Question 1

What is the best grade of Sri Lanka cardamom to buy?

Accepted Answer

Lanka Green is the highest grade under the SLS 166:7980 standard, requiring a uniform green colour, no more than 2% split pods, and a bulk density of at least 370 g/litre. It offers the fullest flavour and aroma because the pods retain the most volatile essential oils. For everyday cooking, Lanka Light Green – 1 is a practical and more widely available alternative.

Question 2

How many grades of cardamom does Sri Lanka have?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka officially recognises five grades: Lanka Green, Lanka Light Green – 1, Lanka Light Green – 2, Lanka Bleached, and Lanka Non Specified. These are defined by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution under SLS 166:7980 and cover colour, split percentage, and bulk density.

Question 3

What does the split percentage mean in cardamom grading?

Accepted Answer

The split percentage measures what proportion of pods in a sample are cracked or open. Splits are undesirable because broken pods expose the seeds to air, accelerating the loss of volatile aromatic oils. A lower split percentage generally indicates better post-harvest handling and longer shelf-life.

Question 4

What is bulk density and why does it matter for cardamom quality?

Accepted Answer

Bulk density is the weight of a fixed volume of pods, expressed in grams per litre. Higher density indicates pods that are well-filled with mature seeds and carry a greater proportion of flavour-bearing essential oils. Under SLS 166:7980, Lanka Green must reach at least 370 g/litre, the highest threshold among the five grades.

Question 5

Where in Sri Lanka is cardamom grown?

Accepted Answer

Cardamom is grown mainly in the mid-elevation wet zones of Kandy, Matale, Kegalle, and Nuwara Eliya districts. The crop thrives under the shade of taller trees with high annual rainfall, and smallholder farmers commonly intercrop it with rubber or coffee. Harvest typically runs from August to February.

Question 6

What is the difference between green and bleached cardamom?

Accepted Answer

Green cardamom is dried at controlled low temperatures to preserve its natural colour and oil content. Bleached cardamom undergoes a whitening process — traditionally using sun-drying or chemical bleaching — resulting in a pale buff colour and somewhat reduced aromatic intensity. Green grades are now preferred by most international buyers.

Question 7

Can I buy Lanka Non Specified cardamom for cooking?

Accepted Answer

Lanka Non Specified pods are off-colour but still have a minimum bulk density requirement of 360 g/litre, meaning they can be quite seed-dense. They are most commonly processed into ground cardamom or extracts where appearance is not important. For whole-pod cooking or tea-making, a named green grade will deliver a noticeably better flavour experience.

Question 8

Does Sri Lanka export cardamom internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Sri Lanka exports cardamom to markets in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, primarily through registered exporters who must obtain an SLSI Certificate of Conformity verifying that the shipment meets the declared grade standard. The country's relatively small production volume is offset by its reputation for clean flavour and consistent quality.

Grade	Colour	Splits%	G/Lit.
Lanka Green	Green	2	370
Lanka light green-1	Slightly light Green	5	340
Lanka light green -2	Light Green	6	320
Lanka Bleached	Pale buff	8	300
Lanka non specified	Off colour	Non specified	360

Cardamom Grades

Commercial Grades

Quality specifications

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Lakpura® Organic Cardamom Pods

Lakpura® Green Cardamom Seeds (100g)

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Lanka Green
Lanka Bleached
Lanka Light Green – 1
Lanka Light Green – 2
Lanka Non Specified