Turmeric (haldi) is a kitchen essential in every Indian household. But not all turmeric is the same. The bright yellow pack you buy from the supermarket often comes from mass-produced turmeric varieties with moderate curcumin levels. In contrast, Lakadong turmeric from Meghalaya is a heritage spice with naturally high curcumin, making it one of the most powerful turmeric varieties in the world.
If you’ve ever wondered why Lakadong is priced higher than regular turmeric, the answer lies in its curcumin content and authenticity.
What is Lakadong Turmeric?
Lakadong turmeric grows in the Lakadong region of West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Recognised with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, it is strictly linked to its place of origin.
- Curcumin Content: 6.8–7.5% (among the highest in the world)
- Colour: Deep golden-orange
- Flavour: Bold, earthy, slightly bitter
- Best For: Golden milk, herbal teas, immunity blends, medicinal use, occasional curries
- Why Special: Limited production, high potency, and traditional sun-drying/stone-grinding methods preserve its richness.
What is Regular Turmeric?
“Regular turmeric” usually refers to the generic turmeric powder sold in supermarkets and grocery shops. These powders often come from high-yield regions like Salem or Erode (Tamil Nadu) or are blended from different sources.
- Curcumin Content: 2–3% (moderate)
- Colour: Bright yellow
- Flavour: Mild, smooth, non-bitter
- Best For: Daily curries, dals, sabzis, sambhar, rasam
- Why Common: Affordable, widely available, suitable for everyday cooking without overpowering flavour.
Lakadong vs Regular Turmeric: Key Differences
| Feature | Lakadong Turmeric (Meghalaya) | Regular Turmeric (Supermarket) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Lakadong, West Jaintia Hills (GI-tagged) | Blends from Salem, Erode, or other regions |
| Curcumin Content | 6.8–7.5% (very high) | 2–3% (moderate) |
| Colour | Deep golden-orange | Bright yellow |
| Flavour | Earthy, bold, slightly bitter | Mild, smooth, balanced |
| Best Use | Wellness drinks, supplements, medicinal uses | Everyday curries, dals, sambhar |
| Price | Premium (limited production) | Affordable, mass-produced |
Why Curcumin Matters
Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric responsible for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Lakadong turmeric has up to 3x more curcumin than regular turmeric, making it especially valuable for wellness drinks, immunity, and inflammation support.
- Regular turmeric still adds colour and mild flavour, but its lower curcumin means fewer medicinal benefits compared to Lakadong.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Lakadong turmeric if your focus is wellness, golden milk, herbal teas, or medicinal use. Its high curcumin makes it more potent for immunity and healing.
- Choose regular turmeric for everyday curries, sambhar, rasam, and stir-fries where you want aroma, colour, and balance without strong bitterness.
👉 Many mindful kitchens keep both:
- Lakadong for wellness shots and immunity blends.
- Regular turmeric for daily cooking.
Buying Tips
- Lakadong: Look for GI-certified packs, curcumin percentage (6.8–7.5%), and origin label “Lakadong, Meghalaya.”
- Regular turmeric: Buy from trusted brands, check FSSAI labels, and avoid overly cheap powders that may be adulterated.
Conclusion
Lakadong and regular turmeric both have their place in the Indian kitchen. While regular turmeric is affordable and ideal for daily curries, Lakadong turmeric is a nutritional powerhouse with high curcumin, making it perfect for wellness and immunity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why is Lakadong turmeric more expensive than regular turmeric?
Because it has higher curcumin content, limited production, and is GI-tagged, making it premium compared to mass-produced supermarket turmeric.
Q2. Can Lakadong turmeric be used for everyday cooking?
Yes, but use in smaller quantities (¼–½ tsp) as it is stronger and slightly bitter. Most households keep it for wellness drinks while using regular turmeric for daily curries.
Q3. How do I know if I’m buying genuine Lakadong?
Check for GI certification, mention of “Lakadong, West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya” on the pack, and curcumin percentage (6.8–7.5%).
Q4. Is regular turmeric unhealthy?
Not at all. Regular turmeric still offers antioxidants, colour, and flavour. It simply has less curcumin than Lakadong, so the wellness benefits are lower.