Are you aware of the fact that saffron has been used as a natural remedy for over 90 illnesses for the last four millennia? Today, saffron is mostly used as a unique spice for adding an attractive flavor and aroma to various dishes. Of course, more and more people are showing interest in the medicinal properties of this spice due to the fact that natural treatments are becoming more popular. Saffron is often divided into categories based on the country of origin. Currently, the main producers of Saffron are Iran, Afghanistan, Spain and Greece
Afghanistan & Persian saffron is by far the most desired form of Saffron today. In fact, not only was the earliest evidence of Saffron cultivation found in Ancient Persia, but this region of the world accounts for over 90% of the worlds total saffron supply
Many third party distributors claim that they have the "highest quality saffron in the world" but this is almost always a false advertisement. Luckily for consumers, the quality and potency of Saffron is actually measurable
The quality of Saffron is measured by conducting a lab analysis of the product, when it comes to testing Saffron there are three main factors to consider. The three most important factors are Safranal, Crocin, and Picocrocin
1. Safranal (Aroma Strength)
Category 1 average > 20-50
International average > 20-50
Emperor Saffron average 40-50
2. Crocin (Coloring Strength)
Category 1 average > 190
International average > 230
Emperor Saffron average 260
3. Picocrocin (Flavor Strength)
Category 1 average > 70
International average > 85
Emperor Saffron average 110
Classifications of Saffron
What is even more interesting is that there are four main classifications of saffron, these four classifications are based on the trim of the saffron thread. The four different trims of Saffron are:
1. Super Negin: The most expensive and rare trim of Saffron. Super Negin saffron is known not only for being the most potent but also for its aesthetically pleasing features. Super Negin threads are longer in length and contain no yellow or orange threads. The threads are cut symmetrically and contain no crumbs. When comparing all the trims of Saffron, Super Negin is the most sought after for those who want the best of the best
2. Negin: When compared to Super Negin, Negin is longer in length and contains some yellow and orange portions of the thread. To put it in simple words, the aroma, quality, and purity are still great but you do pay for some portions of the yellow and orange threads, which are lower quality
3. Pushal saffron is the cheapest and most commonly sold Saffron trim in stores. Since Saffron is so expensive, many distributors take advantage of consumers by selling them the orange and yellow portions of the thread to increase their profit margins. Since these yellow parts of the stigma contain no value, consumers end up paying much more in reality for a inferior product.
All in all, our Saffron will almost always be high quality as long as its purchased through a reputable and trusted source. Iran will continue to hold a reputation of High Quality Saffron due to its highly suitable features, such as: Climate, Topography, Soil, and Organic Harvesting methods
Choosing any of these types of saffron is a smart choice, but for those looking for the best of the best - Emperor Super Negin it the most expensive and rare form of Saffron. It's also the highest quality saffron available on the market