Turmeric Varieties of India: A Complete Comparison for Buyers
Why Variety Matters
India produces about 80% of the world's turmeric. But "Indian turmeric" isn't a single product. The country grows dozens of distinct varieties, each shaped by local soil, climate, and generations of farmer selection.
For casual cooking, variety differences may not matter much. But for commercial buyers — supplement manufacturers, food processors, cosmetic formulators, extract producers — variety selection directly affects product quality and cost efficiency.
This guide covers the major commercial varieties you'll encounter when sourcing from India.
The Big Picture: India's Turmeric Regions
India's turmeric production is concentrated in several states:
| State | Production Share | Major Varieties |
|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | 25-30% | Duggirala, Armoor |
| Telangana | 20-25% | Nizamabad |
| Tamil Nadu | 15-20% | Erode, Salem |
| Maharashtra | 15-20% | Sangli, Rajapore |
| Karnataka | 5-10% | Mysore |
| Meghalaya | <1% | Lakadong |
| Kerala | 3-5% | Alleppey |
Each region produces turmeric with characteristic properties. These aren't just marketing distinctions — they reflect measurable differences in chemical composition, color, aroma, and processing characteristics.
Variety-by-Variety Analysis
1. Lakadong Turmeric (Meghalaya)
The premium variety that commands the highest prices.
Origin: Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya (Northeast India)
Curcumin content: 7-9% (highest of any commercial variety)
Why it's special:
Lakadong turmeric's exceptional curcumin content results from a combination of factors:
Characteristics:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Curcumin | 7-9% |
| Color value | 70,000-90,000 CU |
| Volatile oil | 5-6% |
| Moisture | 8-10% |
| Appearance | Orange-yellow, deeper than southern varieties |
Best applications:
Challenges for buyers:
Supply limitations: Meghalaya produces perhaps 3,000-5,000 MT annually — a tiny fraction of India's total. Genuine Lakadong is genuinely scarce.
Price premium: 2-3x higher than standard varieties. For many commercial applications, this premium isn't justified.
Verification difficulty: "Lakadong" is frequently claimed for non-Lakadong turmeric. Without lab testing, authentication is challenging.
Quality variation: Being a small-farmer crop without standardized processing, batch-to-batch variation is higher than commoditized varieties.
Our assessment: Lakadong is excellent for premium positioning where the curcumin claim matters. For most commercial applications, Duggirala-grade turmeric at 5-7% curcumin offers better value.
2. Duggirala Turmeric (Andhra Pradesh)
The premium commercial variety with the best quality-volume balance.
Origin: Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh (South India)
Curcumin content: 5-7%
Why it's special:
Duggirala represents the "sweet spot" for commercial buyers:
Characteristics:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Curcumin | 5-7% |
| Color value | 60,000-80,000 CU |
| Volatile oil | 4-5% |
| Moisture | 8-10% |
| Appearance | Deep golden-yellow |
Terroir factors:
Best applications:
Market position:
Duggirala turmeric sits in the premium segment — above commodity grades but below ultra-premium Lakadong. For buyers needing high curcumin at commercial scale, it's typically the optimal choice.
Our bias: This is where we source primarily. We're based in Duggirala and have been for 25+ years.
3. Alleppey Turmeric (Kerala)
The "fingerprint" variety known for deep color and aroma.
Origin: Alappuzha district, Kerala (South India)
Curcumin content: 4-5%
Why it's distinctive:
Alleppey turmeric is named for the historic port town (now Alappuzha) that was the traditional export hub. The variety is particularly valued for:
Characteristics:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Curcumin | 4-5% |
| Color value | 50,000-65,000 CU |
| Volatile oil | 4-5% |
| Oleoresin content | 10-13% |
| Appearance | Deep orange hue |
Processing note:
Alleppey finger turmeric (dried rhizomes before grinding) is particularly prized. The "fingers" are polished and graded for export. This whole-form product commands premiums in markets that value visual appearance.
Best applications:
Challenges:
Our assessment: Good choice for color-focused applications. For curcumin-focused needs, Duggirala offers better value.
4. Erode Turmeric (Tamil Nadu)
India's largest turmeric trading hub — volume over premium.
Origin: Erode district, Tamil Nadu (South India)
Curcumin content: 3-4%
Why it matters:
Erode is less a specific variety and more a trading classification. The Erode market handles enormous volumes:
Characteristics:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Curcumin | 3-4% |
| Color value | 40,000-55,000 CU |
| Volatile oil | 3-4% |
| Moisture | 10-12% (often higher) |
| Appearance | Bright yellow |
Grade classifications:
Erode turmeric is sold in multiple grades:
Best applications:
Challenges:
Our assessment: Fine for commodity applications. For quality-sensitive uses, specify origin more precisely than just "Erode."
5. Sangli Turmeric (Maharashtra)
The commodity workhorse — highest volume, lowest curcumin.
Origin: Sangli district, Maharashtra (West India)
Curcumin content: 2-3%
Market position:
Sangli represents the commodity end of the spectrum:
Characteristics:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Curcumin | 2-3% |
| Color value | 35,000-45,000 CU |
| Volatile oil | 2-3% |
| Moisture | 10-12% |
| Appearance | Light yellow |
Best applications:
Limitations:
Our assessment: Appropriate when price is the primary driver and quality requirements are minimal. Not recommended for supplement, cosmetic, or premium food applications.
6. Rajapore Turmeric (Maharashtra)
A balanced variety for cooking applications.
Origin: Ratnagiri/Kolhapur districts, Maharashtra
Curcumin content: 3-4%
Profile:
Rajapore is somewhat between Sangli and premium varieties:
Characteristics:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Curcumin | 3-4% |
| Color value | 40,000-50,000 CU |
| Volatile oil | 3-4% |
Best applications:
Our assessment: Regional variety with specific culinary applications. Not typically exported for quality-focused markets.
7. Nizamabad Turmeric (Telangana)
An emerging variety gaining market recognition.
Origin: Nizamabad district, Telangana
Curcumin content: 3-5% (variable)
Context:
Nizamabad is a relatively newer commercial designation:
Characteristics:
Quality varies significantly. Good Nizamabad turmeric can approach Duggirala grades; poor quality is closer to Sangli.
Best applications:
Our assessment: Promising region but verify quality batch-by-batch. Don't assume consistency.
8. Mysore Turmeric (Karnataka)
Regional variety with distinctive characteristics.
Origin: Mysore region, Karnataka
Curcumin content: 3-5%
Characteristics:
Our assessment: Regional variety with limited export relevance. Quality-focused buyers generally prefer established premium origins.
Comparison Summary Table
| Variety | Curcumin | Color (CU) | Supply | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakadong | 7-9% | 70-90K | Very Limited | Premium+++ | Ultra-premium supplements |
| Duggirala | 5-7% | 60-80K | Good | Premium | Quality commercial applications |
| Alleppey | 4-5% | 50-65K | Moderate | Above avg | Color-focused applications |
| Nizamabad | 3-5% | 45-60K | Growing | Standard+ | Domestic/emerging export |
| Erode | 3-4% | 40-55K | High | Standard | Mass market, oleoresin |
| Rajapore | 3-4% | 40-50K | Moderate | Standard | Domestic cooking market |
| Sangli | 2-3% | 35-45K | Very High | Economy | Commodity, price-driven |
How to Choose the Right Variety
For Supplement Manufacturing
Primary choice: Lakadong or Duggirala
Why: Curcumin content matters for supplement efficacy and label claims. Higher curcumin raw material means more efficient extraction and stronger finished products.
Decision factors:
For most supplement applications, Duggirala at 5-7% curcumin offers the best balance of quality and practicality.
For Food Processing
Primary choice: Duggirala, Alleppey, or Erode (depending on application)
Premium food products: Duggirala for high color and curcumin
Color-focused products: Alleppey for deep orange hue
Mass-market products: Erode for cost efficiency
Decision factors:
For Cosmetics
Primary choice: Duggirala or Alleppey
Why: Cosmetics need good color (for product appearance) and reasonable curcumin (for activity claims). Neither Lakadong's extreme curcumin nor Sangli's economy grade makes sense.
Note: Cosmetic applications often use extracts rather than powder, which changes sourcing calculus.
For Extract Production
Primary choice: Highest curcumin available within budget
Why: Extraction efficiency directly correlates with starting curcumin content. Higher curcumin raw material yields more extract per kg processed.
Calculation: If Lakadong (8% curcumin) costs 2x Duggirala (6% curcumin), extraction economics may favor Duggirala. Do the math for your specific process.
For Spice Blends
Primary choice: Alleppey, Rajapore, or Erode
Why: Spice blends are consumed in small quantities. Ultra-high curcumin isn't necessary, but color and aroma matter for product appeal.
Blending and Adulteration
Here's something industry insiders know: much "variety" turmeric is actually blended.
Common practices:
Legal blending: Different origins mixed to achieve consistent specifications. This isn't fraud — it's standard commodity practice.
Variety claims on blends: "Alleppey type" or "Erode quality" may mean the product meets those characteristics, not that it's 100% from that origin.
Upgrading claims: Lower-grade turmeric labeled as premium origin. This is where verification matters.
How to protect yourself:
Price Trends and Market Dynamics
Turmeric prices vary significantly by variety:
Typical price ratios (relative to Sangli = 1.0):
| Variety | Price Multiplier |
|---|---|
| Sangli | 1.0x (base) |
| Erode | 1.1-1.3x |
| Rajapore | 1.1-1.3x |
| Nizamabad | 1.2-1.4x |
| Alleppey | 1.3-1.6x |
| Duggirala | 1.5-2.0x |
| Lakadong | 2.5-4.0x |
Price influencers:
What We Offer
At JJ Spices, we specialize in premium-grade turmeric:
Our focus:
We don't handle:
Why this focus: We've built expertise in our home region. We know the farmers, understand the processing, and can guarantee quality. Stretching to other varieties would compromise this.
Conclusion
Indian turmeric varieties aren't interchangeable commodities. The variety you choose affects:
Match variety to application:
And always verify. Variety claims without documentation are just marketing.
Looking for premium Duggirala-grade turmeric? Contact us at +91 94921 56789 or [email protected]. We provide full specifications and origin documentation.
Need Premium Turmeric?
JJ Spices offers wholesale turmeric with 5-7% curcumin content. Contact us for bulk pricing.
Call +91 98481 33010You May Also Like
Raw Turmeric vs Turmeric Powder: Which Should You Source?
Should you buy whole turmeric fingers and grind them yourself, or purchase ready-made powder? The answer depends on your processing capabilities, quality requirements, and business model. Here's how to decide.
Lead in Turmeric: The Hidden Danger and How We Guarantee Safety
Lead contamination in turmeric is a real problem that most buyers don't know about. Here's what's actually happening, why it matters, and how we ensure every batch we sell is 100% lead-free.
How to Find a Reliable Turmeric Supplier in India: The Complete Guide
After 25 years in the turmeric business, I've seen what separates trustworthy suppliers from problematic ones. Here's everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Ready to Source Premium Turmeric?
Get wholesale pricing on high-curcumin turmeric directly from our farms in Andhra Pradesh.