes, and hot pot preparations for its distinctive smoky flavor.

Form: Whole pods preferred for maximum flavor | Applications: Garam masala, meat marinades, rice dishes
Beverages & Tea Industry

Flavoring agent in masala chai, spiced teas, and traditional beverages. Popular in coffee blends and specialty beverage manufacturing.

Form: Crushed pods, ground powder | Products: Masala chai, spiced coffee, herbal teas
Commercial Food Processing

Food manufacturers use large cardamom in ready-to-eat meals, snack foods, and processed meat products for flavor enhancement.

Form: Powder, oleoresin, essential oil | Industries: Ready meals, snacks, processed foods
Gourmet & Specialty Foods

High-end restaurants and specialty food products using premium varieties for distinctive smoky flavor profiles in fusion cuisines.

Grade: Premium Ramsey variety preferred | Applications: Fine dining, gourmet spice blends, artisanal foods
Food & Beverage Manufacturing

Large-scale food processing for instant soups, seasoning mixes, beverage concentrates, and flavoring compounds in commercial food production.

Form: Oleoresin, essential oil, powder | Products: Instant foods, flavor concentrates, seasonings
Flavor & Fragrance Industry

Essential oil and oleoresin used in natural flavoring compounds, perfumery, and aromatic product manufacturing.

Extract: Steam distilled oil, CO2 extracts | Applications: Natural flavors, perfumes, aromatics
Export & International Trade

Bulk export to spice importing countries, particularly Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, and Middle Eastern markets for re-processing and distribution.

Markets: Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, UAE, Saudi Arabia | Packaging: 25kg-50kg bags, container loads
Spice Blend Manufacturing

Key ingredient in commercial spice blend production, curry powders, and proprietary seasoning mixes for retail and food service.

Form: Ground powder, essential oil | Blends: Garam masala, curry powder, Chinese five-spice variations
Traditional Medicine Systems

Ayurvedic, Unani, and Traditional Chinese Medicine for digestive disorders, respiratory ailments, and cardiovascular health. Used in various medicinal formulations.

Active: 1,8-cineole, α-terpineol | Uses: Digestive tonics, respiratory treatments, cardiac stimulants
Modern Pharmaceutical Industry

Standardized extracts for pharmaceutical preparations, particularly for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and digestive health applications.

Standardized: 1,8-cineole extracts | Benefits: Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, digestive aid
Nutraceutical & Dietary Supplements

Essential oil and extracts in dietary supplements for digestive health, respiratory support, and antioxidant formulations.

Form: Encapsulated oil, standardized extracts | Products: Digestive supplements, respiratory support, antioxidant formulas
Research & Development

Pharmaceutical research for new drug development, antimicrobial studies, and therapeutic applications of large cardamom compounds.

Research: Antimicrobial properties, anti-inflammatory effects, cardiovascular benefits
Organic & Health Food Markets

Certified organic large cardamom for health-conscious consumers, organic food manufacturers, and premium natural product markets.

Certification: NPOP, EU, USDA Organic | Market: Premium organic products, health food stores
Aromatherapy & Wellness

Essential oil in aromatherapy applications, massage oils, and wellness products for its therapeutic and aromatic properties.

Form: Pure essential oil, aromatherapy blends | Properties: Respiratory support, stress relief, aromatic
Natural Preservation

Antimicrobial properties utilized in natural food preservation systems and traditional food storage methods, particularly in meat preservation.

Properties: Antimicrobial, antioxidant | Uses: Natural preservatives, traditional food storage
Cultural & Religious Use

Traditional and ceremonial use in various cultures, religious ceremonies, and cultural practices across South and Central Asia.

Cultural: Religious ceremonies, traditional practices | Regions: Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, North India
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Frequently Asked Questions

Sikkim's unique high-altitude climate (800-2100m), pristine mountain environment, and traditional cultivation methods produce large cardamom with superior essential oil content (2.5-3.5%) and exceptional 1,8-cineole concentration (up to 86%). The traditional smoke-curing process using alder wood gives Sikkim large cardamom its distinctive smoky flavor and aroma that cannot be replicated elsewhere. The region's organic farming practices and absence of industrial pollution ensure the highest quality standards.
Ramsey is the premium variety with the highest essential oil content (2.5-3.5%) and 1,8-cineole concentration (80-86%), making it the most expensive and sought-after for export. Sawney is the standard commercial variety with good oil content (2.0-2.8%) and robust flavor, widely used in international trade. Seremna is adapted to extreme altitudes and has medicinal properties, while Varlangey is prized for its unique aromatic profile. Each variety has distinct pod sizes, oil compositions, and market applications.
We maintain strict quality standards through a multi-tier approach: pre-qualified supplier network with regular farm visits, standardized curing and processing protocols, comprehensive laboratory testing for essential oil content and chemical composition, and pre-shipment inspection of every batch. All our suppliers must meet organic certification standards where applicable. We also maintain cold storage facilities to preserve quality and conduct seasonal quality assessments to ensure consistency throughout the year.
Minimum orders: 1000 kg for bulk shipments, 500 kg for retail packaging, 2000 pieces for private label products. Lead times: 7-14 days for ex-stock items, 21-30 days for custom processing/packaging. Harvest season (September-November) may have shorter lead times due to fresh stock availability. For organic certified varieties, lead times may extend to 30-45 days due to certification processing. We maintain strategic inventory to ensure consistent supply throughout the year.
Yes, we provide free samples up to 200g for quality evaluation. Samples include: representative product from actual stock, essential oil content analysis, 1,8-cineole composition report, and variety confirmation. All commercial shipments include: comprehensive quality analysis report with essential oil content, chemical composition by GC-MS, microbiological testing results, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, FSSAI license copy, and organic certificates for certified varieties.
Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum) and small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) are completely different species with distinct characteristics. Large cardamom has a smoky, bold flavor due to traditional fire-curing, while small cardamom has a sweet, floral flavor. Large cardamom pods are 20-35mm long, dark brown to black, while small cardamom pods are 8-15mm, green to pale yellow. They have different chemical compositions, with large cardamom rich in 1,8-cineole and small cardamom rich in α-terpinyl acetate. They serve different culinary purposes and come from different growing regions.
Yes, we supply certified organic large cardamom with NPOP (India), EU Organic, and USDA Organic certifications. Our organic suppliers follow strict guidelines: no synthetic pesticides/fertilizers, traditional alder wood curing methods, and regular inspection by accredited agencies. We also offer Fair Trade certified and sustainably sourced large cardamom supporting mountain communities. Organic large cardamom typically commands 20-25% premium pricing due to limited supply and higher production costs. We can provide complete organic certification chain documentation for all shipments.