Black cardamom pods also known as badi elaichi or Kali elaichi rougher than green cardamom. In fact, you might call the flavor downright abrasive at times. This rugged quality is what makes it so delightful in rubs and spice blends such as garam masala, biryani masala. It has a smoky flavour that comes from the method of drying on a flame which also lends it a distinctive aroma.