Turmeric from India: Erode vs Salem, curcumin, polished vs unpolished
Short answer: most export turmeric from India is finger turmeric traded at Erode and Salem in Tamil Nadu, under HS 0910.30. Buyers choose by curcumin content, colour and finish (polished or unpolished). Curcumin varies by variety and lot, so it is confirmed by a lab test, not by the variety name alone.
India's turmeric exports rose 51% in value to $341 million in FY25 (April 2024 to March 2025) (India Seatrade News).
What is the difference between Erode and Salem turmeric?
Both are finger turmeric from Tamil Nadu, named after the markets where they trade. Erode turmeric is the larger trading hub and holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Salem turmeric is known for bold fingers and bright colour. In practice buyers compare lots on curcumin, colour, finger size and moisture rather than on the market name.
What does curcumin content mean?
Curcumin is the compound that gives turmeric its yellow colour and much of its value for food, colour extraction and supplements. Higher curcumin lots usually cost more. Ask for curcumin by a stated test method on the lot COA, and agree a minimum in the contract if it matters for your use.
Polished or unpolished?
| Finish | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Polished | Fingers rubbed to remove the rough outer skin, smoother and brighter | Retail whole fingers, grinding for bright powder |
| Unpolished | Boiled and dried, skin left on | Grinding units, price-led buyers |
Turmeric is boiled, sun-dried and then optionally polished before sale. Moisture is usually held at 10% or below.
Typical export specification
| Parameter | Typical value |
|---|---|
| HS code | 0910.30 (whole and powder) |
| Origin | Erode, Salem (Tamil Nadu) |
| Curcumin | 2% – 5%, by lot |
| Moisture | 10% or below |
| Packing | 25 / 50 kg bags |
| Container | ~18 MT in a 20′ FCL, bagged |
When does new crop arrive?
Turmeric is harvested from roughly January to March, and new-crop fingers reach the Erode market through spring. Price direction for the year is often set around those arrivals.
Buying in India?
Restaurants, caterers and masala units can buy whole fingers or powder in 1 kg to 25 kg packs with a GST invoice. See turmeric specifications or request a quote.