Ceylon Cardamom
Elettaria cardamomum - The Queen of Spices
Discover the aromatic heritage of Ceylon cardamom, cultivated in the misty mountains of Sri Lanka's central highlands. Known as the “Queen of Spices,” our cardamom is prized for its intense essential oils and distinctive flavor profile.
Royal Heritage of the Queen of Spices
Ancient Aromatic Treasure
Cardamom has been cultivated in Sri Lanka's mountains for over 1,000 years. Ancient Sanskrit texts refer to it as “ela,” and it was one of the most expensive spices in ancient Rome, often worth more than its weight in gold.
The spice was introduced to Sri Lanka by South Indian traders around the 8th century. The island's unique microclimate in the central highlands created ideal conditions for cultivating cardamom with exceptional aromatic properties.
British planters in the 19th century established extensive cardamom estates in the hills around Kolonna, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, making Ceylon cardamom a premium export commodity known for its superior quality worldwide.
Mountain Highland Cultivation
Central Highlands
Grown at elevations of 1000-1500m in misty mountain regions with consistent temperatures of 10-35°C and high humidity levels.
Kolonna Hills
Traditional cardamom growing region with optimal shade conditions under forest canopies that protect the delicate plants from direct sunlight.
Monsoon Climate
Benefits from both southwest and northeast monsoons, receiving 1250-3750mm annual rainfall essential for optimal pod development.
Premium Quality Characteristics
What Makes Ceylon Cardamom Special
Intense Essential Oils
Contains 4-8% volatile oils including cineole, terpinyl acetate, and limonene for superior aroma.
Green Pod Variety
Premium green cardamom with vibrant color, indicating optimal harvest timing and proper post-harvest handling.
Uniform Size Grading
Carefully sorted into consistent size grades from 6mm to 8mm for uniform cooking and processing applications.
High Seed Content
75-80% seed content by weight with plump, aromatic seeds containing maximum flavor compounds.
Quality Specifications
Artisanal Cultivation Process
Shade Cultivation
Grown under natural forest canopy or shade trees, protecting delicate plants from direct sunlight and harsh weather.
Precise Timing
Pods harvested at 75% maturity when essential oil content is at peak, requiring skilled judgment and experience.
Hand Harvesting
Individual pods carefully hand-picked every 15-20 days during harvest season to ensure optimal quality and maturity.
Controlled Drying
Specialized curing chambers maintain optimal temperature and humidity to preserve green color and essential oil content.
Culinary Excellence & Wellness Benefits
Gourmet Cuisine
Essential in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Scandinavian cuisines, adding aromatic complexity to both sweet and savory dishes.
Digestive Health
Traditional digestive aid that helps reduce bloating, improves digestion, and freshens breath naturally.
Respiratory Support
Natural expectorant properties help clear respiratory passages and provide relief from cold symptoms.
Source Premium Ceylon Cardamom
Experience the aromatic excellence of authentic Ceylon cardamom. Connect with our spice experts to learn more about our premium green cardamom varieties.