How to read export grades for Indian cumin, turmeric and red chilli — purity, curcumin content, SHU heat and ASTA colour — and what to specify when you request a quote.
Grade names such as "Europe Grade" or "Teja" mean little unless you know what number sits behind them. Below are the grades we list for three of the most requested Indian spices, and the measure each one is judged on. Figures are typical ranges and are confirmed against the specification for each lot.
| Grade | Typical purity | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Europe Grade | 99.5% | Buyers with strict cleanliness requirements |
| FAQ / Singapore Grade | 97–98% | General trade; further cleaned by the buyer |
| Sortex Extra Clean | 99.9% | Premium retail and processing |
Purity is the share of cumin seed in the lot; the remainder is stems, stones and foreign matter. Higher purity usually means more machine cleaning and a higher price.
| Grade | Typical curcumin | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Finger, standard (Nizamabad / Erode) | about 2% | Widely traded, polished finger |
| Rajapore special finger | about 3% | Bold, premium finger |
| Alleppey finger | 5% and above | High-curcumin, popular for extracts and colour |
Curcumin is the colouring and active compound. Ask for a lab report, and confirm that the lot is free of lead chromate, an adulterant sometimes used to brighten colour.
| Variety | Heat (SHU) | Colour (ASTA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sannam S4 | 25,000–35,000 | Medium |
| Teja | 65,000–100,000+ | Medium |
| Byadgi | Mild to medium | 150–200+ |
| Kashmiri | 1,000–5,000 | High, mild heat |
SHU (Scoville Heat Units) measures pungency. ASTA colour value measures the red pigment. If you want colour without heat, look at Byadgi and Kashmiri; if you want heat, look at Teja.
Browse the spices range or send us your specification and we will confirm what we can supply.
Product, quantity, destination port. We reply within 8 business hours and quote within 48.