Gond vs. Gond Katira: What Is The Difference?

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. 

Gond and Gond Katira are natural gums that have been used in Indian cuisine and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Though they might seem similar, but they have distinct properties, uses, and health benefits that set them apart. Understanding these differences can help you make informed choices about which to use for your specific needs.

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. 

Image Credit: Freepik

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. 

Image Credit: Freepik

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. 

Also Read: Winter Festive Flavours: Gond Ke Laddu, The North Indian Must-Have

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.

Image Credit: Freepik

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.