The so-called world’s most expensive spice, saffron, has several uses and benefits apart from culinary purposes. Since times unknown, saffron has been extensively used for medicinal values in Ayurveda. It is considered a natural remedy for several physical and cognitive ailments. However, the rich color and luxurious flavor of saffron make it a popular spice across the world.

Originated mostly in the Kashmir valleys of India, today, saffron is harvested in countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Morocco, etc. However, natural saffron obtained from the Crocus sativus flowers in Kashmir is the most preferred choice. Since the plant requires specific climate and soil conditions, you cannot grow it anywhere you want!

The exorbitant price of this ‘golden spice’ is significantly due to its labor-intensive harvesting procedure. A single Crocus sativus flower has only three stigmas. Each stigma is carefully handpicked and allowed to sun dry. Thus, to produce 1kg of saffron, you need 110000 to 170000 flowers. So, isn’t the high price worth it?

Now, let’s tell you a fact. When the price is so high, it is expected there will be adulteration. Not everybody can afford natural Kashmiri saffron. Also, sellers are in haste to make money. Therefore, all the saffron you find in the market is not of the purest grade.

In this blog, we, an ISO 9001-certified company, Bhatani Products, have shared tips to buy the best-grade saffron. How can you differentiate between fake and real saffron? What are the primary considerations? We hope it will help you to identify and buy the purest quality saffron.

Saffron Grades Based on Types

Did you ever notice that the colors of saffron threads differ? We mean, bright crimson red is the typical color of the best quality saffron and it is the most expensive. However, in the market, you will find various other types of saffron, which vary in color and aroma. Typically, natural Kashmiri saffron is classified into three categories. This classification also signifies the saffron grade. As you know, saffron threads are basically the stigmas of the crocus flower which are nearly 2 to 3 centimeters long. As you go down the stigma, the red color gradually becomes lighter, almost complementing the yellowish-orange.

So, the types of saffron, along with the grades depend specifically on which part of the stigma it is. What are these types, and how do we grade them? Let’s take a look.

• Mongra– If you want to buy the best grade saffron, Mogra it is! Mogra is categorized as Grade I saffron, which is crimson red and has a silky texture. It is highly pigmented, and so comes the bright hue. Mogra is the uppermost part of the stigma without the style. It means the style is completely separated from the stigma. Mongra is called by many names like Coupe Saffron, Sargol, etc. Like its color, Mongra also has a rich sweet floral aroma. It has an underlying tone of earthy smell. Though expensive, we would suggest to buy Kashmiri saffron as Mogra because it is worth every penny!
• Lacha– The Grade II saffron is Lacha. A Lacha saffron thread is red at the top, and the color fades to yellowish-orange as you go down. It implies that the style is not entirely separated. So, the thickness of the thread is not uniform. It is broader at the top and substantially tapers at the bottom. Lacha is a more affordable saffron variety. It is also called Dasta.
• Guchi– You get Grade III saffron called Guchi when the entire floral component stays intact. It is the least desirable saffron quality. The threads have red crowns and become yellowish at the bottom. Often, Guchi is sold in a bunch.

When you buy saffron, look for Mogra because it has a luxurious aroma and contains potential antioxidants. Crocin, crocetin, and safranal are the fundamental chemical components present in saffron. These carotenoids and terpenes have health benefits like relaxing mood, fighting insomnia, alleviating depression, improving metabolism, strengthening the immune system, and supporting women’s hormonal balance. Thus, the benefits of saffron and its uses are enormous, making it an extensively sought-after spice!

Identifying Pure Saffron: Top Buying Tips

As we said, when you have an expensive product in the market, there are considerable chances of adulteration and duplicates. Similar is the case with saffron. Though Mongra saffron is difficult to find and recognize, Bhatani Products is here to ease your saffron purchase journey. Here are some quick tests you can perform anywhere to determine the purity of Kashmiri saffron.

• Price– You cannot buy pure gold at a low price, can you? If you do get a lower rate, be assured it is not pure! Similarly, the purest form of saffron is expensive because it is free from fake color, aroma, or other additives. You will never find it at a cheaper rate.
• Certification– Another significant aspect that clearly determines the purity of saffron is the ISO certification. If you do not find it, you must look for other sellers.
• Dry or Moist– Saffron threads must be dry and should never have a musty odor. If the threads look or feel moist, it is probably treated with some chemicals to increase the weight. So, stay away from damp and musty saffron.
• Brittleness– Now, real saffron threads are very delicate. They easily break when you touch them. Take a few strands and place them on your palm. Press them and see what happens.
• Taste– One easy way to recognize saffron quality is by tasting it. A slight bitter taste means the saffron quality is superior. However, if you receive a subtle sweet taste, it is of inferior quality.
• Shape and Texture– Premium grade saffron has a silky, smooth texture with uniformly shaped threads. The color is crimson red and is consistent throughout the thread length. But, when you have trumpet-shaped threads with uneven color consistency, it is not the best quality.
• Water Test– Soak some saffron threads in water. What happens next? Does the water turn red rapidly? If saffron threads immediately release color after soaking, it is not real. Saffron releases color slowly, and it is yellow.
• Smell– Finally, if your saffron has a sweet aroma, consider it pure!

whether you use saffron as a natural remedy to your sleep disorders or put it in custard for flavor and color, ensure picking the highest quality saffron. You will soon learn the difference!