FAQs

Why do you have 'Aroma Lock'?

Cardamoms are mainly used for the aroma & flavour they lend to the foods & beverages and to the sweets and savouries. This aroma is found in the cardamom oil in the seeds inside the pods.

Our technologically-advanced Aroma-Lock packs are specially designed to lock in the aroma of the natural cardamoms and keep the cardamoms fresh and flavourful for long. 

Without secure packing like Emperor Akbar’s Aroma-Lock, the oil will evaporate and the cardamom will lose its potency.

Fatter pods → More seeds → More cardamom oil → More aroma → flavour

What is the difference between various the grades of cardamom? Is it just the size, or do they taste and smell different?

We, at Emperor Akbar, are the pioneers in setting grading standards – and this has now become the industry standard. Cardamom is graded based on pod diameter (not the length) and seed density. To make it easy for you to identify the same, we have colour-coded our packs.

• Our Purple Grade – contains pods of diameter 8 mm & above.
• Our Pink Grade - contains pods of diameter 7.5 mm & above (with about 30% above 8 mm).
• Our Green Grade – contains pods of diameter 7 to 8 mm, 10% of which will still be above 8 mm.
• Our Orange Grade – contains pods of diameter 6.5 to 7.5 mm.
• Our Red Grade – contains pods of diameter 6 to 7 mm.

As for the quality, there is no difference between seeds of different pods. As the size of pods reduces, the ratio of seeds to husk also reduces. The cardamom oil in the seeds is responsible for the aroma and flavour in green cardamom.

Hence, as pod size decreases, number of seeds and oil content will also reduce. It is the end-use that decides what grade best suits the need.

Why should I buy branded cardamom when the loose variety is cheaper?

The same reason why you buy brands of other products like biscuits, chocolates, etc. Branded products come with the assurance of better quality, because they follow standard hygiene practices. Branded products are consistent, securely packaged and hence not affected by seasonal or storage issues. They are hygienic, safe and always of a consistent standard. 

Specially in the case of green cardamoms, when they are improperly packed or stored, they will not retain that freshness and delightful aroma. We recommend that to know ‘real’ cardamoms, you must experience Emperor Akbar Alleppey Green Cardamom!

Why your cardamom is priced higher than others?

Emperor Akbar Cardamom is synonymous with Quality!

We are the 1^st company to offer quality-based graded packaging. Our cardamoms are graded on the diameter of the pods (not the length of the pods as what is often misunderstood) and the seed density. They are graded and packed in different coloured packs accordingly. It is because of our skill in processing & grading, we have been awarded the coveted GI-Tag of Alleppey Green Cardamom by the Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India. This is our stamp of assurance.

You can buy our pack anywhere in the world and rest assured that the quality is the same.

For those who prefer a consistent quality, we are the 1^st choice.

How does Emperor Akbar Cardamom maintain its flavour for so long? Are there additives in the packing?

Emperor Akbar Cardamom is very pure and fresh. Absolutely no additives!

The reason the flavour is maintained for such a long time is because of two reasons. Firstly, only the very fresh and best pods go into the pack. The packing is conducted in a careful and hygienic manner.
Secondly, the Aroma Lock pack ensures that the natural aroma and flavour is securely locked in till it reaches you.

Other cardamoms, especially the loose variety available in the market, don’t come with these benefits. They lose their aroma and flavour very quickly. The world has already tested it, you too can test it for yourself. First sniff a handful of cardamoms from the market, then do the same with Emperor Akbar Cardamom. The difference will amaze you!

Does Indian cardamom have a richer flavour? Is it true that this makes it more cost effective?

Remember the old adage: ‘Cheaper isn’t better’. This is very true when it comes to buying cardamom.

The aroma and flavour comes from the cardamom oil, which is in the cardamom seeds.

Indian cardamom is richer in oil content. Specifically in the case of Emperor Akbar Cardamom, only the best pods are carefully selected to go into the pack. The Aroma Lock packs seal in the aroma and flavour. So typically, where you may need three pods of Guatemalan cardamom, the same intensity of flavour would be achieved by one pod of Emperor Akbar cardamom. It’s not just cost-effective, it is also smart!

Why is Indian cardamom more expensive than Guatemalan Cardamom

Remember the old adage: ‘Cheaper isn’t better’. This is very true when it comes to buying cardamom.

The aroma and flavour comes from the cardamom oil, which is in the cardamom seeds.

Indian cardamom is richer in oil content. Specifically in the case of Emperor Akbar Cardamom, only the best pods are carefully selected to go into the pack. The Aroma Lock packs seal in the aroma and flavour. So typically, where you may need three pods of Guatemalan cardamom, the same intensity of flavour would be achieved by one pod of Emperor Akbar cardamom. It’s not just cost-effective, it is also smart!

On what basis do you claim that Emperor Akbar Cardamom is the world’s best, and of the highest quality?

We don’t claim it ourselves! Historically, wars were fought & people travelled miles to lay their hands on the legendary Alleppey Cardamom!

The coveted GI-Tag of Alleppey Green Cardamom has been awarded to Emperor Akbar Cardamom by the Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India. This is our stamp of quality assurance.

A combination of location, climate and soil lends a certain unique quality to the cardamom of this region. In addition to this, the uniquely skilled labour that processes and grades the cardamom makes it the best cardamom in the world.