Kashmiri Saffron: Analyzing Purity Standards

Did you ever wonder if the saffron you buy from local shops might be fake? Do you check the purity of saffron before purchasing? If the answer is ‘no’, you are perhaps robbed every time! You are paying hundreds of bucks for poor-quality or fake saffron!

Saffron is the world’s most expensive spice, which undergoes a complex harvesting procedure. To obtain just 1 pound of the herb, it takes around 50,000 to 75,000 of the crocus sativus flowers! Hence, you can comprehend the labor that goes into procuring organic kashmiri saffron. It clearly defines the high price of the spice!

Since the production of saffron is less compared to its demand, we have several misleading retailers selling fake or poor-grade saffron at exorbitant prices. To stay aware and informed about the purity standards of saffron is the only way to escape the scam. So, we are here to discuss everything you need to know about saffron quality. You will not be fooled again!

The Unique Features of Kashmiri Saffron

As the name suggests, saffron is exclusively harvested in the Kashmir valley of the Pampore region. Though it is also cultivated in Afghanistan, Iran, Greece, and Spain, Indian saffron remains the most popular variety. The spice is rich in crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal. Crocin is responsible for the vibrant red color. The bitter taste of natural Kashmiri saffron comes from picrocrocin, and the rich, earthy aroma is due to safranal.

Do you know saffron has numerous medicinal properties? It poses several health benefits and is readily used in Ayurveda to treat diverse ailments. Let’s learn about them.

• Treat Sleep Disorders– Insomnia to poor-quality sleep- saffron helps treat sleep disorders.
• Improve Digestion– If you have symptoms of acid reflux disease like heartburn, nausea, sore throat, or asthma, you get effective relief with saffron intake.
• Relieve Stress– A phenomenal health benefit of authentic Kashmiri saffron is that it improves mental wellness by relieving stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Reduce PMS Symptoms– Many women suffer from premenstrual syndrome, including stomach cramps, back pain, headache, nausea, and low spirits. Saffron is an effective cure.

Apart from these, you can use saffron to improve conditions like cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s, premature ageing, and inflammation.

Recognizing Saffron Purity

When the market is thronged with saffron replicas, you must identify the real ones to derive authentic color, aroma, and benefits. We have listed the primary considerations defining the purity of kashmiri saffron. Take a look.

• Look– The first thing you should learn about identifying the highest-quality saffron is its appearance. A saffron thread has a bulge at one end. It resembles the shape of a trumpet. If you find no bulge, it is fake or of a poor grade. Sargol and negin are the purest forms of saffron.
• Color– The color A-grade saffron is dark red and not orangish or yellowish. If the threads have an orangish or yellowish color, you probably bought the lowest-quality saffron! Another interesting fact is, when you rub saffron threads in your hands or put them in cold water, they will slowly discharge yellowish color. But fake saffron will immediately turn the water red.
• Aroma– Saffron has an earthy, grassy aroma along with sweet floral notes due to the presence of the chemical compound safranal. It is often compared with the combined smell of honey and hay.
• Taste– Do you know authentic saffron does not taste sweet? Yes! It has a bitter taste and is not sweet!

To conclude, if you are confused about the purity standards of kashmiri saffron, always check for ISO 3632 certification. It is the global accreditation that stands solely for saffron quality measurement.