Elaichi is also known as Cardamom seeds. Cardamom has a strong, unique taste, with an intensely aromatic, resinous fragrance. Black cardamom has a distinctly more smoky, though not bitter, aroma, with a coolness some consider similar to mint.

Green cardamom is one of the most expensive spices by weight but little is needed to impart flavour. It is best stored in the pod, as exposed or ground seeds quickly lose their flavour. One of the many elaichi powder benefits is that it aids weight loss through improved metabolism and digestion. One animal study even showed that cardamom is good for health as it prevents obesity, inflammation and oxidative liver stress associated with high carbohydrate, high fat diets.