The short answer
Indian coriander seed is sold under trade names that describe its colour, size and cleanliness. Eagle is a bold, bright, well-cleaned seed; Badami is a more brownish, almond-coloured seed; Parrot grades are the greenest, with Double Parrot greener than Single Parrot. Greener, whole, unsplit seed generally means fresher aroma and a higher price.
Where Indian coriander comes from
India grows more coriander seed than any other country, and Rajasthan grows the most of all. Its heartland is the Hadoti region around Kota, where Ramganj Mandi grew into one of Asia’s largest coriander markets.
The trade names, compared
| Trade name | What it describes | Typically used for |
|---|---|---|
| Eagle | Bold, bright seed, well cleaned | Whole seed and good-quality ground coriander |
| Badami | Brownish, almond-coloured seed | Grinding and blends where colour matters less |
| Single Parrot | Greenish seed with good colour | Premium whole and ground coriander |
| Double Parrot | The greenest seed | Top-quality whole seed and premium blends |
Trade names can vary between markets and seasons, so we agree the description, a sample and the specification with you in writing before every order.
Colour, splits and aroma
Coriander’s fresh, citrus-like scent comes from its aromatic oils, mainly linalool. Whole, unsplit seeds hold that aroma better than split ones, and a natural greenish-gold colour, without dull or discoloured seed, is a sign of good handling after harvest.
What to put in your coriander specification
- Grade or trade name, backed by an agreed sample
- Maximum split seeds
- Colour: greenish-gold, with a limit on discoloured seed
- Maximum dust, stems and foreign matter (machine-cleaned)
- Maximum moisture
- Whole seed, or ground to a stated mesh size
- Testing your market requires, and packing such as 10, 25 or 50 lb bags
Questions buyers ask
Which coriander grade is best?
It depends on use. Greener Parrot grades and bright Eagle seed suit whole-seed and premium products; Badami is a practical choice for grinding.
Why do split seeds matter?
Split seeds lose their aromatic oils faster, so a lower split percentage keeps the flavour fresher for longer.
Can I see a sample before ordering?
Yes. Grade names vary, so we recommend agreeing on a sample. Tell us the grade and use, and we’ll confirm what we can send.