Turmeric Curcumin Content by Origin

Curcumin by origin

Curcumin is the yellow curcuminoid that gives turmeric its colour and its nutraceutical value. It is reported as a percentage of the dried rhizome and is the single figure that most separates one turmeric origin from another on price.

Origin map

• —Erode in Tamil Nadu is known as the "Turmeric City" and holds the GI Erode Manjal. Sangli in Maharashtra is a major turmeric market; Nizamabad in Telangana moves high-volume bulb turmeric.
• —Alleppey "finger" is a traded grade, not a Geographical Indication. The Alleppey GI is green cardamom. The GI turmerics are Erode, Sangli, Waigaon and Kandhamal.
• —Export finger turmeric is typically held at moisture of 12% or below to protect colour and suppress mould.

Adulteration to screen for

Lead chromate, an illegal yellow brightener, has been found used to lift the apparent colour of low-curcumin turmeric. Heavy-metal testing on incoming lots is the control. Buy on a lab-reported curcumin figure, not on visual brightness.

Frequently asked

Which Indian turmeric has the highest curcumin?

Alleppey-type finger turmeric, at 4-6% curcumin, is the high-colour grade. Erode runs 2.5-3% and Nizamabad bulb 1.5-2.25%.

Is Alleppey turmeric a GI?

No. Alleppey finger is a traded grade. The GI turmerics are Erode, Sangli, Waigaon and Kandhamal; the Alleppey GI itself covers green cardamom.