Purple Yam Powder
Ratalu / Kand
Milled from Dioscorea alata, the deep-violet ratalu prized in Gujarat's winter kitchens and known across the diaspora as ube. The peeled tubers are dried and stone-ground to a fine, anthocyanin-rich powder that rehydrates into the dramatic purple beloved of bakers and bubble-tea makers. Whisk it into cakes, ice cream, lattes and pancakes for natural colour and a soft, vanilla-sweet, nutty flavour, no fresh tuber or fuss required.


Sealed at peak, shipped with provenance.
Packed in resealable, food-grade pouches that lock in aroma and colour — each labelled with its origin, grade and taste profile.
- Gujarat, India
- Western India yam belt
- Dried and milled Dioscorea alata, pure powder
- Natural anthocyanin violet, no added dye
- 100% purple yam; no flavour or extract added; lab-tested
- 12-24 months sealed; store cool and dry
Also known as · Ube Powder · Ube · Dioscorea Alata
How to use it
Ube cakes, cupcakes and Swiss rolls
Purple ice cream, halaya and custards
Ube lattes and bubble-tea bases
Pancakes, waffles and doughnuts
Natural violet colouring for frostings
Purple Yam Powder (Ratalu / Kand), also known as Ube Powder or Dioscorea Alata, is a vibrant violet, sweet-nutty powder derived from dried and milled tubers. Sourced from Gujarat, India, it serves as a natural food colourant and flavouring in premium food applications, offering rich anthocyanins and dietary fibre.
Sourcing & Origin
Treedha's Purple Yam Powder, known as Ratalu or Kand in India, originates exclusively from Gujarat, a state renowned for its fertile soils and traditional yam cultivation. This Western Indian 'yam belt' provides optimal conditions for Dioscorea alata tubers, ensuring a consistent quality and characteristic flavour profile.
The specific origin in Gujarat is crucial for bulk buyers, as it signifies a consistent varietal and agricultural practice. Our sourcing ensures full traceability back to the farm gate, providing transparency and reliability for global importers and food manufacturers. This focused origin guarantees the authenticity of our Purple Yam Powder, distinguishing it from generic yam products.
Export Grades & Specifications
Our Purple Yam Powder is offered as a pure, finely milled product, free from flavourings or extracts, ensuring 100% Dioscorea alata purity. Key specifications are meticulously managed to meet diverse industrial requirements, focusing on consistent quality and application performance.
Moisture content is strictly maintained below 7.0% to ensure stability and prevent microbial growth, aligning with industry best practices for shelf-stable powders. Granulation is a critical factor for application, with specific mesh sizes available to suit various manufacturing processes. Our powder is naturally violet from anthocyanins, without any added artificial dyes.
| Specification | Standard (80 Mesh) | Fine (120-150 Mesh) | Ultra-Fine (200 Mesh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity | 100% Dioscorea alata | 100% Dioscorea alata | 100% Dioscorea alata |
| Moisture | <7.0% | <7.0% | <7.0% |
| Colour | Natural Anthocyanin Violet | Natural Anthocyanin Violet | Natural Anthocyanin Violet |
| Application | Bakery, Confectionery | Ice Cream, Desserts | Beverages, Instant Mixes |
| Solubility | Good Dispersion | Smooth Dispersion | Full Solubility |
Quality, Safety & Compliance
Treedha prioritises stringent quality and safety protocols to ensure our Purple Yam Powder (Ratalu / Kand, Ube Powder) meets international food safety standards, particularly for discerning markets in the EU and US. Our processing ensures the product is Ethylene Oxide (ETO)-free, in strict compliance with EU regulations that prohibit its use in food products.
Each batch undergoes comprehensive lab testing for critical contaminants including aflatoxins, heavy metals (such as lead and arsenic, kept below 0.5ppm and 1ppm respectively), and pesticide Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) as per EU and US FDA guidelines. Microbiological purity is verified to be free from pathogens like Salmonella. Furthermore, we guarantee the absence of all Sudan dyes, which are prohibited in food products in both the EU and US. Full documentation, including a Certificate of Analysis (COA), Phytosanitary Certificate, and Health Certificate, accompanies every shipment, alongside our facility's relevant quality management certifications (e.g., ISO 22000, HACCP).
Global Demand & Target Markets
Global demand for Purple Yam Powder (Ube Powder / Dioscorea Alata) is robust and expanding, primarily driven by its appeal as a natural, visually distinctive ingredient. Key importing regions include North America (USA, Canada), Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and the Middle East. The vibrant purple hue and unique sweet-nutty flavour resonate with consumers seeking authentic, culturally inspired food experiences.
Beyond its aesthetic and flavour attributes, the powder's functional benefits – being rich in anthocyanins, dietary fibre, and essential vitamins – align with growing health and wellness trends. Its versatility in applications, from premium ice creams and bakery items to beverages and functional food formulations, coupled with its natural vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free profile, makes it a highly sought-after ingredient for innovative food product development globally.
Logistics, HS Code & Packing
For Purple Yam Powder (Ratalu / Kand, Ube Powder), the most common Harmonized System (HS) code for international trade is 0712.90.85 ('Dried vegetables, whole, cut, sliced, broken or in powder, but not further prepared: Other: Powder or flour'). Depending on the importing country's customs interpretation, codes such as 0714.30.60 (for 'Yams (Dioscorea spp.), other forms') or even 2106.90.99 ('Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included') may also apply. Treedha advises buyers to verify the exact HS code with their local customs authority or broker for precise classification and duty assessment.
Our Purple Yam Powder is typically offered in industrial-grade, multi-ply, moisture-barrier bags or drums to ensure product integrity and extend shelf life during transit and storage. Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) is discussed on a per-enquiry basis to align with specific buyer requirements and logistical efficiencies, avoiding unmanageable small-batch freight. We facilitate various Incoterms, providing flexibility for our partners. When stored in a cool, dry place (below 25°C and 60% relative humidity) in its original sealed packaging, the product maintains an excellent shelf life of 12-24 months.
- usitc.gov — usitc.gov
- flexport.com — flexport.com
- zauba.com — zauba.com
- freightamigo.com — freightamigo.com
- vigorous-tech.com — vigorous-tech.com
- coherentmarketinsights.com — coherentmarketinsights.com
Questions
- Is ratalu the same as ube or purple yam?
- Yes. Ratalu (or kand) is the Indian name for Dioscorea alata, the same purple yam known in the Philippines and across the West as ube.
- Is this pure yam powder or a flavoured mix?
- It is 100% dried, milled purple yam, with no added flavouring, sugar or extract, so you control the sweetness in your own recipes.
- How do I use the powder in baking?
- Whisk it into your dry ingredients or bloom it in a little warm liquid first. It rehydrates to a vivid violet and lends a soft, vanilla-nutty sweetness to cakes, creams and drinks.
- What is Purple Yam Powder (Ratalu / Kand)?
- Purple Yam Powder, known as Ratalu or Kand in India, or Ube Powder and Dioscorea Alata internationally, is a finely milled powder made from dried purple yam tubers. It is valued for its vibrant natural violet colour and unique sweet, earthy flavour, widely used in food manufacturing.
- Where does Treedha's Purple Yam Powder originate?
- Treedha's Purple Yam Powder (Ratalu / Kand) is exclusively sourced from Gujarat, India. This region is known for cultivating high-quality *Dioscorea alata* tubers, ensuring authenticity and consistent product characteristics.
- Is your Purple Yam Powder compliant with EU and US food safety standards?
- Yes, our Purple Yam Powder is rigorously tested and certified to comply with strict EU and US FDA food safety regulations. It is guaranteed ETO-free, tested for aflatoxins, heavy metals, pesticide MRLs, and pathogens like Salmonella, and is free from Sudan dyes.
- What documentation does Treedha provide for bulk shipments?
- For bulk shipments, Treedha provides a comprehensive documentation package including a Certificate of Analysis (COA), Phytosanitary Certificate, Health Certificate, Certificate of Origin, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Lading/Airway Bill. Facility registrations (e.g., US FDA) and quality certifications (e.g., ISO 22000, HACCP) are also available.
- Can I request specific mesh sizes for the powder?
- Yes, Treedha offers Purple Yam Powder in various granulation sizes, including 80 Mesh, 100 Mesh, 120-150 Mesh, and 200 Mesh (ultra-fine), to suit different industrial applications such as bakery, ice cream, and beverages. Customisation requests can be discussed.
- What is the typical shelf life of Treedha's Purple Yam Powder?
- When stored in its original sealed packaging in a cool, dry place (below 25°C and 60% relative humidity), our Purple Yam Powder has a guaranteed shelf life of 12-24 months, ensuring long-term stability for industrial use.




