When the matter is about choosing the banana for a delightful sweetness on your palate, debate unfolds between the Elaichi banana and the normal banana. Undoubtedly, bananas are the most reassuring fruits, offering not only a satisfying mouthfeel but also a rich source of nutrients, no arguments!
This holds true for both dwarf-sized Elaichi bananas and big yellow ripe bananas. Although they share a family just like siblings, Elaichi bananas and normal bananas have unique qualities in taste, appearance, texture, nutritional profile, and calorie value.
Here, let’s get to know the difference between Elaichi banana and normal banana, keeping things simple and easy to grasp. Read on this brief yet insightful write-up to make an informed decision.
All About Elaichi Banana
Elaichi banana also goes by the name Elaichi Kela, yelakka pazham, yelakki, chinia kela or chinna vazhapazham. It is called Chinia in Bihar and Yelakki in Bengaluru. Elaichi banana literally translates to cardamom in Hindi and Kannada whereas Chinia means small in size.
Contrary to what you may have thought hearing Elaichi banana, it is called so because of its small size, not for its flavor. This bite-sized banana is nothing like cardamom.
But don’t get fooled by its small size as this miniature Elaichi banana is as equally nutritious as a normal banana. They are sweeter and generally found in metro cities of the country or areas, for instance, Bengaluru and Mumbai.
Difference Between Elaichi (Cardamom) Banana & Normal Banana [A Quick Overview!]
Before delving into the details, let’s have a quick overview of the difference between the Elaichi banana and the normal banana exploring all the variations.
| Traits | Elaichi (Cardamom) Banana | Normal Banana |
| Appearance | Palm-sized small fruit with relatively thin and delicate skin | Elongated & curved with relatively thick skin |
| Flavor | Sweet similar to cardamom or vanilla | Sweet and slightly tangy |
| Texture | Densely creamy | Creamy, generally with sturdiness |
| Nutrition | Equally nutritious | Equally nutritious |
| Calories | Relatively less than normal banana About 86 kcal | Higher About 89 kcal |
| Shelf life | 2 days | 2 days to 5 days |
| Price | Relatively Pricier | Less than Elaichi banana |
Elaichi Banana And The Normal Banana: Difference In Appearance, Flavor And Texture
Elaichi bananas and normal bananas are the most popular out there and are enjoyed by people worldwide.
While the Elaichi banana stands out due to its small size or cardamom-induced flavor, normal bananas have a well-known sweet taste and sturdy texture. However, let’s discuss the differences in detail.
Appearance
Among all other varieties of bananas, the Elaichi banana is distinguished from the others for its cute little size. The Elaichi bananas are small, barely the size of your palm.
These palm-sized bananas are generally three to four inches long and have relatively thin and delicate skin. The sweet aroma of the Elaichi banana with the hint of cardamom sets it apart from the common banana varieties.
On the flip side, as for the normal bananas, they are generally curved and elongated with relatively thick skin. The soft flesh of these sweet yellow fruits is rich in starch and covered with a rind that may be green, yellow, red, or brown when overripe.
Flavor
The taste of the Elaichi is uniquely delightful and has a rich sweet flavor with somewhat caramel and vanilla undertones. The combination adds a flavorful twist to that of the normal bananas.
These tiny dwarf-sized Elaichi bananas are also used for desserts due to their unique sweetness. One can enjoy the delightful sweetness with the hint of cardamom that the Elaichi banana offers.
As for the normal bananas, for instance, Cavendish bananas, they are sweet in taste and slightly tangy aftertaste.
Red banana is sweeter in taste, described as having the strawberry and raspberry hints whereas the Blue java banana has a flavor like ice cream with a hint of vanilla. Moreover, normal bananas have a distinctive aroma that contributes to their overall sweet flavor.
Texture
As for texture, Elaichi bananas are generally a little sweeter than normal bananas and creamy in texture. These cute little bananas are densely creamy offering a smooth texture and riched with flavor once ripened.
As for the normal bananas, the texture of the perfectly ripened one is creamy and soft with a smooth consistency. While the Elaichi banana offers a satisfying mouthfeel with its creamy consistency, the normal bananas are known for their well-loved classic texture.
Nutritional Profile And Calorie Difference Between Elaichi Banana And Normal Banana
Where the Elaichi banana and the normal bananas are both equally nutritious fruits, there is a slight difference in the nutritional profile and the calorie value between both of them. Regardless of the specific nutrition difference being minimal, let’s analyze the nutritional profile and calorie value of these two varieties which will help you to determine which is healthiest.
Nutritional Profile
The normal banana and the Elaichi banana show some nutritional differences with some variation in fiber, vitamins, and mineral contents.
For instance, the Elaichi banana contains about 2 grams of dietary fiber per 100 grams whereas the 100 grams normal banana contains about 3 grams of dietary fiber.
The normal bananas are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, or vitamin B6, the elaichi bananas contain higher levels of iron and calcium.
However, below is the chart highlighting Elaichi banana vs normal banana nutrition.
| Nutrients | Elaichi Banana (Per 100 g) | Normal Banana (Per 100 g) |
| Carbohydrates | 22.8 g | 22.84 g |
| Protein | 1.1 g | 1.09 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g | 0.33 g |
| Dietary fiber | 2.6 g | 3 g |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg | 8.7 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg | 0.4 mg |
| Potassium | 422 mg | 358 mg |
| Sodium | 1 mg | 1 mg |
Calorie Value
Elaichi banana is good news for the calorie-conscious folk out there or during the weight loss journey. In terms of calories, the Elaichi banana’s calories are far less than that of the normal banana.
From 100 grams of Elaichi banana, one can gain only 86 kcal whereas the same amount of 100 grams of normal banana provides 89 kcal. Thus the Elaichi banana makes a lighter option for those who are conscious about their calorie intake.
The miniature fruit can also be treated as the post workout snack to replenish your energy without counting on calories.
Elaichi Banana And Normal Banana: Difference In Shelf Life And Pricing
In terms of shelf life, the Elaichi banana and the normal bananas also differ, whereas the difference is influenced by the ripeness of the bananas and the storage conditions.
As for the pricing, one can also notice the difference between these two varieties of bananas’ regional cultivation, demand, or availability.
However, here let’s see how the elaichi banana and the regular banana differ from each other in terms of shelf life and pricing.
Shelf life
The Elaichi banana and the normal banana differ in shelf life meaning how long they remain fresh. In the case of Elaichi banana, it has a shelf life of about 2 days, and dried Elaichi banana has a shelf life of about one year.
As for the normal bananas, they can last up to two to seven days on the counter and if you put them in the refrigerator, the fully ripe bananas can last up to five to seven days.
You can consider the shelf life of dried bananas for up to 12 months to 18 months in the freezer, 6 months to 12 months in the refrigerator, and also 6 months to 12 months in the pantry.
Pricing
At last, the price of the Elaichi banana and the normal banana may also vary. Generally, the price of the Elaichi banana is higher than the normal banana in the market. However, the price difference is also influenced by a number of factors.
For instance, the demand, availability, or the regional cultivation of the Elaichi or cardamom banana and the normal banana. So, it is better to check the local market or the grocery shops for accurate pricing based on the current market condition.
Elaichi Banana And Its Beneficial Highlights
Elaichi banana stands out among all the banana varieties and is distinguished for its unique flavor and aroma.
The banana may have a small appearance, but when it comes to offering benefits, it packs a punch. Here are some highlights among the array of the Elaichi banana benefits.
1# High In Carbs And Fiber
Elaichi bananas contain as much as twice the carbohydrate, three times as much phosphorus, five times vitamin A, and iron as much as apples. Moreover, the Elaichi or yelakki banana is abundant with fibers helping in digestion.
Eating fiber-rich fruits like Elaichi bananas helps one regulate blood sugar levels, contributes to weight management, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
2# Rich In Vitamins
Elaichi banana or Yelakki banana is an abundant source of vitamin C, the vitamin which is essential for promoting collagen formation and immune system health.
The substantial amount of vitamin B6 content of the Elaichi banana aids in both red blood cell creation and brain growth. Vitamin B6 also helps induce sleep.
3# Rich In Antioxidants
Not only with vitamins, the Elaichi bananas are also rich in antioxidants like dopamine and catechins.
The antioxidant content of the Elaichi banana helps the body fight oxidative stress, shields the cells from injury, and scavenges the dangers of free radicals in the body.
4# Friendly To Heart
Sterols are a content of the Elaichi banana which aids in lowering the blood cholesterol levels. Moreover, a moderate amount of pectin and soluble fiber is also found in the Elaichi banana which lowers the blood cholesterol level by preventing fat absorption.
5# Supports In Vision
Vitamin A is essential for preserving vision and the Elaichi banana is enriched with it. It promotes the general health of the eye and shields the eyes from macular degeneration due to the aging process.
6# Supports Immune System
White blood cells combat infections and diseases of the body and vitamin C helps increase their production. Here the Elaichi banana contains an abundance of vitamin C supporting the immune system of the body.
7# Promotes Bone Health
You know calcium and potassium are the two important minerals for promoting our bone and teeth health, and the Elaichi banana offers both. Whereas the calcium prevents the teeth and bone from weakening and brittleness to the age of the people, the high potassium contents ensures the smooth blood flow.
8# Great Source Of Energy
The Elaichi banana is a good snack that offers an instant energy boost. It is a complete pack of natural sugars, nutrients, and carbs, that helps to keep the person energized and focused all day long.
9# Blood Sugar Regulation
Although the Elaichi banana is sweet in taste, it has a low glycemic index. It means the Elaichi banana releases sugar into the circulation of blood slowly.
Thus Yelakki banana assists in stabilizing the blood sugar level making it an excellent snack for diabetics with moderate consumption.
10# Regulation Of High Blood Pressure
As the Elaichi banana is high in potassium and low in sodium, the Elaichi banana can be a great addition to the diet for people with high blood pressure.
The potassium contents of the Elaichi banana ensure smooth circulation of blood throughout the body and also in the finer capillaries of the brain.
11# Aids Constipation
Constipation troubles almost all of us, but the story never gets a happy ending for some. Elaichi banana cures constipation and aids indigestion. So, it is always better to use natural remedies like Elaichi banana than depending on artificial laxatives.
Normal Banana And Its Beneficial Highlights
Bananas are a universally cherished fruit that is packed with essential nutrients and elements. It is a convenient and healthy snack for people of all ages with its wide range of benefits. Check out some of them below.
1# Boosts Energy
Normal bananas are boosted with natural sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose. The high amount of natural sugar content of the normal banana makes it an efficient and quick energy source and delivers immediate energy boosts.
Before exercise or throughout a busy day, a normal banana is an excellent snack.
2# Friendly To Heart
Normal bananas contain high potassium and low sodium which makes them heart-healthy options. The potassium contents of the banana regulate blood pressure and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
3# Good Source Of Vitamin C
Although the normal banana is a good source of vitamin C, not as much as the Elaichi banana. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, boosts the immune system, and guards the body from infections and disease.
4# Enrich In Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3 or Niacin is generally essential for converting food into energy. Normal bananas are enriched with this vitamin B3 which also maintains the activity of the nervous system and the health of skin.
5# Promotes Digestion
Normal banana promotes digestion as it is rich in soluble fiber named pectin. It helps in digestion and promotes bowel health. Normal bananas ease constipation and support a healthy digestive system.
6# Boosts The Function Of The Brain
Normal bananas are also a good natural source of Vitamin B6. This vitamin is essential for functions as well as the growth of the brain. Moreover, Vitamin B6 aids in neurotransmitter synthesis, mood management, and cognitive function.
7# Aids Anemia
In anemia, the normal banana helps in aiding it. The Iron content of the banana is essential for red blood cells and hemoglobin creation. Thus the normal banana assists in managing and preventing anemia.
8# Improves The Performance Of Exercise
For the sporty person, athletes, or for those who exercise, the normal banana is a good option for energy.
The regular banana contains all the essential elements, natural sugar, and carbs. It assists in speeding up muscle recovery after exercise and sustains the energy level in the body.
So, Which One Is Healthier: Normal Banana Or Elaichi Banana?
Elaichi bananas are equally nutritious as regular bananas. It contains fewer calories being a good option for calorie-conscious people. However, the choice between them depends on personal preference.
According to some, if the Elaichi banana is locally produced then it is better to go for the Elachi banana as it is more nutritious than the normal banana. Otherwise, it is best to give the normal or regular banana if you will find it refreshed.
So, ultimately you can see both the normal banana and the Elaichi banana have their own unique advantages. Both are nutritious and healthy, offering the essential vitamins and minerals.
Rather than being nutritious or healthier than the other, the matter is more about personal preference and taste.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Do Elaichi bananas have any side effects?
Actually not, the Elaichi bananas don’t have any side effects at all. However, every person is different and may not suit all. As the individual reactions may vary, it is better to observe the response of your body and savor it.
Do Elaichi bananas have sugar in them?
Yes, Elaichi bananas contain natural sugar in them. Elachi bananas generally contain three natural sugars. They are glucose, fructose, and sucrose. The bananas are also highly rich in starch and dietary fibers.
How many Elaichi bananas should I eat a day?
You can eat one Elaichi banana in a day. If you do not have high potassium levels or diabetes and are a healthy adult, then eating one banana a day will be beneficial for you including all its benefits to your diet.
How many calories are in a Yelakki banana?
Typically, the Elaichi banana is one of the high-calorie tropical fruits. You can get 80 calories to 90 calories per 100 grams of Elaichi banana. However, the calorie value can slightly vary based on factors like its growing conditions and ripeness.
Can a diabetic eat an Elaichi banana?
Yes, a diabetic patient can eat Elaichi bananas instead of normal bananas. But it is better to eat the Elaichi bananas in moderation and according to the recommendation of the doctors as part of a well-balanced meal plan.
Is Elaichi banana good for constipation?
Yes, the Elaichi banana is good for constipation. As the Elaichi banana is high in dietary fibers and is a natural source of energy, it can help in easy bowel movements. It can promote better digestion, increase gut health, and prevent constipation.
How do you identify Elaichi bananas?
You can identify the Elaichi banana from its smaller size. It is a palm-sized small banana about three to four inches long, generally has a thinner and delicate skin, and has vanilla or caramel undertones.
Can we eat Elaichi bananas on an empty stomach?
According to conventional wisdom, one should not eat an Elaichi banana on an empty stomach. Eating bananas on an empty stomach can affect the metabolism rate of the body and have an overall negative effect on the digestive system.
Which is better: the Elaichi banana or Robusta banana?
As the elaichi banana contains more minerals and vitamins, it makes a good choice for people who want or are looking to maintain a healthy diet. Moreover, the Elaichi banana has a higher glycemic index than the Robusta banana which assists in the regulation of blood.
In Closing: Difference Between Elaichi Banana And Normal Banana!
The difference between the Elaichi banana and a normal banana unveils a unique variation in taste, appearance, nutrition profile, and so on. Where the Elaichi banana offers a distinct taste, and sweetness with hints of cardamom, the normal banana stands out for its classic taste and worldwide popularity. Both varieties have their own array of benefits for human health and offer a delightful twist to traditional favorites.
It’s really fascinating how a simple and easily available fruit like a banana has such variations in taste, appearance, nutrition and so on depending on its breed like Elaichi banana or normal banana. So, next time ensure to have the delightful diversity that the normal banana or the Elaichi banana brings to your table!
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