| Attribute |
Specification |
| Botanical Name |
Elettaria cardamomum |
| Common Name |
Cardamom |
| Family |
Zingiberaceae |
| Form |
Capsule (pod) containing small seeds |
| Pod Shape |
Triangular oval or spindle-shaped |
| Pod Size |
Length: 1–2 cm; Diameter: ~0.5 cm |
| Pod Color |
Green (for true/cardamom); brown (for black cardamom) |
| Seed Color |
Dark brown to black |
| Seed Size |
Very small, round or angular |
| Texture |
Pod: Smooth or slightly ribbed; Seeds: Hard |
| Aroma |
Strong, pleasant, slightly sweet and spicy |
| Taste |
Warm, aromatic, slightly sweet and pungent |
| Moisture Content |
8–12% (for dried pods) |
| Volatile Oil Content |
2–8% (mainly cineole, terpinyl acetate) |
| Weight (per 100 pods) |
20–40 grams (varies by variety and size) |
| Shelf Life |
1–2 years (when stored in cool, dry conditions) |
