How to Spot Authentic Saffron: A Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to pure saffron, everyone wants the real deal. This crimson spice is prized for its rich flavour, powerful health benefits, and luxury status.

But that prestige comes with a prize.

According to the National Institutes of Health’s reports, 30% of saffron sold in India is of poor grade and 17% is adulterated.

In this guide, we will provide you with a simple and science-backed test you can do at home to buy saffron online.

Why is Saffron so Expensive, and So Frequently Faked?

Saffron is the world’s most expensive spice, fetching up to INR 1700 per gram. And the price makes sense.

Original saffron comes from delicate flowers that bloom for just a few weeks a year. Each flower offers only three tiny threads, all hand-picked at dawn and carefully dried. It takes 150 flowers to get just one gram.

Moreover, because of low supply and sky-high demand, fake saffron floods the market. Therefore, if you want the real thing, knowing how to do a saffron test is non-negotiable.

How to Identify Pure Saffron: 6 Tests You Can Do at Home

Spotting the best quality saffron is not rocket science. It just takes a little know-how and a few simple tricks. This quick saffron test can save your health and your money. Here’s how to separate the real from the fake:

• Cold Water Test: Drop saffron threads in cold water. Real saffron releases a golden-yellow colour slowly, without losing its red hue. Fake releases its colour instantly.
• Baking Soda Test: Mix baking soda and water, then add saffron. Real saffron will turn the mix yellow. If it turns reddish or orange fast, it is likely fake.
• Taste & Aroma Test: Authentic saffron is slightly bitter with a dry, hay-like, honey scent. If it's sweet, it is adulterated.
• Rub Test: After soaking, rub between fingers. Real saffron feels firm and stains fingers yellow. Fake ones feel greasy or crumble.
• Paper Test: Press threads between white paper. If you notice oily marks in it, that is a red flag.
• Appearance Check: Look for trumpet-shaped threads. It is thicker at one end and tapers at the other. Uniform strands often mean imitation.

Different Types of Saffron Varieties

Not all saffron on the market meets the mark. Knowing the origin and appearance of saffron varieties can help you choose the best quality saffron and avoid being misled by lookalikes. Here’s what to know:

• Kashmiri Saffron

Deep red and thick strands with a bold aroma and strong flavour. Often considered the original saffron standard for quality and richness.

• Iranian Saffron

Bright red threads with high colouring power and a slightly milder fragrance. Most widely available globally.

• Spanish Saffron

Lighter in colour, but still high in quality. Favoured in culinary circles for its subtle flavour profile.

Top-grade saffron, regardless of origin, should have minimal yellow or white parts. The redder the thread, the higher the potency.

Where and How to Buy Pure Saffron Online?

When it comes to sourcing the best quality saffron, never cut corners. Always buy from trusted suppliers who clearly share where and how their saffron is grown. Look for ISO-certified brands that lab-test their products for purity and authenticity.

Avoid “cheap” deals. Original saffron is never inexpensive. A little delivers a lot, so consider it a long-term investment in quality and wellness.

Never buy ground saffron. Once powdered, it is nearly impossible to tell real from fake. Ground saffron is often mixed with fillers like turmeric or starch to bulk it up.

To safely buy saffron online, choose sellers who show lab results, provide detailed product info, and have verified customer reviews.

Patil Farms offers handpicked saffron from premium farms. They are lab-tested for purity and sealed to preserve their natural strength. Because when it comes to saffron, compromise is not an option.

Trust Your Senses and The Science!

Choosing pure saffron is not just about luxury, but about quality, wellness, and authenticity. When you know how to spot original saffron, you can shop with confidence. Whether it’s for your health or your kitchen, the real thing delivers real value. Trust your sense, trust the process, and never settle for less than the best.