The Visual Test: Red vs. Yellow
The most immediate indicator of quality is color. Saffron threads are made up of the red stigma and the yellow style. Premium grades like Mogra (Kashmiri) or Super Negin remove the yellow style entirely, leaving only the deep red stigma.
Rule of Thumb: If you see a lot of yellow or white towards the bottom of the threads in "Premium" packs, you are paying for weight that has no flavor or color value.
The Water Test
A classic way to spot fake saffron usually colored with artificial dyes:
- Real Saffron: When placed in cold water, it slowly releases a golden-yellow hue. It takes 10-15 minutes to fully color the water, and the threads remain red.
- Fake Saffron: Releases color instantly (often reddish), and the threads themselves lose color and turn white.
The Aroma Profile
Quality saffron hits you with a strong scent immediately upon opening the jar. It should be sweet but earthy, often described as a mix of honey and hay. Ideally, it smells sweet but tastes bitter. If it tastes sweet, it has likely been dipped in glycerin or honey to add weight.
ISO 3632 Certification
For B2B buyers, sensory tests aren't enough. You need lab verification. The ISO 3632 standard grades saffron into three categories (I, II, and III) based on:
- Crocin: Color strength (Grade I > 190)
- Picrocrocin: Flavor/Bitterness (Grade I > 70)
- Safranal: Aroma (Grade I 20-50)
At Pravaha International, every bulk shipment is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis confirming ISO Grade 1 parameters.