The main reason this spice is so expensive is because it needs to be harvested by hand. It is a very labor-intensive handpicking process. Each cardamom pod must be picked when it is about ¾ ripe so time and care are needed to yield this spice.

Why cardamom is very costly?

Cardamom's annual crop cycle is an August to July season with eight pickings. At a time when the first flush of crops are to arrive and prices at an all time high, all eyes are on the spice. ... “The shortage has led to a spike in prices,” says Arun Kottoor of Mali Estate in Vandanmettu.

Why we should not eat Elaichi?

There is concern that taking cardamom might cause a miscarriage. ... Gallstones: If you have gallstones, do not take cardamom in amounts greater than those typically found in food. The cardamom seed can trigger gallstone colic (spasmodic pain).