Nutmeg, mace, cardamoms, raw Production by Country 2025
Nutmeg, mace, and cardamoms—the aromatic trinity of exotic spices—thrive across 21 countries with Guatemala surprisingly leading at 95,211 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 83,605 tonnes by 2025. Production worldwide reached 219,224 tonnes in 2023, showing 8.4% growth compared to 2022. India follows with 54,000 tonnes, while Indonesia produces 43,790 tonnes. These precious spices (nutmeg's seed, mace's aril, cardamom's pods) command premium prices. Whether you're grating nutmeg on eggnog, adding cardamom to chai, or using mace in béchamel, these spices deliver warmth and complexity. From medieval spice trade to modern coffee shops, these aromatics prove that tiny seeds can be worth their weight in gold!
Guatemala's 95,211 tonnes represents about 40% of global production for this category, with cardamom dominating (Guatemala is world's largest cardamom producer!). Production exploded from 36,992 in 2018, driven by high prices and suitable highland climate. Alta Verapaz and other mountainous regions grow green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) at 1,000-1,500m elevation. Guatemalan cardamom serves Middle Eastern markets (chai, coffee, sweets) and Indian diaspora. The spice provides crucial income for indigenous communities. Challenges include price volatility, thrips (tiny pests), and competition from Indian cardamom. However, Guatemala's quality and consistent supply maintain market position. The cardamom boom transformed highland agriculture, though environmental concerns arise from forest clearing! India produces 54,000 tonnes, primarily cardamom (Kerala, Karnataka) with some nutmeg. Indian cardamom is "queen of spices"—essential in chai, biryani, and sweets. Indonesia contributes 43,790 tonnes, primarily nutmeg and mace from Maluku Islands (original "Spice Islands"!). Indonesian nutmeg dominates global markets. Nepal (8,674), Laos (9,142), Sri Lanka (4,059), and Bhutan (1,104) grow cardamom in mountain regions. These countries produce for domestic use and export. Grenada (714 tonnes) is Caribbean nutmeg producer. The geographic concentration reflects these spices' specific climate needs—cardamom needs cool mountains, nutmeg needs tropical islands. The spice trade's history (wars fought over nutmeg!) shows their value! Nutmeg and mace come from same fruit—nutmeg is seed, mace is red aril covering it! Both offer warm, sweet, slightly bitter flavor. Cardamom pods contain tiny black seeds with intense, complex aroma (citrus, mint, spice). Nutritionally, these spices provide antioxidants, essential oils, and minerals in tiny amounts (you don't eat much!). Culinary uses span cultures: nutmeg in European baking, eggnog, and béchamel; mace in delicate sauces; cardamom in Indian chai, Scandinavian baking, and Middle Eastern coffee. The essential oils are used in perfumes and medicines. Fun fact: nutmeg contains myristicin—eating large amounts causes hallucinations (don't try this!). A pinch is perfect, a tablespoon is trouble! Nutmeg trees thrive in tropical climates with high humidity and rainfall 2000-3,000mm. Trees take 7-9 years to fruit, reaching full production at 20 years, and produce for 60+ years! Harvest occurs year-round as fruits ripen. Mace is carefully removed and dried separately from nutmeg. Cardamom grows in shaded mountain forests at 600-1,500m elevation, taking 3 years to fruit. Plants need 80%+ humidity and 2,500-4,000mm rainfall. Major challenges include thrips (cardamom), nutmeg wilt disease, and price volatility. Climate change affects flowering and yields. Modern cultivation uses shade management, drip irrigation, and integrated pest management. Organic spice production commands premiums but faces pest control challenges! Global markets value cardamom at $15,000-30,000/tonne (green cardamom), nutmeg $4,000-8,000/tonne, and mace $10,000-15,000/tonne—these are expensive spices! Price volatility challenges farmers—cardamom prices swing wildly with supply. The spices' high value per weight makes them attractive crops despite long maturation. Export markets span Middle East (cardamom for coffee), Europe (nutmeg for baking), and Asia (all spices). Organic and fair-trade certification access premium markets. Climate change affects production through irregular rainfall. Retail trends favor whole spices (fresher flavor) and specialty varieties. The craft food movement elevates these spices from background notes to featured ingredients! Global production should remain stable through 2025 with Guatemala maintaining cardamom leadership and Indonesia dominating nutmeg. Climate-adapted varieties help cope with changing conditions. The industry invests in disease management, sustainable practices, and market development. Value-added products—ground spices, essential oils, and spice blends—create opportunities. Sustainability focus drives shade-grown cardamom and forest-friendly nutmeg. These precious spices' complex flavors and cultural importance ensure their future. From medieval spice routes to modern specialty stores, nutmeg, mace, and cardamom prove that some flavors are worth traveling the world for—one aromatic pod at a time!🏆 Guatemala's Cardamom Kingdom
Nutmeg, mace, cardamoms, raw Production by Country 2025
1
83,605
2
53,500
3
42,292
4
8,896
5
8,609
6
4,222
7
1,382
8
801
9
677
10
597
11
321
12
163
13
137
14
113
15
91
16
59
17
53
18
35
19
35
20
17
21
3
🌏 Asian Spice Heartlands
💪 Aromatic Treasures
🌱 Tropical Cultivation
📈 Premium Spice Markets
🔮 Aromatic Future
Nutmeg, mace, cardamoms, raw Production by Country 2025
#
1
36,992
41,865
48,827
60,000
80,000
95,211
83,605
2
43,000
38,000
37,000
50,000
55,000
54,000
53,500
3
44,100
40,689
38,150
40,639
40,896
43,790
42,292
4
7,244
7,665
8,056
8,440
8,790
9,142
8,896
5
6,849
7,954
9,545
8,289
8,714
8,674
8,609
6
3,602
3,881
4,120
4,498
4,308
4,059
4,222
7
1,542
1,413
2,175
1,609
1,693
1,104
1,382
8
803
817
802
801
801
800
801
9
556
551
656
705
596
714
677
10
520
590
574
586
595
604
597
11
321
321
321
321
321
321
321
12
158
158
160
161
163
164
163
13
105
34
43
33
47
232
137
14
109
113
111
113
113
114
113
15
91
92
91
91
91
91
91
16
61
58
59
59
59
59
59
17
220
221
156
50
52
55
53
18
34
35
35
35
35
35
35
19
35
36
35
35
35
35
35
20
17
17
17
17
17
17
17
21
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country produces the most nutmeg, mace, cardamoms, raw in the world?
Guatemala is the world's largest producer with 95,211 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 83,605 tonnes by 2025, accounting for approximately 40% of global production. India ranks second with 54,000 tonnes, followed by Indonesia at 43,790 tonnes. Guatemala's production is primarily cardamom, with explosive growth from 36,992 tonnes in 2018 driven by high prices. Production concentrates in Alta Verapaz and mountainous regions where green cardamom grows at 1,000-1,500m elevation, serving Middle Eastern markets and Indian diaspora with this "queen of spices."
What's the difference between nutmeg and mace?
They're from the SAME fruit but taste different! Nutmeg tree produces apricot-like fruit containing a seed (nutmeg) covered by red, lacy aril (mace). When fruit splits open, mace is carefully removed and dried (turns orange-brown), then nutmeg seed is extracted and dried. Nutmeg has warm, sweet, slightly bitter flavor—stronger and more pungent. Mace is more delicate, refined, and slightly sweeter with hints of cinnamon. Use nutmeg for bold applications (eggnog, pumpkin pie, béchamel), mace for delicate sauces and baking where you want subtle spice. Mace is more expensive (labor-intensive to harvest, less yield per fruit). Both contain same essential oils but in different concentrations. It's like getting two spices from one fruit—nature's BOGO deal!
Data Disclaimer: Projected data (future years) are estimates based on mathematical models. Actual values may differ. Learn about our methodology →
Sources
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Updated: 13.11.2025https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL
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