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You might have heard of the word “Gond,” which is an essential ingredient for various traditional food items like laddoos. Gond is a type of edible gum known for its health benefits and is commonly used in desserts, bakery items, and beverages. However, there is another type of edible gum called gond katira.
What Is Gond?
Gond is an edible gum used as a thickening agent in various foods. It is pale yellow and consists of small crystals. When soaked in water for 5-6 hours overnight, gond tends to dissolve. It has warming properties, making it a great addition to winter desserts like laddoo and panjiri.
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What Is Gond Katira?
Gond Katira, unlike gond, is completely translucent and has slightly larger crystals. When dissolved in water, it becomes fluffy. Gond Katira has cooling properties, which makes it perfect for a summer diet drink.
Key Differences Between Gond And Gond Katira:
Appearance
Gond is pale yellow and slightly translucent, with small crystals. Gond Katira is completely translucent with larger crystals. The most noticeable difference between these 2 is the appearance. Gond is slightly darker, with a pale yellow hue, while gond katira is completely clear.
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Reaction In Water
Another significant difference is how they react to water. Gond dissolves when soaked in water overnight. Gond Katira, when dissolved in water, becomes fluffy and has a jelly-like consistency.
Properties
Both Gond and Gond katira are used as thickening agents, but they are used differently. Gond is used as a thickening agent in winter desserts like panjiri. Gond katira is used in summer beverages like shikanji, lemonades and smoothies.
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Usage
Gond
Gond is often used in ladoos and panjiri. To add it, sock the gond crystals in water overnight until they dissolve, then mix them into the dessert mixture. Gons is known for its ability to provide warmth, making it beneficial for winters. It keeps the body warm, helps with joint pain and improves body weakness.
Image Credit: Freepik
Gond Katira
Gond Katira is the perfect ingredient for summer cooling drinks. Soak the crystals in water until they are fluffy. Then add it to your beverages like shikanji, lemonades and smoothies. Gond Katira is known for its cooling properties. It soothes the stomach and reduces heat in the body during summer.
