Turmeric is an essential part of Indian cooking. We cannot imagine any curry, sabzi, or dal without the golden spice. It not only gives an eccentric flavour and bright colour to our recipes but also has numerous medicinal benefits. Turmeric contains various healing and anti-inflammatory properties that protect us from seasonal flu, viral, and bacterial infections. This spice is also found in a number of ayurvedic remedies, and how can we miss the powerful haldi doodh that almost every Indian has relished at least once during the winter?
Turmeric is known to have immunity-boosting power and is also beneficial for skin problems like acne and hyperpigmentation. But did you know there are more than thirty different types of turmeric varieties available in India? These varieties are differentiated by aroma, colour, quality, and, most importantly, a chemical compound called curcumin, which is responsible for the yellow colour of the spice. This magical compound is also known for its excellent medicinal properties.
Here are a few of the most popular varieties of turmeric found in India:
Lakadong
Lakadong is known as the world’s best turmeric It belongs to the Lakadong village of Meghalaya and has the highest curcumin percentage, which stands around 7 to 12%. It is found in the pristine hillocks of Lakadong village, and it is grown without any chemical fertilizers.
Alleppey
This variety is grown in a small town in Kerala called Alleppey. Just like Lakadong turmeric, it is also known for its high curcumin percentage, which is about 5. Apart from cooking, Alleppey is also used in homemade remedies and Ayurvedic medicines.
Erode
Did you know Erode turmeric received a GI tag in March 2019? Belonging to a small city in Tamil Nadu, this turmeric variety contains 3 to 4% of curcumin. Just like Alleppey, Erode turmeric is also used in various Ayurvedic remedies.
Madras
This is another type of turmeric found in the southern part of India. The most common variety in the market is Madras turmeric, which has a pale-yellow color. The curcumin in this turmeric is around 3.5% on average. It is mostly used when a bright yellow colour is required with a mild flavour.
Sangli
This is another variety of turmeric that has obtained a GI tag. Sangli belongs to the state of Maharashtra and has a curcumin content of 3.45%. It has an earthy, slightly bitter, and a little peppery flavour with a mustard-y fragrance. Sangli accounts for nearly 70% of Maharashtra’s total turmeric production.
Other Varieties
Nizamabad Bulb: This belongs to the Nizamabad of Telangana and contains 2 to 4% of curcumin on average.
Amba Haldi: Also known as mango ginger, this variety of turmeric is very popular for treating skin problems and is mostly available in the state of West Bengal.
Kasturi Manjal: Kasturi manjal is popularly known as "wild turmeric" and is widely used as a cosmetic herb in South Asia and nearby regions.