Large (black) cardamom

What it is

A Himalayan spice grown under forest shade in Sikkim, Darjeeling and the North-East; smoke-dried pods used in garam masala.

Bada dana and chota danaBhatti-dried and improved (flue) dried

Where India produces it

1. Sikkim

   2024-25 (final): 5429 tonnes

2. Arunachal Pradesh

   2024-25 (final): 1863 tonnes

3. Nagaland

   2024-25 (final): 1165 tonnes

4. West Bengal

   2024-25 (final): 1089 tonnes

Where imports come from

Nepal and Bhutan supply a large share of the trade.

• Nepal — US$ 60.65 million imported under HS 090831 in 2024-25
• Bhutan — US$ 7.51 million imported under HS 090831 in 2024-25

Rules before you buy or sell

• FSSAI licence or registration is needed to process, pack, store or sell it as food (Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006).
• Exporters register with the Spices Board (CRES).

Businesses that use it

Masala / Spice Grinding Unit →Organic Himalayan Spice Farming →Himalayan Specialty Spices Retail Chain →