Haldi (Turmeric)

Turmeric, basically a tropical plant of ginger family is the rhizome or underground stem, with a rough, segmented skin. The length of main rhizome is approximately 2.5 - 7 cm (1 - 3 inches) in length with a diameter of 2.5 cm (1 inch), with smaller tubers branching off. The color of rhizome is yellowish-brown with a dull orange interior and color of powder is bright yellow.
India is today the largest exporter of turmeric to discerning countries like the Middle East, the UK, USA and Japan. Some of the well-accepted varieties are: 'Alleppey Finger' and 'Erode turmeric' (from Tamil Nadu), 'Rajapore' and 'Sangli turmeric' (from Maharashtra) and 'Nizamabad Bulb' (from Andhra Pradesh). India also exports turmeric in powder form and as oleoresin.