Cardamom (Elaichi) Safety Inspection

Cardamom is often treated with artificial green dyes to make old, faded pods look fresh and coated with oil for a glossy appearance. 1. The Water Soak/Rub Test (Dye Detection): Soak a few pods in water for 15 minutes or rub them with a wet white cloth. If the water turns green or green color transfers to the cloth, it is a clear sign of artificial dye (like Malachite Green). Natural cardamom will not lose its color easily. 2. The Shine and Feel Test (Oil Detection): Natural fresh cardamom has a dull green to light brown color and feels slightly dry and brittle. If the pods look unnaturally glossy and feel slippery or oily to touch, they have been treated with mineral oil. 3. The Pod Integrity Check: Press the pod. A good quality cardamom pod should be plump and full of seeds. If the pod is flat, light, or feels empty, it is of inferior quality or has been "exhausted" (oils extracted). 4. The Aroma Test: Crush a pod and smell. Natural cardamom has a strong, fresh, sweet-spicy fragrance. If it smells faint or has a chemical/musty odor, it is either old or chemically treated. 5. The Seed Color Check: Open the pod. Pure, high-quality cardamom contains dark brown to black seeds. If the seeds are very pale or white inside a bright green pod, it indicates the pod was dyed to hide its immaturity or age.