How do I cure small cardamom to keep the bright green colour buyers want?

The premium for small cardamom comes from a bright green colour and bold capsule size, so curing must protect the green. Harvest mature but not over ripe capsules, then dry at a controlled, moderate temperature in a flue pipe curing house, generally low heat over many hours rather than high heat that turns capsules pale or yellow. Some growers use shade or special drying methods to keep colour. After drying, rub, clean and grade by size and colour, bold green capsules fetch the top rate. Avoid harvesting wet or letting capsules over ripen on the plant, and do not over heat during curing, that is the most common reason for losing the green colour and the premium.