AGEB, AGB and AGS Cardamom Grades Explained

Indian green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is graded after curing, when the harvested capsules have been dried to a stable moisture level. The defining parameter is capsule diameter, measured by passing the crop over graded sieves: larger capsules are retained on coarser sieves and separated into the bolder grades, while smaller capsules pass through to the finer bands.

The grade abbreviations decode simply: AG denotes Alleppey Green, the classic deep-green South Indian cardamom type, followed by the size class — EB for Extra Bold, B for Bold and S for Small.

At Emperor Spices in Bodinayakanur, machine sorting is followed by manual inspection, so each grade band is checked for uniformity of size and colour before packing. Grading is not cosmetic: because larger capsules carry more seed mass relative to husk, size is a working proxy for oil content and flavour yield — which the next section quantifies.

The table below sets out the specifications we pack and certify against. Every export lot ships with a Certificate of Analysis confirming these parameters for the specific consignment.

Private-label packing across grades is available from 250kg, and pre-shipment samples of 100g–500g with COA let you verify any grade before ordering.

The correct grade is determined by what your end customer sees and tastes — and by what they will pay for.

Choose AGEB when the capsule itself is on display: premium retail jars, Gulf qahwa service, gifting packs and any application where bold, uniform 8mm+ pods justify a premium shelf price. Its 7–8% oil content also delivers the strongest aroma per gram.

Choose AGB for mainstream retail and foodservice. At 7–8mm with 6–7% oil, it presents well and flavours well, at a friendlier cost than Extra Bold — the workhorse grade for supermarket packs, cafes and hotel kitchens.

Choose AGS when the pod disappears into the product. Grinders, extractors, masala blenders and industrial bakers pay for flavour yield, not visual size, and 6–7mm capsules with 5–6% oil deliver it economically.

Choose seeds or powder when you want to remove decortication or milling from your own process entirely.

Two lots of the same grade can still behave differently in your product, which is why size alone never tells the whole story. Alongside the size band, buyers should pay attention to:

• Colour — a uniform green indicates careful curing and fresh stock; faded or yellowing capsules suggest age or poor drying.
• Aroma on cracking — the practical field test for essential oil condition.
• Moisture — properly cured capsules store and ship safely; excess moisture risks mould in transit.
• Uniformity — a clean grade contains capsules within its declared band, not a blend padded with undersized material.

Our Certificate of Analysis documents the agreed parameters for each lot, produced under ISO 22000:2018 and HACCP systems at our FSSAI-licensed facility. Because we grade at Bodinayakanur, close to harvest, buyers receive capsules whose colour and oil content reflect fresh-season stock rather than long-stored inventory.

What is the difference between AGEB, AGB and AGS cardamom?

The grades differ by capsule size and oil content. AGEB (Extra Bold) measures 8mm and above with 7–8% essential oil; AGB (Bold) is 7–8mm with 6–7% oil; AGS (Small) is 6–7mm with 5–6% oil. Larger capsules command higher prices and stronger aroma.

Does bigger cardamom always mean better quality?

Bigger means bolder appearance and higher oil content, which premium retail and qahwa markets pay for. But for grinding, extraction and food processing, AGS often gives better value because flavour yield per dollar matters more than visual size. The right grade depends on your application.

Can I get samples of each grade before placing a bulk order?

Yes. We supply 100g to 500g samples of any grade, each with a Certificate of Analysis, so you can compare AGEB, AGB and AGS side by side against your specification. Bulk orders start at 500kg, with private-label packing available from 250kg.

What does AG stand for in cardamom grade names?

AG stands for Alleppey Green, the classic deep-green South Indian cardamom type. The suffix indicates size class: EB for Extra Bold (8mm+), B for Bold (7–8mm) and S for Small (6–7mm). The naming follows Indian export grading conventions used across the trade.