Guatemala leads in producing the most of the world’s cardamom. It produces around 50% of the world’s best cardamom, which is known for its aroma, high essential oil count and large pods. Cardamom is a valuable cash crop used in cuisines, medicines, and fragrances across the globe. The spice is one of the most expensive in the world, second only to saffron and vanilla. The country’s Alta Verapaz region provides for the perfect environment for the production of cardamom, which is a cool, misty and shaded environment.
Guatemala produces approximately 35,000 to 40,000 metric tonnes of cardamom every year. The majority is exported, particularly to Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where cardamom is used in traditional drinks like qahwa (Arabic coffee). Cardamom is also a key ingredient in Indian sweets and Scandinavian pastries.
Other leading producers of cardamom include India, Nepal, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Other cardamom producing countries include Bhutan, Laos, Vietnam, Tanzania and Papua New Guinea.
