Most Popular Types of Turmeric You Should Know and Try
Turmeric, also known as haldi in Hindi, is more than just a common yellow spice found in every Indian kitchen. Often called the “Golden Spice of India”, turmeric comes in many different varieties, each with its own distinct flavor, aroma, and health benefits. From boosting immunity and supporting digestion to enhancing skin health, every type of turmeric has something unique to offer.
Understanding the types of turmeric not only helps you pick the best one for cooking, ayurvedic remedies, or skincare, but also ensures you get maximum nutrition and wellness benefits. In this blog, we’ll explore the popular turmeric varieties in India and their special uses.
What Makes Different Types of Turmeric Unique?
The main difference between turmeric varieties lies in their curcumin content – the active compound responsible for turmeric’s bright yellow color and amazing health benefits. While regular turmeric contains 2-3% curcumin, premium varieties can contain up to 9% or more (Source: Nature’s Box, TNAU Agricultural University).
The botanical name of turmeric is Curcuma longa, and scientists have identified over 133 species of Curcuma worldwide (Source: Turmeric Zone research). Different growing conditions, soil types, and climate create these distinct varieties with varying curcumin levels, colors, and therapeutic properties.
Premium High-Curcumin Turmeric Varieties
1. Lakadong Turmeric – The World’s Finest
Lakadong turmeric is considered the world’s premium turmeric variety, grown exclusively in the remote hills of Meghalaya, Northeast India. This extraordinary variety contains 7-9% curcumin content, making it nearly three times more potent than regular turmeric (Source: TNAU Agricultural Research, Daily Farmer).
Key Features of Lakadong Turmeric:
- Highest curcumin content globally (7-9%)
- Bright yellowish-orange color
- Strong earthy flavor with fruity aroma
- Grown using traditional organic methods
- Excellent for medicinal and skincare uses
Experience the power of authentic Lakadong Turmeric directly sourced from Meghalaya farmers, available at AmalFarm with guaranteed high curcumin content.
2. Waigaon Turmeric – GI Tag Excellence
Waigaon turmeric from Maharashtra holds a prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognizing its superior quality. This variety contains 6.24% curcumin by weight, well above the standard range, making it excellent for both culinary and medicinal purposes (Source: Village Square, Spices Board of India).
Benefits of Waigaon Turmeric:
- GI tag certified authenticity
- 6.24% curcumin content
- Traditionally shade-dried for better quality
- Rich golden color and strong aroma
- Perfect for daily cooking and health drinks
Get authentic Waigaon Turmeric with GI certification at AmalFarm, ensuring you receive the genuine variety with maximum health benefits.
A Complete List of Turmeric Types Found in India
| Turmeric Variety | State/Region | Curcumin Content | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakadong | Meghalaya | 7-9% | World’s highest curcumin content |
| Waigaon | Maharashtra | 6.24% | GI tag, shade-dried |
| Alleppey | Kerala | 4-7% | Popular in US, high essential oils |
| Salem Local | Tamil Nadu | 4.75% | Long fingers, rich curcumin |
| Erode Local | Tamil Nadu | 3.9% | High yield, market favorite |
| Madras | Tamil Nadu | 2% | Intense yellow color |
| Rajapore | Maharashtra | 3-4% | Bright hard rhizomes |
| Sangli | Maharashtra | 3-4% | Commercial variety |
| Nizamabad Bulb | Telangana | 2-3% | Bulbous shape |
| Duggirala | Andhra Pradesh | 3-4% | Long smooth fingers |
| Roma | Odisha | 4-5% | High medicinal value |
| Suroma | Odisha | 4.5-5% | Premium quality |
| Rashmi | Odisha | 4-5% | Rich aroma |
Regional Types of Turmeric in India and Their Differences
Why Different States Produce Different Quality Turmeric:
Northeast India (Meghalaya): The hilly climate and organic soil produce Lakadong turmeric with the world’s highest curcumin content (7-9%). The cool weather and traditional farming methods create this premium variety.
Maharashtra: Known for Waigaon (6.24% curcumin) and commercial varieties like Rajapore and Sangli. The state’s black soil and moderate climate produce good quality turmeric with GI tag recognition.
Kerala: Alleppey turmeric (4-7% curcumin) is famous worldwide because of Kerala’s coastal climate and high rainfall. This variety has more essential oils (3-5.5%), giving it a stronger aroma that Americans prefer.
Tamil Nadu: The state produces two main types:
- Salem local (4.75% curcumin) – grown in hilly areas, has longer fingers and higher medicinal value
- Erode local (3.9% curcumin) – grown in plains, gives high yield (30-32 tons per hectare) and is popular in Indian markets
Why This Matters for You: Higher curcumin content means better health benefits, stronger color, and more medicinal properties. That’s why premium varieties like Lakadong and Waigaon cost more but give better results for health and cooking.
Special Varieties of Turmeric and Their Uses
1. Black Turmeric (Curcuma Caesia)
This rare variety is blue-black in color and considered endangered. Black turmeric has shown antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties in research studies. It’s primarily used in traditional medicine and religious ceremonies (Source: Turmeric Zone research).
2. White Turmeric (Curcuma Zedoaria)
Also called “Zedoaria,” this variety is used in traditional medicine for treating digestive issues. Despite its white color, it still contains beneficial curcumin and essential oils (Source: Scientific research citations).
3. Wild Turmeric (Curcuma Aromatica)
Known as “Jangli Haldi,” this variety has a unique scent and is primarily used in cosmetics and traditional medicine rather than cooking.
How Soil and Growing Conditions Affect Turmeric Quality
The quality of turmeric greatly depends on growing conditions:
- Dark red soil: Produces deeper yellow color, higher curcumin, protein, and iron content
- Gray soil: Results in higher calcium, potassium, and magnesium but lower curcumin
- Altitude: Can be grown up to 1,600 meters above sea level
- Temperature: Thrives in a 20-40°C range
- Rainfall: Requires approximately 1,500mm annual rainfall
Which Turmeric Variety Should You Use?
For Maximum Health Benefits
Choose high-curcumin varieties like Lakadong (7-9%) or Waigaon (6.24%) for:
- Anti-inflammatory support
- Immune system boosting
- Joint pain relief
- Antioxidant benefits
For Daily Cooking
Varieties like Alleppey, Erode, or Salem work well for:
- Curry preparations
- Rice dishes
- Dal and vegetable cooking
- Turmeric milk (golden milk)
For Skincare
Kasturi and Kesari varieties are specifically cultivated for cosmetic purposes and skin care applications.
(No matter which type of turmeric you choose or for what purpose, it will always bring beneficial value to your health and lifestyle.)
Key Factors to Check Before Buying Turmeric
Look for these signs of premium quality turmeric:
- Bright yellow-orange color (indicates higher curcumin)
- Clean, smooth skin on fresh rhizomes
- Strong aromatic fragrance
- Uniform color throughout
- Proper certifications (organic, GI tag)
- Trusted source with clear origin information
Benefits of Using Different Varieties of Turmeric
All turmeric varieties offer similar health benefits, but the intensity varies with curcumin content:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Reduces inflammation in the body
- Antioxidant effects: Fights free radicals and oxidative stress
- Digestive support: Aids digestion and gut health
- Immunity boost: Strengthens natural immune responses
- Skin health: Promotes healthy, glowing skin
- Joint support: May help with arthritis and joint pain
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of turmeric helps you make informed choices for your health and culinary needs. While there are over 50 varieties of turmeric, premium options like Lakadong and Waigaon turmeric offer superior curcumin content and maximum health benefits.
Whether you’re looking for the world’s finest Lakadong turmeric or the GI-tagged excellence of Waigaon variety, choosing authentic, high-quality turmeric makes all the difference in your cooking and wellness journey.
Ready to experience the difference? Explore our collection of premium authentic turmeric varieties at Amalfarm, sourced directly from certified farms across India.