Cardamom must be harvested by hand, when ready, it can be easily detached from the stem and the color is bright green. The quality and price of the product depends on a timely harvest and a proper drying. Harvesting begins five months after blooming, the first cut is done in September and October, the second cut is done in December and January, and the last in March and April and can extend into May. Prior to shipping to the buyer countries, the cardamom is classified by qualities, such as first, second, and third, as well as yellow, open, and gold. It is also classified by sizes and colors, as the market requires.
The following are grades of Guatemalan cardamom we offer:
Jumbo Green - extra-large green small cardamom pods
Imperial Best Green - large green pods
Fancy Green Extra - extra green pods
Fancy Green - medium sized green pods
Imperial Mixed Green - large pale green pods
Mixed Green - pods of assorted colors
Mixed Green Split - medium sized open green pods
Yellow Mixed - medium/large closed yellow pods
Mixed Yellow Quality (MYQ) -medium sized lightbrown cardamom for grinding
Seeds - cardamom with the husks removed