Six names, one root. Here's what actually separates each Ashwagandha trade grade, and how to pick the right one for your process.
Ashwagandha trade grades describe root form and selection tightness, not different plants. Gatta = thick whole root. Special = hand-selected premium lot. No. 1 = standard first-quality bulk root. Tukdi = broken/cut pieces. Tar = thin root strands. Powder = root milled to 60-100 mesh. Extraction and milling buyers can often use lower-cost Tukdi or Tar for the same result as premium Gatta.
When Ashwagandha roots come off farmers' fields around Neemuch and Mandsaur and reach the mandi floor, they arrive as a mixed lot — thick roots, thin roots, broken pieces, all together. Hand-grading sorts that mixed lot into standard categories so buyers can specify exactly the root form their process needs, instead of paying premium-root prices for material they're going to break down or mill anyway.
The premium whole-root grade: thick, well-formed, sun-dried roots hand-picked for size and girth. Preferred where intact root structure matters — classical Ayurvedic formulation and extraction processes that standardize input before their own milling step. Full Gatta grade page →
The tightest selection standard we run: uniform, clean roots individually hand-picked, set aside for buyers who specify top-tier consistency for premium formulations or export. Moves in smaller volumes than bulk grades. Full Special grade page →
The everyday trade grade — first-quality but graded for volume rather than Special's stricter uniform selection. This is what most manufacturers and pansaris order repeatedly, and the grade most readily available in full-truckload volumes. Full No. 1 grade page →
Root fragments sorted out during grading of whole roots — same plant material as Gatta, different form. Since extraction and milling processes break roots down regardless, Tukdi delivers equivalent active-compound content at a lower per-kg cost than whole-root grades. Full Tukdi grade page →
Naturally thin roots, sorted apart from thicker grades during grading — not cut down like Tukdi, but thin by nature. Suits buyers whose milling or blending process is already tuned for finer root material. Full Tar grade page →
The only milled grade — root ground to order in a dedicated herbal facility, standard 60-100 mesh with custom mesh available. Ready for direct capsule filling or churna blending without further processing on the buyer's end. Full Powder grade page →
| Grade | Root form | Selection standard | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gatta | Thick whole root | Size & girth graded | Extraction, classical formulations |
| Special | Whole root | Hand-selected, uniform | Premium blends, export |
| No. 1 | Whole root | Standard first-quality | Bulk supply |
| Tukdi | Broken/cut pieces | Sorted from whole roots | Extraction, milling (cost-effective) |
| Tar | Thin strands | Sorted by thickness | Milling, blending |
| Powder | Milled, 60-100 mesh | Milled to order | Capsules, churna |
Not sure which fits? Send us your process and end use and we'll recommend a grade — see also our guide for extract manufacturers specifically.
Send your requirement and our sales desk replies within one business day with pricing, availability and grade samples.