Coriander seed grades explained: Eagle, Scooter and Badami
Indian coriander is traded by colour and seed size. The grade name tells a buyer how the seed will look in a retail pack and how bright the powder will be. Most export coriander comes from Rajasthan, traded at Kota and Ramganj Mandi.
The three common grades
| Grade | Appearance | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Eagle | Bold seed, bright green | Retail whole-seed packs, premium powder |
| Scooter | Green-yellow, medium | Everyday powder, food service, blends |
| Badami | Brownish | Grinding where colour matters less, price-led buyers |
Greener seed usually costs more because it gives a brighter powder and looks fresher in a clear pack. Colour comes from the crop and how it was dried. Sorting improves consistency but cannot turn a Badami lot green.
Typical export specification
| Parameter | Typical value |
|---|---|
| HS code | 0909.21 (whole) |
| Purity | 98% – 99% |
| Moisture | 10% or below |
| Form | Whole or split |
| Packing | 25 / 50 kg PP or jute bags |
Coriander is very light. A 20′ container holds only about 10.5 MT bagged, so freight is a bigger share of landed cost than for cumin. Plan loads with our container planner.
Choosing a grade
- Spice brands selling whole seed: Eagle, sortexed. Ask for photos of the actual lot.
- Masala and powder units: Scooter usually gives the best colour for the price.
- Restaurants and caterers in India: Scooter or Eagle in 5 kg or 25 kg packs, on a fixed weekly price. See wholesale buying tips.
What to put in the contract
Write the grade, purity, moisture and split-seed allowance into the contract, and ask for a pre-shipment sample. The lab COA for the lot should match the contract figures.
See full coriander specifications or get a quote.