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    ZOFF Smoky Whole Black Cardamom pack
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    Smoky & woodyWhole pods
    3.7 · 7 reviews

    Cineole-rich black cardamom.

    We source black cardamom through Siliguri, choosing pods for smoky, resinous depth. So your biryani smells special before the lid comes off.

    ₹125 ₹128 2% off Incl. of all taxes

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    1

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    Lab testedResults below, no fine print
    Just badi elaichiIngredient list: black cardamom
    Description

    Badi elaichi brings the smoky, earthy note that gives a rich gravy its depth. Lightly crush a pod and let it warm in the oil before the onions go in. It settles beautifully into biryani, dal makhani and mutton curry. The aroma does the announcing; you just lift the lid.

    About its origins

    Sikkim’s hill farms are closely associated with badi elaichi. This is the large, dark cardamom used for smoky depth in biryani, dal and slow-cooked curries.

    Crack one pod. Lift it out before serving.

    How to use
    1. Lightly crack a pod with the side of a knife or a mortar before adding it.
    2. Add early to rice, dal or curry so the smoky flavour has time to infuse.
    3. Remove the whole pod before serving, especially when cooking for anyone unfamiliar with whole spices.

    Quick tip: Give the pod one gentle press with a pestle. You want a small opening, not lots of loose pieces.

    Use it in

    • Biryani and spiced pulao
    • Rajma and Punjabi chole
    • Dal makhani
    • Slow-cooked meat gravies
    Ingredients & storage

    IngredientsBlack cardamom (Amomum subulatum).

    What it containsBlack cardamom seeds contain aromatic oil, including 1,8-cineole. This is part of the spice’s naturally strong aroma. The whole pod contains both the outer shell and the seeds inside.

    StorageStore airtight in a cool, dry place. Keep the pack closed between uses and use a dry spoon.

    Lab reports

    Here are selected results from a sample tested by Newcon Consultants & Laboratories.

    Measured components

    Volatile oil in the seeds
    1.26 g/100g, dry basisMeasures the aromatic oil in the cardamom seeds.

    Quality checks

    Extraneous matter
    NilNo extraneous material was recorded in the tested sample.

    Microbiological checks

    Salmonella
    Absent in 25 gSalmonella was not found in the 25 g portion tested.

    Dry basis means the result is calculated after excluding moisture.
    Results are shown in the laboratory’s original units and apply to the sample tested. This is a selection of results. The full report includes the complete test list and laboratory notes.

    Spices with nothing to hide

    You deserve to know what goes into your food. See what we tested and read the results for yourself.

    Questions about our lab results

    What does lab tested mean?
    The report names the product sample, the checks carried out and the result of each check. Different products need different tests, so the full report tells you exactly what was covered.
    What does below quantification limit mean?
    It means the amount was below the level the test could reliably measure as a number. It does not mean zero. The report gives the test’s limit.
    What does volatile oil tell me?
    Volatile oils contribute to a spice’s aroma. This test measures the oil content; it is one quality measure alongside the other checks in the report.
    Why is moisture checked?
    Moisture is the water present in the sample. Measuring it helps assess the product’s condition and suitability for storage. It is not a shelf-life guarantee.
    Are curcumin and curcuminoids the same?
    Curcuminoids are a group of compounds that includes curcumin and contributes to turmeric’s colour. A curcuminoid result should not be presented as a separate curcumin result.
    Taste test

    What does it actually taste like?

    Flavour

    Smoky and woody, adding a bold spice note to biryani, dal and slow cooked gravies.

    Aroma

    A strong smoky aroma that becomes noticeable as the pod simmers.

    Form

    Large, dark whole pods with seeds inside a firm outer shell.

    Spice level

    No chilli heat. Black cardamom adds a strong smoky spice character without chilli heat; a little can flavour a whole pot.

    Lab results

    We tested it.
    Here's the receipt.

    Here are selected results from a sample tested by Newcon Consultants & Laboratories.

    ZOFF Cineole-rich black cardamom.

    Volatile oil in the seeds1.26 g/100g, dry basisMeasures the aromatic oil in the cardamom seeds.
    Extraneous matterNilNo extraneous material was recorded in the tested sample.
    SalmonellaAbsent in 25 gSalmonella was not found in the 25 g portion tested.

    Dry basis means the result is calculated after excluding moisture.
    Results are shown in the laboratory’s original units and apply to the sample tested. This is a selection of results. The full report includes the complete test list and laboratory notes.

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    Purity you
    can check.

    Our purity and quality checks are backed by lab reports. Open the Lab reports tab on any product that has one to see what was tested and what came back.

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    From home kitchens

    What customers are saying
    Product FAQs

    A few things you may want to know

    Still have a question? Talk to us.
    Is this the same as green cardamom?

    No. Black cardamom has a smoky, woody flavour. Green cardamom is more sweetly fragrant, so the two give different results in cooking.

    Do I need to open the pod?

    You can use it whole, but lightly cracking the pod helps its flavour infuse into rice, dal or gravy as it cooks.

    Can I use it in sweets or chai?

    Its smoky flavour is usually better suited to savoury dishes. Choose green cardamom when you want the familiar sweet aroma in chai or desserts.

    When should black cardamom go into a curry?

    Add it with the whole spices near the start, or while the gravy simmers. Remove the pod before serving the finished dish.

    How do I keep the smoky taste balanced?

    Start with a small amount, such as one pod for a small pot, and adjust in future batches to suit your taste.

    How spicy is it?

    Black cardamom adds a strong smoky spice character without chilli heat; a little can flavour a whole pot.

    On the gram

    Inside ZOFF