Kasturi Manjal, also known as wild turmeric, is widely used for skin care in India due to its natural fragrance, non-staining properties, and medicinal benefits. However, many people unknowingly purchase counterfeit or adulterated versions mixed with regular turmeric or synthetic powders. Here’s how to tell if you have the real thing:

• Original Kasturi Manjal has a pleasant, intense, earthy, camphor-like fragrance, very different from regular cooking turmeric (Curcuma longa).
• Counterfeit or blended powders often have a mild or artificial aroma.
• The powder is usually pale yellow or creamy, not the bright orange-yellow color of cooking turmeric.
• If it’s a very bright yellow or deep orange, it’s likely mixed with regular turmeric.
• Authentic Kasturi Manjal powder has a slightly coarse or sandy texture compared to the fine texture of culinary turmeric.
• Wild turmeric is not edible (it should not be used in cooking); its taste is very bitter and inedible.