What are the general methods for processing cardamom?

Processing of cardamom is done after harvesting capsules from the farm. In processing, drying is a critical step, where moisture is brought down to 10% from 85% (in a naturally obtained capsule). Here are some of the processing types of cardamom:

1. Sun drying

    Capsules are spread on a concrete or hard wooden floor to dry in natural heat during daytime from sunlight. The capsules are shielded from direct sunlight to preserve the green color (strong sunlight will make the color fade). It is only successful in places where the climate is dry and hot

2. Solar drying

    Capsules are placed inside the dryer till time 10% moisture level has been attained. This method is preferred in places having dry and hot environments. In places, with high humidity, the solar dryer can only be used together with an extractor fan to remove the humid air

3. Wood-fired dryer or Flue curing

    Cardamom capsules are traditionally dried in curing houses, using wood to provide heat. It is a common method in India, where wood drying is used in curing houses. Traditional firewood-based curing house consists of a furnace for burning the wood, flue pipes for conveying the hot air, and drying racks for stacking the trays. The capsules are evenly spread as a single layer on the trays. After stacking the trays on the racks in the drying chamber, the curing room is closed. This process enhances the room temperature to 45-55°C, which is maintained for a period of 3-4 hours. During this period, the capsules sweat and give off the moisture

4. Electric or gas dryer

    The most expensive of all options but also produces the best quality final capsules, as the risk of degrading or scorching due to excessive sunlight or smoke deterioration by wood drying method, is removed in this method of drying. Capsules are placed inside electrically heated furnaces and dried. Precaution is taken to not increase the temperature beyond 50 degrees C

5. Humidity-controlled drying

    A new technique was developed that helps to reduce color loss and to produce high-quality pods. The cardamom capsules are placed in the drying chamber, which is at a temperature of 50°C. No light is allowed into the drying chamber. After two hours the humid air is blown out of the chamber and the humidity is reduced. The capsules are left in the chamber to dry until reaching a final moisture content of 10%