Indian coriander seed is graded mainly by colour, then by size, splits and cleanliness. Greener seed sells for more. Brownish seed is cheaper and widely used for grinding.
The trade uses names such as Eagle, Scooter and Badami for colour grades, plus machine-cleaned and sortex grades for purity. These names are not legal standards, so define each one in your contract.
Where it comes from
Coriander is a winter crop grown mainly in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, harvested roughly February to April. Ramganj Mandi in Rajasthan is a major coriander market, and Gujarat markets also trade it. Coriander futures have traded on NCDEX, and traders watch them as a price signal.
Colour grades
- Eagle and Scooter: greener grades, with brighter colour and usually bolder seed. Suppliers do not all rank these two the same way, so compare samples rather than assume.
- Badami: a brownish or khaki grade, named after the colour of almonds. It is common for grinding into powder and for blends.
- Parrot or green grades: some suppliers use these names for the greenest lots.
Size, splits and purity
Coriander seed is round and splits easily into two halves. Whole seed is preferred for retail and some processing. A high share of splits is usually allowed in grinding grades.
- Bold and medium seed: sorted by size, with bold seed for whole use.
- Split coriander: halves sold separately, often for grinding or as dhana dal after roasting.
- Machine-cleaned: sieved, aspirated and de-stoned.
- Sortex-cleaned: also colour sorted, for higher purity and appearance.
Indian versus other origins
Indian coriander is mostly the small-fruited type with a strong aroma, favoured in curry powders and Indian cooking. Its higher volatile oil is one reason grinders like it. Some buyers in Europe and elsewhere use larger, milder coriander from other origins for certain products. Check which type your recipe expects before switching origin, and run a small trial batch with the new seed before you commit to a full container.
What to put in the spec
Agree colour against a sealed approved sample. Then add numbers for purity, splits, moisture, volatile oil and admixture. Typical figures vary by grade, so take them from your own use and market, not from a supplier's leaflet.
For the EU and other strict markets, add pesticide residue limits and a clear "no ethylene oxide treatment" clause, with testing for ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol. The guide on ETO treatment and EU rejections explains why. Our article on Eagle, Badami and Scooter coriander looks at the colour grades more closely.
How we help
We source coriander from processors who clean and sort in their own plants, compare colour grades side by side and test sealed samples at NABL-accredited labs. To match a grade to your use, ask for a free sourcing review.