What Is Cardamom Green Pod Guatemala Sfe?
Cardamom Green Pod Guatemala Sfe is a natural spice extract created for perfumery and fragrance‐adjacent products. DSM-Firmenich, a leading aroma house, produces a trademarked version, although smaller suppliers may offer similar supercritical CO2 cardamom extracts under generic names.
The material is made with supercritical carbon dioxide that gently pulls aromatic molecules from whole green cardamom pods sourced in Guatemala. Because the extraction runs at relatively low temperature, the finished liquid keeps the full spectrum of scent found in freshly cracked pods.
At room temperature the ingredient appears as a fluid amber-gold liquid that pours easily and dissolves without fuss in alcohol or most fragrance bases. There is no visible sediment if the product has been filtered correctly.
Supercritical CO2 extracts sit between essential oils and absolutes in popularity. This particular cardamom SFE shows up in fine fragrance, personal care wash offs and even home care formulas thanks to its robust aromatic power and clean label story.
When stored cool and dark in a well-sealed container, the extract generally keeps its full character for around two years before subtle dulling starts. Refrigeration stretches that life a little further.
In cost terms it sits in the mid-to-upper range compared with common spice oils. The higher price reflects careful sourcing, traceability and the low 5 percent yield of the pods, yet it is still affordable enough for medium-scale use.
Cardamom Green Pod Guatemala Sfe’s Scent Description
This material falls squarely into the spicy olfactory family.
On a perfume blotter the opening is bright and vaporous, mixing sparkling eucalyptus warmth with a burst of freshly peeled green cardamom seeds. Seconds later an aromatic leafy nuance appears that feels almost minty yet never cold.
As the scent settles the profile turns rounder and slightly sweet with traces of gingerbread, toasted hazelnut and a wisp of citrus rind. Underneath, a gentle woody tone provides backbone without drifting into earthy territory.
Perfumers treat Cardamom Green Pod Guatemala Sfe as a top-to-heart note. It flashes quickly to announce itself then lingers into the mid development, lending clarity to florals, woods and gourmand accords.
Projection is moderate. It radiates clearly for the first hour, after which it hugs closer to the skin or fabric yet remains detectable for four to six hours depending on dose and base.
How & Where To Use Cardamom Green Pod Guatemala Sfe
Perfumers reach for this extract when they want a lively green spice that feels understated yet radiant. Its duality of cool freshness and warm seed makes it perfect for brightening citrus openings or adding an aromatic snap to floral hearts. It pairs seamlessly with bergamot, pink pepper, ginger, lavender, tea notes, fig leaves and light woods. In gourmand builds it lifts coffee, chocolate or milky accords, preventing heaviness.
Typical inclusion sits between 0.1 % and 1 % in fine fragrance. Traces of 0.05 % give a discreet, almost herbal breeze, while 2 % to 5 % turns the material into a signature top note of modern masculine or unisex scents. Above that threshold the green facets can feel vegetal, the camphor edge may dominate and the blend risks smelling medicinal.
Functional products welcome the ingredient at 0.05 % to 0.5 % where it survives most surfactant bases. In candles the low flash point of some terpene components asks for restrained dosages and careful wick testing. Heavy detergent matrices can mute its bright top so boosters like cardamom aldehyde or black pepper oil often accompany it.
The extract arrives as a pourable liquid that blends effortlessly into alcohol, triethyl citrate or dipropylene glycol. For oil bases gentle warming to 35 °C helps disperse waxy fractions. Filtering through a 5 µm paper before bulk compounding removes any residual husk particles.
If overdosed the note can clash with vanilla or soft musks and may introduce an unwanted eucalyptus vibe. Balancing it with creamy sandalwood, ambrette seed or a hint of coumarin restores roundness. A touch of acetate lavender can also tame the sharp edge.
Safely Using Cardamom Green Pod Guatemala Sfe
Dilution is key so measure a small amount into a neutral solvent before evaluation. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle because even natural extracts can overwhelm the nose. Work in a well-ventilated space to limit inhalation of concentrated vapors. Always slip on nitrile gloves and safety glasses to keep the liquid off skin and away from eyes.
Like many spice extracts this material carries allergenic terpenes that may provoke irritation in sensitive users. Short low-level exposure is generally regarded as safe yet prolonged handling without protection can lead to redness or sensitization. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a medical professional before working with strong aromatics.
If accidental skin contact occurs wash promptly with mild soap. Should the liquid splash in the eyes rinse with plenty of water and seek medical attention if discomfort persists. Never heat the raw extract above 60 °C in open vessels as flammable vapors can accumulate.
Store it tightly closed in a dark glass bottle at 10 °C to 25 °C. Keep it away from sparks or open flames. Once the ingredient has reached end of life absorb residues onto inert material such as vermiculite then dispose of according to local hazardous waste regulations.
Always consult the most recent MSDS from your supplier and recheck it periodically because safety limits can evolve. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum dosage in each product category to ensure both compliance and consumer comfort.
How To Store & Dispose of Cardamom Green Pod Guatemala Sfe
Keep the extract in tightly closed amber glass bottles placed in a cool dark cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A storage range of 10 °C to 25 °C is fine for most users but refrigeration at about 4 °C will slow oxidation and extend shelf life by several months.
Use polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. They grip the neck of the bottle and give a firm vapor-tight seal. Dropper bottles often leak air so reserve them only for ready-to-use blends that will be finished quickly.
Exposure to oxygen is the main cause of fading. Decant larger supplies into smaller bottles as you empty them so each container stays as full as possible. Before returning the cap wipe the rim clean to remove spice gums that can break the seal over time.
Label every container with the full ingredient name, CAS number, date of opening, the dilution level if any and basic hazard phrases such as “Skin Irritant” or “Flammable.” Clear labeling prevents mix-ups and lets anyone in the workspace handle the material safely.
When the extract is no longer usable, absorb residues onto sand, cat litter or paper towels then place the waste in a sealed bag. Small hobby-scale quantities can often go out with household trash after solidification, but check local rules first. Larger volumes should be handed to a licensed chemical disposal service.
The terpenes in green cardamom are readily biodegradable once diluted into the environment, yet the concentrate itself is harmful to aquatic life. Never pour leftovers down the sink. Flush measuring pipettes with rubbing alcohol, collect the rinse and dispose of it with the solid waste.
Summary
Cardamom Green Pod Guatemala Sfe is a supercritical CO2 extract of Guatemalan green cardamom seed and shell that captures the full spectrum of the spice in liquid form. It smells bright, green, slightly citrusy and warmly spicy making it a lively top-to-heart note for fine fragrance, soaps, detergents and candles.
Perfumers value its clean profile, easy blending and upcycled story, though the specialized extraction keeps its price in the mid premium range. The note is unmistakable so overdosing can dominate a formula, and like most spice oils it slowly loses sparkle if stored poorly.
The ingredient is stocked by DSM-Firmenich for commercial buyers. Smaller quantities are available through specialty aroma suppliers and hobby resellers who repack the extract under its CAS number or generic names like Cardamom CO2.
Handle it with simple care, keep it cool, dose it with a light hand and it will lend an instant burst of fresh green spice to almost any composition.