Royal 4Hills Cardamom: The Queen of Spices from Meghalaya

When it comes to exotic Indian spices, few match the prestige of cardamom. Revered as the Queen of Spices, cardamom adds a luxurious depth to food and wellness rituals alike. Among the finest in the world is the Royal 4Hills Cardamom, cultivated in the pristine hills of Meghalaya, a region known for its rich biodiversity and organic farming heritage.

What Makes Royal 4Hills Cardamom Special?

Grown at high altitudes in the Khasi Hills under ideal humidity and shade conditions, Royal 4Hills Cardamom is a product of nature and tradition. Unlike mass-produced varieties, these pods are hand-harvested and sun-dried using traditional methods passed down for generations. The result is a bold, aromatic spice that elevates everything from curries to chai.

Key Features:

  • Naturally grown in Meghalaya’s highlands

  • Bold aroma, sweet-spicy flavor

  • Hand-harvested and sun-cured

  • High in essential oils and natural antioxidants

  • Responsibly sourced and earth-friendly

Health Benefits of Meghalaya Cardamom

Cardamom is not just a flavor powerhouse; it's also a traditional Ayurvedic remedy. The high oil content in Royal 4Hills Cardamom enhances its therapeutic properties, making it an effective natural aid for:

  • Digestive health: Helps relieve bloating, nausea, and indigestion

  • Respiratory wellness: Helps in decongestion and soothing the throat

  • Detoxification: Supports liver function and toxin elimination

  • Oral health: Traditionally used to support oral hygiene and fresh breath

  • For those pursuing a natural lifestyle or practicing Ayurveda, adding this spice to your pantry can be both a culinary and holistic upgrade.

Culinary Uses: From Kitchen to Cup

  • Royal 4Hills Cardamom can be used in a variety of ways:

  • Infused in teas like kadha, masala chai, or herbal blends

  • Added to desserts like kheer, halwa, and cake batters

  • Blended into spice mixes such as garam masala or biryani masala

  • Used in savory dishes like meat curries, vegetable pulao, and dal tadka

You can also try our Humble Origins Superfoods Restorative Medley, where Royal 4Hills Cardamom pairs beautifully with Lakadong Turmeric, wild long pepper, and other rare spices from Meghalaya.

Featured Recipe: Royal Paneer Curry with Cardamom, Long Pepper & Lakadong Turmeric

This flavorful and rich paneer curry is one of our all-time favorites for good reason. The onions, tomatoes, and cashews slow-cooked for about an hour create a creamy base. The warmth of cardamom pods, the spicy kick of long peppers, and the golden complexity of Lakadong turmeric powder build texture upon shimmering flavor. Aromatic cinnamon quills add a restaurant-quality touch which adds elegance to every bite. While it takes time, the final dish takes on the luxury of restaurant quality but feels homemade- the perfect centerpiece dish for entertaining family or guests.

This is one of our all time favorites. It does take a little bit of time but its completely worth it. It tastes like its from a restaurant but you know exactly whats in it.

Ingredients

1 TBS Oil
2-3 pods of Royal 4 Hillls Cardamom,
1 cup onions chopped
2 cups tomatoes finely chopped
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp sugar (optional )
15-20 whole cashews
3/4 or 1 tsp Hillside Ghost Pepper
 1 tsp Warm Wild Long Pepper
1 tsp Golden Lakadong Tumeric
1 tsp Garam Masala,
 1 tsp coriander powder ( I like to crush mine fresh), 
1 cup water
2 bay leaves
1 inch 3Hlls Cinnamon Quills
3 cloves
2 Tablespoon butter
1 1/2 tsp ginger/garlic paste or fresh 1/2-3/4 inch or 4 cloves
 10 oz paneer or substitue tofu
1 bell pepper
1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves
2 TBS heavy cream
2-3 TBS chopped cilantro

Directions
-Heat oil in a pan & add chopped onion and cardamom till translucent. 
- Next add tomatoes and sautee for 3-4 min then cover and cook till it turns soft and very mushy.
- add all your spices, turmeric, Long Pepper, ghost chilli powder and garam masala and stir
-add in the cashew nuts and sugar. 
-Stir for a few minutes till it turn aromatic.
- Turn off the stove and let it cool completely 
- transfer to a blender till a smooth puree & set aside.
- Heat the 2 TBS butter in the same pan and when it melts add cloves, cardamom , bay leaves and cinnamon quills. 
- Reduce heat and sautee the ginger/garlic paste for a few minutes till the raw smell subsides
 - Stir in the blended onion tomato puree
- pour a little more water to get the consistency you want 
- Cover, heat on med till it cooks down until your desired consistency which should be about 10 min or so. 
-Stir every few min inbetween so it does not burn.
 -Test it and add more salt or spices if needed. 
- Lower the flame completely and add the bell pepper and paneer 
- Let cook for a few min more 
- add the dried fenugreek leaves and cream, and cilantro to garnish

Tips:

Can substitute Paneer for Tofu
For softer paneer - I put it in hot water for 10-12 minutes, not too long or it will make the paneer a bit harder.
Can swap almonds for cashews
Omit cream to make it vegan. You really dont need it. Just gives it more of a restaurant style taste.
Vegan butter instead of regular butter taste pretty good too

Why Buy Royal 4Hills Cardamom?

When you choose our Royal 4Hills Cardamom, you're not just buying a spice—you’re supporting local farmers, sustainable agriculture, and a cleaner food chain. Our cardamom is directly sourced from farmer cooperatives in Meghalaya and packed with minimal processing to preserve its purity.

Tip: Always store your cardamom in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to retain its aroma and potency.

Where to Buy Royal 4Hills Cardamom

Looking to buy authentic Meghalaya cardamom online? You can purchase Royal 4Hills Cardamom from our official store. Shop Now

FAQs about Royal 4Hills Cardamom

1. What is special about cardamom from Meghalaya?
Cardamom from Meghalaya is grown at high altitudes in pesticide-free conditions. The climate and soil result in bold flavor and a high concentration of natural oils.

2. Is Royal 4Hills Cardamom grown without chemicals or preservatives?
Yes, it is naturally grown and responsibly sourced from small-scale farmers in Meghalaya.

3. How do I use cardamom in daily cooking?
You can use whole pods or grind the seeds for use in tea, sweets, spice blends, or savory dishes. Just a pod or two goes a long way.

4. Can I use cardamom for skincare or Ayurveda?
Yes. Cardamom oil is used in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects. It also helps in relieving stress and improving circulation.

5. Where can I buy Royal 4Hills Cardamom in bulk?
For bulk and wholesale inquiries, please contact us at support@humbleoriginssf.com

Final Thoughts

Royal 4Hills Cardamom from Meghalaya is a celebration of India’s rich spice heritage—flavorful, healing, and sustainable. Whether you're a chef, wellness enthusiast, or conscious consumer, adding this Queen of Spices to your collection is an investment in quality and culture.