Turmeric for Export: Curcumin Content, Grades and Quality
How to buy turmeric for export — fingers vs bulbs, polished vs unpolished, curcumin percentage, Alleppey and Erode turmeric, quality tests and EU requirements.
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India produces most of the world's turmeric. For buyers, the key question is usually curcumin content, the compound behind its colour and much of its value.
Trade guidance only. Specifications, limits and regulations change, so confirm the current requirements and agree the exact specification in your contract.
Forms
| Form | Notes |
|---|---|
| Fingers | The main rhizome branches, the most traded form |
| Bulbs | The central rhizome, usually priced lower |
| Polished | Cleaned and smoothed for a brighter look |
| Unpolished | Natural appearance |
| Powder | Ground, for retail and food manufacturing |
Curcumin
Curcumin content varies by variety and growing region, from low single digits to higher-curcumin varieties. Alleppey turmeric (Kerala) is known for high curcumin and deep colour. Erode turmeric (Tamil Nadu) is a major trading variety.
Quality checks
- Curcumin %
- Moisture
- Foreign matter and ash
- Colour
- Lead and heavy metals: adulteration with lead chromate is a known global risk, so buy from traceable suppliers and test
- Pesticide residues and microbiology, especially for EU buyers
For EU buyers
Turmeric is subject to EU limits for contaminants such as aflatoxins and pesticide residues. Ask for lab reports per lot. See importing spices into the EU.
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Source spices, coffee and pulses from Pyalm
We trade from Calicut (Kozhikode), India on the Malabar spice coast and Dubai, UAE, exporting to buyers across Europe and worldwide. Wholesale, private label and dropshipping. See products & grades, export & shipping and quality.
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