Ever cracked open a cardamom pod and wondered exactly how many seeds are inside? Whether you’re prepping a fragrant chai, baking Scandinavian cardamom buns, or layering spices in a biryani, knowing the anatomy of a pod helps you use cardamom with confidence — and without waste.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The average seed count in green and black cardamom pods
  
  
• How pod type and growing conditions affect seed numbers
  
  
• The best ways to extract, store, and use  cardamom seeds in cooking
  
  
• How different cuisines showcase cardamom seeds
  
  
• A fun hands-on seed counting experiment you can try at home
  
  

Understanding Cardamom Pods

Cardamom comes in two main types — green and black — each with distinct characteristics that influence both flavour and seed count.Green Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

• Pod size: Small, oval, smooth green skin.
  
  
• Flavor profile: Sweet, floral, and lightly spicy.
  
  
• Common uses: Desserts, teas, light curries, rice dishes, spice blends.
  
  
• Seed traits: Tiny, dark brown to black, intensely aromatic.
  
  

Black Cardamom (Amomum subulatum)

• Pod size: Larger, ridged, dark brown to black shell.
  
  
• Flavor profile: Smoky, earthy, with resinous depth.
  
  
• Common uses: Hearty stews, meat curries, slow-cooked lentils.
  
  
• Seed traits: Larger, rougher texture, flavour develops with prolonged cooking.
  
  

Fact: Both pod types are botanically related but processed and used differently. Green cardamom is harvested before full maturity to preserve aroma; black cardamom is harvested later and dried over an open fire for its signature smokiness.

How Many Seeds Are in a Cardamom pods?

The number of seeds depends on pod type, size, and growing conditions.

Green Cardamom Pods

• Average seed count: 10–20 seeds per pod.
  
  
• Seed size: Tiny and lightweight, yet highly concentrated in flavour.
  
  
• Use case: Even a few seeds can perfume an entire dish.
  
  

Black Cardamom Pods

• Average seed count: 30–40 seeds per pod, sometimes more in large, mature pods.
  
  
• Seed size: Larger and coarser, with less initial aroma but stronger flavour after simmering.
  
  
• Use case: Ideal for long-cooked recipes where the flavour needs to unfold slowly.
  
  

Factors That Affect Seed Count

Several variables influence how many seeds a pod holds:

1. Variety and Cultivar – Some green cardamom varieties are bred for larger pods with more seeds.
   
   
2. Maturity at Harvest – Fully mature pods usually hold the maximum seed count and richer flavour.
   
   
3. Climate Conditions – Cardamom thrives in warm, humid, shaded environments; optimal conditions yield fuller pods.
   
   
4. Processing Method – Gentle drying helps preserve seed structure; harsh heat can shrink or damage seeds.
   
   

How to Extract Cardamom Seeds

Freshly extracted seeds are noticeably more aromatic than pre-ground cardamom. Here’s how to get the most from them:

1. Select the Pods – Choose firm, plump pods with unbroken skins.
   
   
2. Crack Gently – Press with the flat of a knife, pestle, or rolling pin until the pod splits.
   
   
3. Remove Seeds – Pull apart the pod and shake or pick out the seeds.
   
   
4. Use Whole or Grind – Whole seeds are great for infusions; grind for baking or spice blends.
   
   

Storage Tip: Keep extracted seeds in an airtight jar away from heat and light. Grind only as much as you need — ground cardamom loses potency within days.

Using Cardamom Seeds in Cooking

Sweet Applications

• Baking: Add freshly ground seeds to cakes, muffins, cookies, and bread dough for a floral lift.
  
  
• Desserts: Infuse milk or cream for custards, rice pudding, or ice cream.
  
  
• Fruit Dishes: Simmer with poached pears, plums, or apples for aromatic depth.
  
  

Savory Applications

• Rice Dishes: Toss whole seeds or pods into basmati rice or pilaf for subtle flavour.
  
  
• Curries & Stews: Add to spice blends or toast with other whole spices before cooking.
  
  
• Marinades: Combine ground cardamom with garlic, ginger, and yogurt for meat or fish.
  
  

Beverages

• Tea: Crush seeds lightly and simmer with black tea, milk, and sugar for chai.
  
  
• Coffee: Add to coffee grounds for Middle Eastern qahwa.
  
  
• Syrups: Simmer seeds with sugar and water for a spice syrup to drizzle over desserts or mix into cocktails.
  
  

Storing Cardamom Pods and Seeds

Proper storage ensures maximum flavour when you cook:

• Whole pods last longest – up to 12 months when stored airtight and away from light.
  
  
• Seeds last 6–9 months if stored properly; ground cardamom lasts only weeks before aroma fades.
  
  
• Freezer option: For long-term storage, freeze whole pods in a sealed bag for up to a year.
  
  

Cardamom Seeds in Global Cuisines

Indian Cuisine – Essential in garam masala, biryani, kheer, and masala chai.
Middle Eastern Cuisine – Used in qahwa (Arabic coffee), baklava, and spice blends.
Scandinavian Baking – Found in kardemummabullar (Swedish cardamom buns) and festive cookies.
Southeast Asian Dishes – Added to soups, stews, and spice pastes in Malaysian and Indonesian cooking.

Fun Kitchen Experiment: Count the Seeds

Want to see for yourself? Try this simple seed-counting activity:

1. Select one green and one black cardamom pod.
   
   
2. Open carefully and remove seeds.
   
   
3. Count and compare totals.
   
   
4. Note differences in size, aroma, and colour.
   
   

This not only answers the question for your own pods but also trains your eye for pod quality.

Quick Reference Table: Seeds in Cardamom Pods

FAQs

How many seeds are in a cardamom pod?

Green cardamom typically holds 10–20 seeds, while black cardamom averages 30–40. The count depends on size, maturity, and variety.

Is it better to use whole cardamom seeds or ground?

Whole seeds preserve flavour longer and are ideal for infusions; ground seeds are best for baking or blends where you want immediate flavour release.

Can I use the cardamom pod shell in cooking?

Yes — while the shell is mild, it adds aroma to rice, soups, or tea. Always remove before serving.

How should I store cardamom pods?

In airtight containers, away from light and moisture. Keep pods whole until ready to use for maximum freshness.

Why do some pods have fewer seeds?

Pods harvested too early or grown in suboptimal conditions may have fewer or smaller seeds.