2026 Harvest Calendar: White Cardamom & Candlenut Orders

For international spice buyers, timing isn't just a detail—it's a competitive edge. Understanding the exact harvest windows of premium White Cardamom and Candlenut from Indonesia's Tasikmalaya highlands allows you to lock in superior quality, negotiate stable pricing, and avoid costly supply gaps. As of late July 2026, the main White Cardamom harvest is wrapping up, which means smart buyers are already positioning orders for the remainder of the year. This seasonal guide unpacks TasikSpice's harvest calendar for White Cardamom (known locally as kapulaga putih or Amomum compactum) and Candlenut, helping you forecast supply and place orders with confidence.

The White Cardamom Harvest Calendar: Amomum compactum from the Tasikmalaya Highlands

White Cardamom, scientifically Amomum compactum, thrives in the cool, volcanic soil of West Java's Tasikmalaya highlands. Unlike the green or black varieties, this true cardamom is prized for its intensely aromatic, slightly camphoraceous whole pod cardamom, a staple in Middle Eastern coffee, South Asian curries, and European baked goods. The crop follows a biennial rhythm, but with careful intercropping and staggered plantings, TasikSpice manages to offer fresh supply almost year-round. However, two distinct peaks define the market.

Main Harvest: May – July

The primary harvest typically kicks off in late April and runs through July, with peak picking in June. During these months, farmers hand-select mature capsules that have just begun to yellow—the precise moment when essential oil content hits its zenith. This 2026 main harvest has yielded excellent volumes and quality, with our current FOB Jakarta price holding firm at $10.30/kg for AAA-grade whole pods. Because post-harvest processing (sun-drying and mechanical bleaching) takes an additional 3–4 weeks, new-crop White Cardamom becomes widely available for shipment from mid-June onward. If you missed the initial booking window, there is still limited stock from the tail of this harvest, but prompt action is essential.

Secondary Harvest: November – December

A smaller, second flush occurs between November and early December, spurred by residual moisture in the highland microclimate. This off-season crop rarely exceeds 30% of the annual volume, yet it offers a valuable opportunity to replenish inventories before the year-end festive demand surge. Pre-ordering for the secondary harvest is advisable by September to guarantee allocation, as global demand from the Middle East and South Asia typically peaks in Q4.

Why Harvest Timing Dictates Quality and Price

Sourcing White Cardamom isn't just about availability—it's about capturing the spice at its most potent. Pods harvested too early lack full seed development and essential oils; those picked too late risk fruit bursting and moisture damage. By aligning your orders with the harvest calendar, you benefit from:

• Maximum volatile oil content, which translates into stronger flavor and longer shelf life.
• Consistent pod size and bleached white color, crucial for premium whole pod cardamom markets.
• Lower FOB prices during peak supply, as competition among exporters softens premiums.

As a dedicated cardamom spice supplier, TasikSpice works directly with farmer cooperatives to trace every batch. Our 2026 harvest calendar not only helps you plan procurement but also ensures you receive Amomum compactum that meets EU and Middle Eastern import standards—with full documentation ready for your white cardamom export needs.

Coordinating Candlenut Orders for Consolidated Shipments

Many of our buyers also source Candlenut (kemiri) from TasikSpice, a versatile nut used in Southeast Asian cuisine and as a natural thickener. Unlike White Cardamom, Candlenut has a more distributed harvest pattern. In Tasikmalaya, mature nuts are collected year-round, with peak collections coinciding with drier months from April to September. This extended window means you can often consolidate a single container of whole pod cardamom and dried candlenut kernels, reducing per-unit logistics costs. We recommend placing combined orders in April–June for the freshest Candlenut and mid-season cardamom, or in November to pair with the secondary cardamom harvest.

Placing Your Order: 2026 Supply Forecast and Recommendations

Looking ahead, supply of Tasikmalaya White Cardamom remains robust. The 2026 main harvest produced approximately 12% more volume than the previous year, thanks to favorable weather and expanded cooperative membership. However, global demand for this unique spice—driven by the Gulf states' love of qahwa coffee and health-conscious consumers—continues to grow. Our current FOB Tanjung Priok price of $10.30/kg for whole pod cardamom reflects stable market conditions, but we anticipate upward pressure as December spot buying accelerates.

To secure your preferred grade and shipment slot, we encourage you to reach out today. Whether you need full container loads or less-than-container quantities, our logistics team can advise on optimal scheduling aligned with both White Cardamom and Candlenut harvest peaks. Contact TasikSpice now on WhatsApp at +62 812-9869-9940 to request a sample, discuss your 2026 sourcing forecast, and lock in a competitive white cardamom export contract.

Remember: in the spice trade, those who plan ahead savor the finest flavors—and the best margins.