How to identify high quality saffron?

Source= Ferdowsi trade center

There are many people that have read about the amazing benefits of saffron and they want to give this incredible spice a try. Naturally, they are using the Internet to check out what is available. But, when they do this, they are stunned by the number of brands selling this spice online. Of course, every seller/brand claims that they provide high quality saffron, but some of them are not very honest. What you should know is that pure saffron is the only form of saffron that can guarantee the numerous health benefits associated with this spice.

High quality saffron

Here are the most reliable ways to identify high quality saffron from low quality:

1. Physical appearance:

Real saffron is very dry and natural. Real saffron threads appear in dark red, the redder the better. Low-quality saffron threads appear wax-coated.

2. Taste:

If you pop a tiny strand/thread in your mouth and if the saffron tastes sweet, its a low-quality saffron. Real saffron will have a bitter taste.

3. Aroma:

The real saffron aroma is a blend of honey, hay and even it has a pungent smell this is due to high levels of Safranal and Picrocrocin in the Saffron. While low-quality saffron will have almost no aroma.

4. Touch it:

Original saffron doesn’t stick with one another but low-quality saffron sticks to one another.

5. Extraction Test:

When Grade 1 saffron is added to the water/milk, it floats on top. Color spreads slowly from top to bottom. When low-quality saffron is added to the water/milk, instead of floating, it settles on the bottom and the color changes immediately.

6. Baking soda test:

Take a small amount of baking soda to a cup filled with water and mix it. Then add saffron to the mixture. If it is pure saffron, the mixture shall turn yellow. The low-quality saffron will turn dim red.