- Moisture (max)
- 5.0% per IS 5452:2008; 5.0-6.0% commonly contracted in trade; 8.0% permitted under ISO 5560:1997
- Total ash (max, dry basis)
- 5.5% (IS 5452:2008, ISO 5560:1997); 4.0% commonly contracted in trade (VAD Industries)
- Colour
- White to pale cream per IS 5452:2008 and ISO 5560:1997; commercially off-white to light yellow (Joshi Foods)
- Odour and flavour
- Marked, pungent, characteristic of the cultivar; free from mouldy, rancid, fermented or burnt notes (IS 5452:2008, ISO 5560:1997)
- Volatile oil (min, dry basis)
- 0.3% (IS 5452:2008); ISO 5560:1997 equivalent, volatile organic sulphur compounds min 0.3% dry basis
- Cold water soluble extract (dry basis)
- 70.0-90.0% (IS 5452:2008, ISO 5560:1997)
- Hot water insoluble (max)
- 20% (trade spec - VAD Industries, Asha Foodz)
- Extraneous matter - root and skin fragments (max)
- 0.5% by mass; defined by both standards as plant material such as skin and root particles (IS 5452:2008, ISO 5560:1997)
- Scorched / toasted / baked particles
- Practically free from scorched, toasted and baked particles (ISO 5560:1997 clause 4.1.2)
- Major defects (max)
- 1% (trade spec - VAD Industries, Asha Foodz)
- Foreign matter
- Nil / absent (trade spec - Jalaram Agri, Asha Foodz)
- Insects and moulds
- Free from living insects and moulds; practically free from dead insects (IS 5452:2008, ISO 5560:1997)
- Shelf life
- 18-24 months from manufacture in unopened original packing
- Storage
- Cool, dry storage around 20 degrees Celsius, protected from moisture, sunlight and strong odours
- Microbiological parameters
- Tested per lot — limits to buyer specification, Certificate of Analysis with every shipment
- Heavy metals & pesticide residues
- Tested per lot against destination-market requirements; report issued with COA
- HS Code
- 0712 90 40