Turmeric

Introduction

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a perennial herbaceous plant from the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), native to South Asia, particularly India. It is also known as the “golden spice” and is a vibrant yellow-orange root celebrated for its earthy flavor, natural coloring properties, potent health benefits, and cosmetics. Rich in curcumin, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, turmeric is a cornerstone in both culinary and industrial applications. Our high-quality turmeric is sourced from trusted growers, ensuring purity and consistency for a wide range of uses.

whole turmeric sticks spreaded out on a wooden table.

yellow vibrant turmeric sticks in a dark brown wooden bowl.

a jute bag filled with whole turmeric sticks placed on a wooden table.

glass bowl filled with bright yellow-orange turmeric powder on a table.

Grades

Turmeric is graded based on quality, curcumin content, physical appearance, and intended use. Grading standards vary by country, but India’s Agmark certification and international standards like those of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) provide common frameworks. Key grades include

Grading Factors:

Curcumin Content: Higher curcumin levels indicate better quality for medicinal and industrial use.
Color and Aroma: Bright, uniform color and strong aroma are preferred.
Moisture Content: Should be below 10-12% to prevent spoilage.
Foreign Matter: Low levels of impurities (e.g., dirt, stones) are critical for high grades.
Processing: Hand-processed or polished turmeric fetches higher grades than unpolished.

Alleppey Finger Turmeric:

Deep yellow-orange color, high curcumin content (4-7%). Preferred for export, especially to the USA, for culinary and industrial applications. Primarily from Kerala, India.

Erode Turmeric:

Bright yellow, medium curcumin content (3-5%). Widely used in domestic markets for culinary purposes. Origin: Tamil Nadu, India.

Sangli Turmeric:

High curcumin content (up to 7%), bold flavor. Premium grade for culinary and medicinal purposes. Origin: Maharashtra, India.

Rajapore/Bulb and Finger Turmeric:

Bulbous rhizomes (bulbs) or thinner fingers, varying curcumin levels (2-5%). Common in local markets, used for both fresh and dried applications.

Madras Turmeric:

Lighter color, lower curcumin content (2-3%). General culinary use, less preferred for industrial extraction. Origin: Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, India.

Organic Turmeric:

Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, certified by bodies like USDA or EU Organic. High demand in health food markets, especially in Western countries.

Powdered Turmeric:

Graded based on fineness, color, and curcumin content (commercial powders range from 1.5%-5% curcumin). Widely used in food processing, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Applications

Culinary Uses

Adds flavor, color, and aroma to dishes, especially in Indian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Natural yellow-orange colorant (E100) for food coloring. It also has natural antimicrobial properties that extend shelf life.

Medicinal Uses

Curcumin reduces inflammation and is used in treating arthritis, joint pain, and inflammatory conditions. It is antioxidant in nature. Stimulates bile production, aiding digestion and relieving bloating, etc.

Cosmetics and Skincare

Used in face masks and creams for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing dark spots and acne scars. It may also help in reducing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity. It is also used in soaps, cleansers, shampoos, and oils.

Industrial and Other Applications

Used in natural dye for fabrics, especially in traditional and eco-friendly textiles. Curcumin extracts are used in drug formulations and clinical research. It is also added to poultry and livestock feed for its antimicrobial and growth-promoting properties.

Emerging Applications

It has a growing demand for turmeric-based supplements and functional foods. Curcumin is studied for applications in wound healing, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. Research explores turmeric-based biodegradable films due to their antimicrobial properties.