Turmeric Industry Glossary
Comprehensive reference of 60+ terms used in turmeric trade, quality testing, shipping, and certifications. Essential knowledge for buyers and importers.
Turmeric & Curcumin
13 terms
Turmeric
A flowering plant (Curcuma longa) of the ginger family, native to South Asia. The rhizomes are harvested and processed into powder, used as a spice, dye, and traditional medicine.
Curcumin
The primary bioactive compound in turmeric, responsible for its yellow color and most health properties. Chemical formula: C₂₁H₂₀O₆. Typically comprises 2-7% of turmeric by weight.
Curcuminoids
A group of compounds in turmeric including curcumin (diferuloylmethane), demethoxycurcumin (DMC), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC). Together they constitute the "total curcuminoids" content.
Demethoxycurcumin (DMC)
The second most abundant curcuminoid in turmeric, typically 15-20% of total curcuminoids. Has similar properties to curcumin but slightly different molecular structure.
Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC)
The third curcuminoid in turmeric, typically 3-5% of total curcuminoids. The simplest curcuminoid molecule.
Rhizome
The underground horizontal stem of the turmeric plant from which roots and shoots grow. This is the part harvested and processed into turmeric products.
Finger
A single, elongated piece of dried turmeric rhizome. Raw turmeric is often sold as "fingers" before grinding.
Bulb
The main, rounded central portion of the turmeric rhizome from which fingers extend. Also called "mother rhizome."
Oleoresin
A concentrated extract of turmeric obtained using solvents. Contains curcuminoids and volatile oils. Used in food coloring and pharmaceutical applications.
Volatile Oil
The aromatic essential oil in turmeric, contributing to its distinctive smell. Contains turmerone, ar-turmerone, and other terpenes. Typically 3-5% in quality turmeric.
Curcuma longa
The scientific (Latin) name for turmeric. "Curcuma" refers to the genus, "longa" means long, referring to the elongated rhizome shape.
Haldi
The Hindi name for turmeric. Also spelled "Haridra" in Sanskrit. Used commonly in Indian trade and cuisine.
Manjal
The Tamil/South Indian name for turmeric. Used in trade discussions with South Indian suppliers.
Quality & Testing
17 terms
COA (Certificate of Analysis)
A document from an accredited laboratory certifying that a product batch meets specified quality parameters. Includes test results for curcumin content, moisture, heavy metals, etc.
Curcumin Content
The percentage of curcumin in turmeric by weight. Standard turmeric: 2-3%. Premium turmeric: 5-7%. Measured by UV spectrophotometry or HPLC.
Moisture Content
The percentage of water in turmeric. Acceptable range for powder: ≤10%. High moisture leads to mold growth and reduced shelf life.
Total Ash
The inorganic residue remaining after complete combustion of turmeric at 550°C. Indicates mineral content and potential contamination. Standard limit: ≤7%.
Acid Insoluble Ash
The portion of ash that doesn't dissolve in hydrochloric acid. Indicates sand, earth, or silica contamination. Standard limit: ≤1.5%.
Mesh Size
The fineness of turmeric powder, measured by the number of openings per linear inch in a sieve. Common sizes: 60 mesh (standard), 80 mesh (fine), 100 mesh (extra fine).
Heavy Metals
Toxic metallic elements (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury) that must be below safety limits. Lead is particularly concerning in turmeric due to historical adulteration.
Aflatoxins
Toxic compounds produced by Aspergillus mold that can contaminate improperly stored spices. Types B1, B2, G1, G2. Total limit typically ≤10-20 ppb.
TPC (Total Plate Count)
A measure of total viable aerobic bacteria in a sample. Expressed as CFU/g (Colony Forming Units per gram). Standard limit: ≤100,000 CFU/g.
CFU (Colony Forming Units)
Unit of measurement for viable bacteria or fungi. Used in microbiological testing. Lower CFU indicates cleaner product.
ppm (Parts Per Million)
Unit of concentration equal to 1 mg per kg. Used for heavy metals and some contaminants. 1 ppm = 0.0001%.
ppb (Parts Per Billion)
Unit of concentration equal to 1 µg per kg. Used for aflatoxins and trace contaminants. 1 ppb = 0.0000001%.
HPLC
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. An analytical technique used to separate, identify, and quantify individual curcuminoids. Most accurate method for curcumin analysis.
UV Spectrophotometry
A technique measuring light absorption at specific wavelengths (425nm for curcumin). Used for routine curcumin content analysis.
ICP-MS
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Highly sensitive technique for detecting trace heavy metals at ppb levels.
MRL (Maximum Residue Limit)
The maximum concentration of pesticide residue legally permitted in food products. Varies by country and pesticide type.
Adulteration
The addition of inferior, harmful, or cheaper substances to a product. Common turmeric adulterants include lead chromate, metanil yellow, starch, and chalk.
Trade & Shipping
13 terms
FOB (Free On Board)
Incoterm where the seller delivers goods onto a vessel at the named port. Risk transfers to buyer once goods are on board. Seller pays for export clearance.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)
Incoterm where the seller pays for shipping and insurance to the destination port. Risk transfers at origin port, but seller covers transport costs.
Ex-Works (EXW)
Incoterm where goods are made available at the seller's premises. Buyer handles all transport and export formalities.
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
The smallest quantity a supplier will sell. For JJ Spices turmeric: typically 1 MT for powder/raw, 100 kg for extract.
MT (Metric Ton)
Unit of weight equal to 1,000 kg or approximately 2,205 lbs. Standard unit for bulk spice trading.
FCL (Full Container Load)
A shipping container used exclusively for one shipment. 20ft container: 12-14 MT turmeric. 40ft container: 24-26 MT turmeric.
LCL (Less than Container Load)
Consolidated shipping where multiple shippers share container space. Cost calculated per CBM (cubic meter). Suitable for smaller orders.
B/L (Bill of Lading)
A legal document issued by the carrier acknowledging receipt of cargo for shipment. Serves as contract of carriage and receipt of goods.
LC (Letter of Credit)
A bank guarantee of payment to the seller upon presentation of compliant shipping documents. Common in international trade for buyer/seller protection.
TT (Telegraphic Transfer)
Direct bank-to-bank wire transfer payment method. Common for advance payments and trusted buyer relationships.
HS Code
Harmonized System code - an international 6-digit classification for traded goods. Turmeric codes: 0910.30.10 (whole), 0910.30.20 (ground).
Phytosanitary Certificate
A government-issued document certifying that plant products are free from pests and diseases. Required for most agricultural exports.
Certificate of Origin
A document declaring where goods were manufactured or produced. Required for customs and may affect duty rates under trade agreements.
Certifications & Compliance
14 terms
FSSAI
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The regulatory body for food safety in India. FSSAI license is mandatory for all food businesses in India.
APEDA
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. Indian government body promoting agricultural exports. Registration required for spice exporters.
NPOP
National Programme for Organic Production. India's organic certification standard, recognized by EU and other importing countries.
USDA Organic
United States Department of Agriculture organic certification. Required for products marketed as organic in the US.
EU Organic
European Union organic certification under Regulation (EU) 2018/848. Required for organic products sold in EU member states.
JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard)
Japan's organic and quality certification system. Required for organic products exported to Japan.
ISO 9001:2015
International quality management system standard. Demonstrates systematic quality control processes.
ISO 22000
Food safety management system standard. Integrates HACCP principles with quality management.
HACCP
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points. A systematic approach to food safety identifying and controlling biological, chemical, and physical hazards.
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
Guidelines for production, testing, and quality assurance to ensure products are consistently produced and controlled.
FDA
Food and Drug Administration (US). Regulates food imports to the United States. Prior Notice required for all food shipments to US.
NABL
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories. Indian accreditation body for laboratories. NABL-accredited labs are preferred for COA.
Kosher
Certification that food products comply with Jewish dietary laws. Some international buyers require Kosher certification.
Halal
Certification that products comply with Islamic dietary laws. Important for exports to Middle East and Muslim-majority countries.
Packaging & Storage
10 terms
PP Bag
Polypropylene woven bag. Standard packaging for bulk turmeric powder (25 kg). Usually includes inner PE liner for moisture protection.
PE Liner
Polyethylene inner liner placed inside bags or containers. Provides moisture barrier and protects product integrity.
FIBC (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container)
Large industrial bags for bulk materials, also called "jumbo bags" or "big bags." Capacity: 500 kg to 2 MT.
HDPE Drum
High-Density Polyethylene container. Used for premium products and extracts. Provides excellent moisture and contamination protection.
CBM (Cubic Meter)
Unit of volume used in shipping. LCL freight is typically priced per CBM. 1 CBM = 1m × 1m × 1m.
Shelf Life
The period during which a product remains fit for use. Turmeric powder shelf life: typically 24 months when properly stored.
Private Label
Products manufactured by one company and sold under another company's brand. JJ Spices offers private labeling with 1 MT MOQ.
Bulk Density
The mass of powder per unit volume, including air spaces. Affects packaging volume and shipping costs. Turmeric powder: ~0.5 g/ml.
Fumigation
Treatment with gas (typically methyl bromide or phosphine) to eliminate pests. Some countries require fumigation certificates for imports.
Cold Storage
Temperature-controlled storage facility. Not typically required for dried turmeric but important for fresh turmeric and some extracts.
Quick Reference Facts
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