Aethon Overseas
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Spices & Herbs

Brown Cardamom

Smoky flavour. For biryanis and authentic Indian cuisine.

Brown Cardamom
Lab-TestedExport-GradeWorldwide Shipping

Brown Cardamom from India — sourced, graded and export-ready.

Brown (black) cardamom (Amomum subulatum) is completely different from green cardamom — with a smoky, camphor-like, eucalyptus character from fire-drying. Sikkim produces 90% of India's brown cardamom in the Himalayan foothills. Increasingly popular in Western gourmet cooking, spice blends, and premium Indian restaurant supply worldwide.

Aethon Overseas supplies brown cardamom available as whole brown pods, brown cardamom seeds, brown cardamom powder. From trial samples to multi-container annual contracts, every lot is cleaned, graded and quality-checked before shipment — with a Certificate of Analysis, phytosanitary certificate and full export documentation included.

Product Specifications

ParameterSpecificationNotes
MoistureMaximum 12%Hot air oven method
Volatile OilMinimum 2%Steam distillation
Foreign MatterMaximum 2%Visual inspection
Broken PodsMaximum 10%Visual inspection
Ash ContentMaximum 6%On dry weight basis
Pesticide ResidueBelow EU MRL limitsMulti-residue LCMS

Nutritional Information

Typical values per 100 g, edible portion — sourced from USDA FoodData Central and the Indian Food Composition Tables (ICMR-NIN, 2017). Lot-specific values are documented on the NABL-accredited Certificate of Analysis shipped with every consignment.

Macronutrients

NutrientPer 100 g
Energy290 kcal
Protein11 g
Total Fat7 g
Carbohydrate68 g
Dietary Fibre28 g
Sugars—

Minerals

MineralPer 100 g
Calcium (Ca)383 mg
Iron (Fe)14 mg
Magnesium (Mg)229 mg
Phosphorus (P)178 mg
Potassium (K)1119 mg
Sodium (Na)18 mg
Zinc (Zn)7.5 mg

Vitamins

VitaminPer 100 g
Vitamin A— µg RAE
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)21 mg
Vitamin E (alpha-toco)— mg
Vitamin K— µg
Thiamin (B1)0.2 mg
Riboflavin (B2)0.18 mg
Niacin (B3)1.1 mg
Vitamin B60.23 mg
Folate68 µg

Functional / Quality Markers

MarkerTypical value / range
Volatile oil2-3%
1,8-CineoleMajor

References: USDA FoodData Central · Indian Food Composition Tables (ICMR-NIN 2017) · category-specific industry quality benchmarks. Values vary by variety, growing region, season and processing — request a per-lot COA for actual shipment values.

Available Forms & Variants

  • Whole Brown Pods: Complete fire-dried pods
  • Brown Cardamom Seeds: Decapsulated seed kernels
  • Brown Cardamom Powder: Finely ground, smoky

Uses & Applications

  • Biryani and pulao spice
  • North Indian curry base
  • Tandoori marinades
  • North Indian spice blends
  • Garam masala component
  • Meat rub and seasoning mixes
  • Indian restaurant supply
  • Fine dining spice supply
  • Catering and cloud kitchens
  • Specialty spice packs
  • Artisan spice blends
  • Premium gift boxes

Packaging & Shipping

Pack TypeSizes AvailableMOQ
PP Bags5kg, 10kg, 25kg100kg
Retail Pouches50g, 100g, 200g1000 units
Vacuum SealedCustom sizes100kg
  • Air Freight: 3–7 days worldwide
  • Sea Freight (FCL): 15–35 days
  • Incoterms: FOB, CIF, EXW available
  • Port of Loading: Mundra / JNPT / Nhava Sheva
  • Documentation: All export documentation included

Quality Assurance & Documentation

  • Certificate of Analysis (COA) — NABL-accredited lab testing per batch
  • Phytosanitary Certificate — Issued by Plant Quarantine, Govt. of India
  • APEDA Registration — Mandatory agri export certification
  • FSSAI License — Indian food safety compliance
  • Fumigation Certificate — ISPM-15 compliant wooden packaging

Indicative Pricing & Lead Time

Grade / FormMOQIndicative FOBLead Time
Trial sampleSmall sampleFree + freight at cost5–7 days
Standard grade1 MT / 1 containerUSD on request2–3 weeks
Premium grade1 MT / 1 containerUSD on request2–3 weeks
Bulk container (FCL)10–25 MTVolume discount3–4 weeks
Annual contractMulti-container/yearNegotiated pricingMulti-shipment schedule
Trusted worldwide

Why Aethon Overseas.

Four reasons importers, distributors and food manufacturers in 30+ countries choose us to source brown cardamom from India.

Direct from source

Sourced direct from Sikkim, West Bengal, Northeast Himalayas — no mandi middlemen, competitive and transparent landed cost.

NABL-tested every lot

Every consignment ships with a Certificate of Analysis covering moisture, pesticide residue (EU MRL), microbiology and product-specific quality parameters.

End-to-end logistics

FOB Mundra/JNPT, CIF to any port or EXW Ankleshwar — phytosanitary, COO and destination compliance docs included.

Trial to contract

From small trial samples to multi-container annual contracts — one supplier across your full sourcing range.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about sourcing brown cardamom from Aethon Overseas.

Unlike green cardamom, brown cardamom pods are dried over open fire pits. This traditional Himalayan fire-drying process infuses the pods with a deep, smoky, camphor-like aroma that is essential for robust meat dishes and spice blends like Garam Masala.

Sikkim's high-altitude Himalayan climate and specialized forest-based cultivation provide the ideal environment for Amomum subulatum. The state produces over 90% of India's supply, known for its superior volatile oil content (minimum 2%) and bold pod size.

In culinary terms, they are rarely interchangeable. Green cardamom is sweet and floral, used in desserts and light savory dishes. Brown cardamom is earthy and smoky, used primarily in slow-cooked stews, pilafs, and heavy spice rubs for meat.

Export batches are graded by pod size (Bigger is better), moisture level (Max 12%), and percentage of 'broken' pods (Max 10%). We ensure our brown cardamom is hand-sorted to maintain external appearance and inner seed density.

Get In Touch

Let's grow something great together.

Whether you're an importer, distributor or food manufacturer, our export team is ready to support your sourcing with premium quality, certified compliance and reliable global delivery.

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