Cardamom is an ancient spice used in different cuisines around the world because of its finest aroma and flavour. It comes in two different varieties: green cardamom and black cardamom. For those who love spices, understanding the difference between green cardamom and black cardamom is essential. While green cardamom, also known as chhoti elaichi, is commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes, black cardamom, often called moti elaichi, offers its own unique benefits.
Here is a look at the difference between green cardamom and black cardamom.
Green Cardamom
Green cardamom is an extensively used spice around the world which is obtained from Elettaria cardamom. Green cardamom is the most well-known variety and one of the most costly spices in the world. In addition to being a key ingredient in curry powders, green cardamom is used in a wide variety of savory and sweet foods, including curries, sweets, meat dishes, stews, etc. The spice is a necessary ingredient for both savory and sweet Indian dishes.
Black Cardamom
Black cardamom, or Bengal cardamom or often called larger cardamom, is made from the Amomum subulatum plant. Black cardamom is the dark-brown seed pod of the plant. Though less frequently used than green-cardamom, black-cardamom is also less expensive. This particular variety of cardamom tastes smokey and almost camphor-like. Additionally, there is a hint of coolness that some people compare to mint. Black cardamom is best suited for savory foods, despite the fact that some people use it in sweet pastries.
Appearance
Green cardamom pods are small and oval-shaped, with a greenish-yellow color. Black cardamom pods are larger and rounder than green cardamom pods, with a dark brown color.
Flavour
Green cardamom has become a more common spice for both savory and sweet foods, such as desserts, ice creams, and fruit-based beverages, due to its lively sweet flavor. Alternatively, black cardamom is more frequently used in savory recipes like chutneys, curries, and pickles because it has a stronger, more powerful, smokey flavor with menthol undertones. Black-cardamom is solely used as a spice; green-cardamom can be used as both a flavoring and a spice.
Usage
Green cardamom is often used in sweet dishes, such as desserts, pastries, and beverages, as well as savory dishes, such as curries, rice, and meat dishes. Black cardamom is often used in savory dishes, such as stews, soups, and meat dishes, as well as spice blends, such as garam masala and Chinese five-spice powder.
Processing
Producers harvest green cardamom before the plant reaches full maturity and take both the complete pods and the seeds. On the other hand, black cardamom is harvested toward the end of the growing season. Producers only utilize the seeds after roasting the entire seed pods over an open flame to give them a smokey flavor.
Price
Even though you only need one or two green cardamom seeds to flavor your food or beverage, it is one of the most expensive spices in the world when measured by weight. The green cardamom pods or entire green cardamom are obviously more expensive than cardamom powder because the grinding procedure degrades the quality of the latter. The black-cardamom is less expensive than the green kind since the pods aren’t as useful.
Benefits
In Indian and Chinese traditional medicine, black cardamom is used in home treatments. The latter even employs black cardamom to cure diarrhoea and constipation. It is also thought to lessen asthmatic symptoms. Green cardamom, meanwhile, is highly beneficial for addressing sleep issues. Both varieties of cardamom aid in digestion and soothe stomach issues. Green & black cardamom have been used to help prevent blood clots after surgery or during pregnancy.
Even though green cardamom and black cardamom have many differences, both are used in different dishes. Both add taste to the dishes and make them finger licking good. Be careful when you buy cardamom because of the chance of getting low-quality cardamom. Buy the best green cardamom and black cardamom from Rose Maria Spices (RMS), the best spice seller in Kerala.
