RESUMEN
Chemical analysis of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) cultivated in eight different cities in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, was carried out. The levels of curcuminoid pigments varied from 1.4 to 6.14g/100g and of volatile oil from 0.97 to 7.55ml/100g (dry basis). Samples from Patrocínio, Arinos and Brasilândia contained higher pigment levels compared to the others. The sample from Patrocínio contained the highest volatile oil content. The mean levels of ethyl ether extract, protein, fiber, ash and starch were 8.51, 7.01, 7.81 and 39.87g/100g dry basis, respectively. Laboratory extraction of flavour free oleoresin was performed in triplicate. A higher yield of pigment in the oleoresin was obtained when the volatile oil was extracted with water vapor and the oleoresin with ethanol. The oleoresin obtained was free of flavour and could be used in a wider range of food applications