Badi elaichi in English; Choti ilaichi in English

Spices play an important role in Indian cuisine. We use various types of spices to bring aroma & flavor in our food. elaichi is a common spice that we often use. But there are two types of elaichi that we use. One is bigger in size and black in colour. Another one is smaller in size and light green in colour. The first one we say badi elaichi and the second one we call choti ilaichi. Is it not true? Many people also know ilaichi is cardamom. Both are both types of elaichi same? What is badi elaichi in English? What is choti ilaichi in English?

Badi elaichi & choti ilaichi meaning in English

• Badi elaichi is known as black cardamom in English. Black cardamom comes from the species Elettaria cardamomum.
• Choti ilaichi is known as green cardamom in English. Green cardamom comes from the species Amomum subulatum.

Differences between badi elaichi & choti ilaichi

Black Cardamoms	Green Cardamoms
Native to Eastern Himalayan region, particularly in Eastern Nepal, Bhutan, Indian state Sikkim, Darjeeling district of Indian state West Bengal	Native to India. Nowadays it is also widely cultivated in Guatemala, Malaysia and Tanzania
The size of black cardamom is much bigger than green cardamom. It 4-6 times bigger than green cardamom.	The size of green cardamom is much smaller than black cardamom.
As it name says that it is black in colour	It is green in colour. But bleached cardamom is also being sold which is white in colour.
It is harvested much later after it gets matured. After harvesting it is normally dried slowly over the fire	It is harvested before it becomes matured
It has a smoky and minty aroma. That is why people do not prefer to use it in any dish which is sweet in taste.	It also has strong aroma. It brings zesty citrus flavor and brings minty flavor in food. That is why it is used in sweet dishes as well as spicy dishes too.

Also read:

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Indian spices names in both languages at a glance

Benefits of both Cardamom spices (badi & choti elaichi in English)

Cardamom spice helps to control stomach disorders. It is also beneficial for respiratory problems. Many people say that it has anti-inflammatory properties. Cardamoms are used to make various herbal medicine in many regions.