Largest Producer of Elaichi
Guatemala is currently the largest producer of cardamom in the world. Although cardamom originated in India, Guatemala now grows and exports the most, especially to the Middle East. India is still one of the top producers and consumers of cardamom, especially the green variety.
Types of Elaichi (Cardamom)
There are mainly two types of elaichi:
Green elaichi (green cardamom) is small and sweet-smelling. It is used in desserts, tea, and snacks. Black elaichi (black cardamom) is bigger and has a smoky flavour. It is used in spicy and savoury dishes like biryani and gravies.
Popular Uses of Elaichi
Elaichi is added to masala chai to enhance its aroma. It is also used in Indian sweets such as barfi, rasmalai, and gulab jamun. In savoury dishes, cardamom gives depth to curries and rice preparations. It’s even chewed directly to freshen breath or aid digestion.
Types of Elaichi (Cardamom)
Choti Elaichi (छोटी इलायची) → Green Cardamom
Sweet, aromatic flavor
Used in tea, sweets, kheer, desserts, curries
Badi Elaichi (बड़ी इलायची) → Black Cardamom
Strong, smoky flavor
Used in biryani, pulao, gravies, garam masala
Other Names of Elaichi
Scientific Name: Elettaria cardamomum (Green), Amomum subulatum (Black)
Hindi: Elaichi
Tamil: Elakkai
Telugu: Elakulu
Kannada: Yelakki
Malayalam: Elakkaya
Bengali: Elach