Alleppey Green Cardamom: The spice with a story

When people hear the name “Alleppey Green Cardamom,” they often imagine it being grown in the lush fields of Alleppey. But the truth is far more fascinating - a journey woven through ancient kingdoms, royal monopolies, and a legacy of exceptional quality that continues even today. Let’s uncover the real story behind this iconic name.

Where is Alleppey Green Cardamom actually grown?

Contrary to popular belief, Alleppey Green Cardamom is not grown in Alleppey. Historically, it flourished in the kingdom of Travancore, in the rich, rain-washed hills of the Western Ghats. Even today, it is cultivated across premium cardamom regions such as:

• Tirunelveli, Coimbatore, Nilgiri & Theni (Tamil Nadu)
• Idukki, Palakkad, Wayanad & Trivandrum (Kerala)

These regions, blessed with misty forests, fertile soil and ideal altitude, produce some of the world’s finest cardamom.
So why the name “Alleppey”? The answer lies in history.

Why it’s called ‘Alleppey Cardamom’

During the era of Travancore, cardamom was a royal monopoly. Farmers could sell their produce only to the Raja of Travancore or his officials. All the collected cardamom was then transported to the central depot in Alleppey, which was the kingdom’s most important port at the time.
From this port, the best-quality spice travelled across oceans. Soon, global traders began calling it “Alleppey Cardamom” - the finest cardamom from India. The name became synonymous with trust, quality and royal-grade excellence, a reputation it still carries today.

What makes Alleppey Green Cardamom so special?

The kings chose only the very best cardamom pods for trade and export.
Over time, the processing and sorting methods established in Travancore became the international benchmark.

• Only top-tier pods qualify to be called Alleppey.
• It is processed by skilled, specialist labour.
• Every batch is meticulously hand-segregated so only the most flawless pods are selected.
• The traditional standards of size, aroma and colour later became global grading norms.

This created a legendary grade known worldwide as Alleppey Green Cardamom - a mark of unmatched quality.

The science behind the aroma: What gives Alleppey Green Cardamom its unique character

Alleppey Green Cardamom is known for its exceptional quality because of its unique colour, natural compounds, and high oil content. This oil is what gives cardamom its famous aroma. In Alleppey Green Cardamom, the oil has a sweet, fruity and slightly floral scent. This comes from its special chemical compounds - lower cineole and higher levels of terpinyl acetate, linalool, and linalyl acetate - which make it one of the most aromatic cardamoms in the world.

And today, Emperor Akbar Cardamom carries this legacy forward: the only cardamom brand authorized to carry the true Alleppey Green Cardamom GI Tag and continue the heritage that began centuries ago in Travancore.

Here’s how:

GI-Certified Authenticity
Emperor Akbar Cardamom proudly carries the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, assuring buyers that every pod is truly premium Alleppey Green Cardamom.

Heritage of Excellence
Emperor Akbar Cardamom keeps alive the 18th-century tradition of Travancore’s finest cardamom - where only the best reached the king, and later, the world.

The Golden Green Standard
Every pod is handpicked, carefully sorted and expertly processed.
This ensures vibrant colour, rich aroma, intense flavour, and a luxurious sensory experience.

A Global Legacy, Trusted Worldwide
Just like ancient traders sailing from Alleppey, spice merchants across the globe still choose this grade for its exceptional quality and Emperor Akbar Cardamom continues to be their trusted name.

Pure, Natural, and Uncompromised
Grown in Kerala’s lush slopes and crafted with strict quality control, Emperor Akbar Cardamom delivers unmatched purity, freshness and natural richness, exactly as the world expects from the Alleppey grade.

Tamper-Proof Aroma-Lock Pack
Emperor Akbar Cardamom comes in a unique tamper-proof aroma-lock pack. This advanced packaging seals in the natural oils, preserves the aroma, and by the time it reaches your kitchen, you experience the same fresh aroma and premium-quality cardamom that has defined the Alleppey grade for generations.

Why this matters today

For consumers, Alleppey Green Cardamom isn’t just a spice.
It’s a heritage flavour, a royal tradition, and a global benchmark of excellence.
And for those who choose Emperor Akbar Cardamom, it’s an opportunity to bring home the same legendary aroma that once sailed from Alleppey’s shores - undiluted, uncompromised and unmistakably premium.