When you buy green cardamom online, look beyond the pack size. Whole pods should be green, plump and aromatic. A well-sealed pack also helps protect their fragrance from air and moisture.

Green cardamom, or hari elaichi, has a sweet, slightly citrusy flavour that works in both savoury and sweet dishes. Lightly crush a pod before adding it to chai or a rice dish. Breaking the shell releases the aroma of the seeds inside.

Choose a quantity that suits how often you cook with elaichi. If you use it mainly for occasional desserts, a smaller pack may help you finish it while it is still fragrant. Once opened, transfer the pods to a clean, dry, airtight container and keep it away from stove heat.

For chai, biryani, kheer and other everyday uses, explore Chukde Whole Green Elaichi.