Spice
Lakadong
S tier
Lakadong is a high-curcumin landrace from Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills—deep orange rhizomes that test among the highest curcumin percentages of commercial turmeric, sometimes exceeding 7% in careful lots. Flavour is intense, slightly bitter, and highly colouring. Smallholder production and limited geography keep genuine Lakadong scarcer and pricier than bulk Erode or Sangli. Use sparingly in wellness shots, premium golden milks, and dishes where a little powder goes a long way for colour. Ideal when you want maximum curcuminoid impact without dumping spoonfuls of mild powder. Buy from traceable Meghalaya sources; the name is frequently borrowed on generic high-colour lots.
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Characteristics
Preparations
Traits
History
Jaintia Hills farmers maintained distinctive high-colour turmeric landraces.
Laboratory curcumin testing brought Lakadong national specialty attention.
Premium domestic and export demand surged for authentic Lakadong.
GI and branding efforts sought to protect Lakadong from name misuse.