Turmeric (scientific name: Curcuma longa) is commonly known as ‘haldi’ in Hindi and is a must spice in every Indian kitchen.
Because of its brilliant yellow color, turmeric is also known as “Indian saffron.” For ages, people have been using the Indian turmeric spice as a tasty addition to their foods as well as keeping themselves fit and healthy because of the magical properties of this golden spice.
Where is Turmeric Found Globally?
Over 100 plus species of turmeric can be found worldwide. The major turmeric producers worldwide are India(82%), China (8%), Myanmar (4%), Nigeria (3%), and Bangladesh (3%).
India is by far the largest producer and exporter of turmeric in the world. This golden spice occupies about 6% of the total area under spices and condiments in India.
The Indian scenario for production as well as productivity of turmeric from 2001 to 2006 has changed drastically. It can be observed that the production has increased from 552.3 tons to 846.7 tons which is huge in number. (Source: APEDA)
India's relationship with Turmeric
The Indian holistic medical system is known such as "Ayurveda" has great ancient studies on the benefits of turmeric as a cure for a variety of ailments, including cancer.
India is in a dominant position as far as production; trade etc. of turmeric is concerned and even though India’s competitors like China, Myanmar, Nigeria, and Bangladesh are trying to make their mark in the global trade, India offers a unique blend of quality, price and consistent supply.
The main turmeric-producing states in India are Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Karnataka, West Bengal, Gujarat and Kerala. The maximum area under turmeric cultivation is in Andhra Pradesh where production is very high. Then comes Tamil Nadu, followed by Orissa and West Bengal whereas the productivity of turmeric is highest in Gujarat.
Due to their specific characteristics, many Indian varieties have received GI tagging which are as follows:
Waigaon Turmeric - Maharashtra
From a small town in Maharashtra known as 'Waigaon', the farmers employ traditional methods to ensure organic production. The GI mark enables farmers to get a premium price and establishes an export market, resulting in an increase in international demand.
However, farmers, who are the ultimate beneficiaries, must register as approved users in order to receive the benefits.
Sangli Turmeric - Maharashtra
Sangli chi halad (Sangli's turmeric) is particularly close to farmers in that district and has been recognized for 150 years. It had been a long-standing demand of Sangli farmers as Sangli's medicinal turmeric accounts for about 70% of the state's entire production.
Erode Manjal (Erode Turmeric) - Tamil Nadu
In its claim for uniqueness, the application said the mean length of the fingers of Erode turmeric was about 4.15cm and the mean circumference was about 3.03cm.
The manjal is slimmer and has a higher curcumin concentration (about 3.9%).
The area's loamy red and black soil is thought to be responsible for the distinctive bright yellow color, as well as the sweet taste.
Kandhamal Haladi - Odisha
In the southern plains of Odisha, the region of Kandhamal is known for its turmeric, a spice that occupies a special position in many different cuisines.
It is also known for its therapeutic qualities and unique scent.
Can We Use Turmeric as a Whole or Should We First Process it?
You can use some raw turmeric to grind the turmeric into turmeric powder and give your meal a booster shot. However, at an industrial level, Turmeric is converted into several value-added products such as primary products like dried rhizome & turmeric powder; and secondary products like turmeric essential oils, curcumin, and turmeric oleoresins.
Turmeric extract can be extracted using CO2 extraction or SCFE procedure which provides us with the purest form of turmeric oil while curcumin, an isolate of Turmeric can specifically be extracted through the solvent extraction process.
Turmeric essential oil, turmeric oleoresin and turmeric essential oil have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
How are turmeric, Turmeric oil, and turmeric extract used by industries around the world? (Click this for a quick summary)
Turmeric Extracts
Curcumin, Turmeric Extract, naturally occurring in the rhizome of turmeric, is an extract of turmeric and is the key component in cancer prevention, neurodegenerative diseases, and gastrointestinal diseases.
The component that gives makes turmeric into gold is polyphenol curcumin, giving the strong yellow pigment as well as acting as a key antioxidant. It is often used as a dietary supplement for a variety of conditions including arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, liver disease, depression, and many others.
Turmeric Oil
Turmeric oil has many benefits and is often used as an antioxidant. It is a great amalgamation of properties like
Anti-allergic
Anti-bacterial
Anti-microbial
Anti-fungal
Turmeric oil amplifies immune activity and facilitates a positive response. It also helps to promote positive emotions and increased energy. The essence of turmeric brightens skin by eliminating excess skin oil resulting in minimizing the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles.
Simultaneously it boosts skin resiliency and moisturizes to improve the suppleness and firmness of the skin.
Why is Sourcing Indian Turmeric Products Challenging?
Sourcing Indian Turmeric or “Golden Spice” is a great import opportunity for various industries thanks to India’s huge production, distinct quality, and affordable prices. However, A few challenges that one might face while importing turmeric/turmeric oil/curcumin from the Indian market are as follows:
Importers might not receive the original GI tagged or organic produce despite paying heavily for them.
Improper extraction practices are followed by some producers and ultimately if the storage conditions are inappropriate, it might lead to oxidation of oils which leads to a change in the quality of the product.
Many times adulteration with metanil yellow or lead chromate is witnessed to enhance the color of the product. For profitability, many vendors mix the turmeric oil with low-value products such as vegetable oils or synthesize the oil chemically.
Allow Us To Be Your One-Point Sourcing Contact
We at Innoveo Exports try to provide the purest quality products to our customers by reaching out to the most trustworthy farmers & manufacturers for the raw ingredients who provide us with the most authentic produce. We are also joining hands with various research institutes which help us with the latest technological advancements both during cultivation as well as for the extraction process. Finally, our product undergoes a complete quality check before the dispatch of every lot.
Allow us to give you a taste of the wonder spice of the Indian kitchen.
To view more information about the product, click here.
Contact us at info@innoveoexports.com for more information.
Frequently Asked Question about Turmeric
Turmeric and Black Pepper – The Best Duo?
Turmeric and black pepper both contain the chemicals curcumin and piperine, which have health advantages. They have amazing properties to cure, heal, treat and soothe.
Piperine boosts curcumin absorption in the body, therefore combining the spices amplifies their effects. They may help to reduce inflammation and improve digestion, especially when taken as a supplement. This mixture of turmeric and black pepper, when consumed in tiny amounts, can help to enhance gut health and digestion.
Are Turmeric Supplements Safe?
Small dosages of this golden spice appear to be safe in studies, but excessive doses or long-term use may produce Gastrointestinal difficulties in some people. It is advisable to take a small amount of turmeric powder so that it would balance out everything. Sayers uses 1/2 - 1.5 teaspoons per day of the dried root powder, certified organic and this amount is considered to be a safe one. Otherwise, in any case, you think there is a need to release pain and inflammation, we kindly suggest you take advice from your doctor.
Quick Facts
Turmeric is a spice that is used to flavor and color foodstuff.
Turmeric oleoresin is utilized in brine pickles, mayonnaise, and relish utilized in, formulations, non-alcoholic beverages, gelatins, butter, and cheese, among other things.
Curcumin, a color produced from turmeric, is used as a coloring agent.
Turmeric is frequently utilized in the textile sector as a dye.
It's used to make therapeutic oils, ointments, and poultices.
It's an antibacterial, stomachic, carminative, tonic, blood purifier, and tonic.
It's a common ingredient in cosmetics.
Pesticidal effects of the aqueous extracts.
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