Drying temperature affects essential oil yield and composition of black cardamom (Amomum tsao-ko)

•The oil yield, the composition and content of essential oils of black cardamom varied with different drying temperature (25 ºC, 40 ºC, 55 ºC, 70 ºC, 85 ºC and 100 ºC).•Black cardamom dried under 55 ºC obtained the highest oil yield, while drying temperatures of 85 ºC and 100 ºC resulted in low yielded oil.•Higher temperatures (85 ºC and 100 ºC) produced dried extracts richer in monoterpene hydrocarbons, whereas lower temperatures yielded (E)-2 unsaturated aldehydes. At 100 ºC, essential oils were richer in eucalyptol.•Drying temperatures can be used to targeted pre-select natural products of essential oils of black cardamom.