Buy Authentic Iranian Saffron Online Safely: Buyer’s Guide & Tips

Table of Contents

1. Saffron? Why all the Fuss Anyway? (Is it Just for Snobs?)
2. Real Deal vs. Fake Alert: Spotting a Counterfeit (It’s Trickier Than You Think)
3. Why Iranian Saffron Is, Like, the MVP (in My Very Very Personal Opinion)
4. Where NOT To Buy: The Minefield of Saffron Sellers (I have a few bad stories)
5. The internet is dark and full of fake saffron and my best methodes to avoid them
6. Online Saffron Buying 101: My Semi-Genius Tips For Your Journey
7. Packaging Talk, What Matters & What Not!
8. Grading of Iranian Saffron: “Pushal” vs “Sargol”, let’s get geeky.
9. Pricey Little Things – How Much Should This Actually Cost?
10. What about those Saffron Deals? (Spoiler Alert: probably not real!)
11. “My last thoughts” – Saffron conclusion:
12. Questions I have before writing this post, but maybe YOU want to ask too…

1. Saffron? Why All the Fuss Anyway? (Is It Just For Snobs?)

Okay, before we get down to brass tacks, let’s just take a sec to admit that, yes, saffron is kinda fancy-pants, I mean look at the price tag it carries!, you feel me? but hear me out – like those super expensive olive oil that you cant find the taste difference! Its has a real taste and feeling that a bit of magic to it… and no, you dont have to be the fancy lady or the guy with the monicale. Saffron has a bit of history, think of the pyramids time and now they found some “saffron painting”… crazyy right! I learned (mostly form wiki) that the crocus sativus flower only has 3 little red stigmas, you know the thread? yeah that thing, and that means it takes like… a gazillion of those flowers to make even like.. tiny baggie. Hence the price, not because someone out there is laughing when buying something very special. The whole production process also is like the back and head breaking, very labor intesnsive – I mean, its mind-blowing when you thik about it.

Plus? it’s so darn cool how much flavor and color a tiny, little bit can pack, even my boring tasteless white rice transforms into a feast worthy of “the sheek” in any fancy restaurant that u been. There’s this thing called ‘Safranal,’ that makes its flavor so distinct… which to be honest, kinda taste a lil sweet and earthy… anyway it make food better, for sure… And its been linked to having healthy side benefits… you can look it up… not going into health science on my post. All of these makes Saffron more than just a simple fancy kitchen addition.. its like a history that I wanted to take in. and Im pretty sure this will change how you see saffron forever, at least i hope so!.

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2. Real Deal vs. Fake Alert: Spotting a Counterfeit (It’s Trickier Than You Think)

Right, let’s get serious – this part’s critical!. Because, seriously guys, the fake saffron market is rife. There’s whole entire mafia for that “red” golden. its scary actually, like when u go online to order you must be really extra carefull!, some will mix in dyed corn silk, other ones may do it with something way worse! (yup they will…) Its almost like you dont know what to belive anymore, even after researching so many info you still fell victim for buying trash. but after many trial and erros here are my 3 most important tricks I have picked:

• The Look: Real saffron threads should be a deep, crimson red, not some orange. you see that orange?? THROW IT RIGHT AWAY. some sellers make these very pretty and fake photos. dont trust your eyes – but learn how saffron threads should look for. This a good way to judge for now, later u get the aroma…
• The Aroma: It should have that special aroma, described it a kinda sweet hay mixed with earth, Its hard to describe, I know, if it smells bland or completely “artificial, run as fast as possible!”. a very weird scent, not in the good way = RUN! I swear I was so many times to blind… almost like my crush just passed, yeah i wish i bought only safron.
• The Water Test (This is fun!): put a few strands in a glass of water, if the colour instantly floods and is too orange its almost definately fake, if its gradual slow spreading deep golden color – we’re talkin real saffron! and also note it’ll have to get yellowish for a period of time, the saffron does not immediately turns the water red, I learn the hard way about this.

It takes time and experiencen, so dont panic if u still mistake few times before learning “real saffron”, the “aroma and taste”, its gonna take practice for real. So maybe by the third fake one u may get it (thats exactly what happened to me, but not with safronn tho, my crush was a bit off lol). and please trust me do not underestimate any method. its always best to start a habit for better outcome in the future. its really a small step but it matters…

3. Why Iranian Saffron Is, Like, the MVP (in My Very Very Personal Opinion)

I’m kinda bias I will admit it because I havent had any other safronn so far! Listen up: Iran has basically been rocking the saffron game for centuuuurriessss. There’s other kinds (like the ones from Spain, and from “Kashmir” – which looks soo good but never try yet). Iran, it’s THE spot for saffron with the “real magic”. Their climates, their farming stuff, even some special ways that they handle it… gives it more quality.. you know what I mean?. This doesn’t mean, others are total junk… it just mean Iran produces THE best saffron (i may need to explore others for the future too, but for now, this my opinion).

What also makes this unique (and its important) is this “red color and flavor”, even the smell, there are different kinds for this so when the moment arrive you can find it more easely.. (yes we go more indepth for that) some just feels lighter and brighter than the others and from now you must keep in mind there are types. Iranian saffron often got more power to it for its potent flavors, colour, the aroma… you gonna want your “real saffron” for sure.. The reason that people rave about Iranian stuff isn’t just hype. (altho, i also have done this, no regrets so far, i love iranian saffron). it is for good reasons actually!

4. Where NOT To Buy: The Minefield of Saffron Sellers (I Have A Few Bad Stories)

Right, we’re getting into murky territory here. I wanna share to you my past so u wont do like I did…

First place that screams “Avoid at All Costs” (or maybe dont if you really like to gambit), are markets that you can smell like… stale curry. These places sometimes have that mysterious bulk saffron bags open at any day, in display. if that smell already make you go “not my tea cup” you know it, you better flee the scene. Trust me on this. And please for all that you want “do NOT” go with those street sellers. just don’t. seriously, like in any major market it’s always risky – dont make it the worst decision you will regret.
Also places with overly fancy labels that is like to cheap to be real? Big no-no!
if there isnt any certification its most likely fake or it not that good quality. Remember this and thank me later.
These things happen too often and we dont notice because they can be too flashy but no quality in it – same goes for a certain type of people, haha, joking… kinda!.

5. The Internet is dark and full of fake saffron and my best methods to avoid them

Right here’s the thing, my journey is from zero to the end, where you will have good tools on how to buy legit saffron for now and to also save yourself from bad choices like the once I did and that many of us face!. Online, man, it’s the wild west, when it come to buying stuff. Its the riskiest of all, so here are the tricks and my strategy how i shop for it:

1. First before anything make sure to read ALL reviews with no mercy. the good the bad and mostly the “mid ones”, it can provide u more information rather than that 5 star glowing feedback (always sus)
2. Second use only secured websites and do more research on this – when you feel that the url its odd… leave, because “safety” must be number one to order your item (and not get hacked or spamed). also pay attention that this website has to also sell things beside “saffron”… sometimes you can see website who sells only one product with “soooooo special offer” if so… avoid!. its better buy with shops with wide variety. and try to make it “small website sellers”.
3. Look into what they say, read their pages (sometimes those words can say something more!). if a page it’s too professional or the other side “unprofessional like a teenager write that page”, go to another one, also search how many times they mentioned “cheap prices, with amazing price”… it’s already a NO for you, for all my journey “that is mostly a bait, my friend”… I rather pay more, knowing is good rather than being fooled!.
4. Last make sure they also provide some contact information (a REAL ONE), with some form to be contacted.. many will post a “e-mail adress” with only “customer@bla”. these e-mail adresses seems too “perfect to be real” – use that info with doubt – I preffer to call or chat (if provided by shop)… to make sure it’s good. Always always confirm… even If it looks good. its a step forward towards better and smart buying methods. you’re basically becoming better at buying by doing all these things. and as they say… “with knowledge comes more freedom”. so… go for it!

6. Online Saffron Buying 101: My Semi-Genius Tips For Your Journey

Now we’re gettin to my experience!. Time to arm you, here’s my secret moves to “how i find good and legit saffron”. first rule, check if the website also offers something beside saffron!. the second golden tip is, go for the “smaller” business because I can confirm (most of the time), that this websites are sooooo focus on your product and also the “contact between owner and customer it feels… special.. (dont misunderstand it tho hahah!). big corporation its good for volume but.. when we look into safron we aim to better products…

Here what else u must add into this journey!

• Seller Transparency: Like, do they share where their stuff actually comes from? No random general “Middle East” label. Like where exactly! Good and authentic shops should mention farms, you see any address that shows a farm, that already make me feel very special! Its even good to go to websites who already mention how it is hand picked, not like industrial stuff – thats what separates good ones for the bad… so use that! its amazing how easy to see a bad seller once you understand a bit more…
• Check their Reputation (For Real): Online reviews aren’t fool proof I get it but are still helpful and even reading that not too good comments, that says something very usefull! do more than the usual “Great Saffron!” comments – Look for genuine feedback and mentions like “this is truly flavourful”… if I feel they used those words means they know the “flavor language”, the language of food!. dont undestimate this at all… it took me quite sometime to learn these things.
• Compare Prices (Wisely): Now don’t just go for the cheapest one, or “too much to be real”, this its almost like “free” scam!. Price variation has logic to it for this item (if its low quality or not). too much variation mean… its shady!. too much good or cheap is not always the best!. it should have a balance to its price. I try to balance the price for what “feels fair price”. use your intuition at your advantage. If you have doubts… find more (this is just me I think, or I might be right! ).

7. Packaging Talk, What Matters & What Not!

Ok listen – packaging isn’t everything – remember I fell before with “fake good labels”. I did.. (no comment hahah!) … but sometimes, it is a first visual impression so when choosing this item, is always good to note!. Avoid sellers using that typical cheap plastic baggies or flimsy, “taped like I’m high” packaging and avoid big box bulk (unless its transparent, good material that can let you view the threads with proper inspection of realness of saffron)
Good safronn sellers use:

• Airtight containers that protects its aromatic molecules that holds that unique smell that it needs. like small glass jars. If its good “look and taste, its smells”, if not leave it… even small jars can do wonders for this kind of delicate spice… so the better the package the better experience. thats just basic!
• Dark-colored glass, keeps those precious threads protected from light, which will degrade the precious threads in color, flavour.. even with the overall aroma too. So no “clear jars”!. make note!. dark and amber it’s more ideal in packaging! because there are no good safronn seller that will use wrong materials for package it, not when the safronn its a real big bussines (or i hope!).
• “Proper Labeling”: Does the packaging tell you stuff you should know, its a “MUST”, not random unessesary information! – you must have in front of you all about when is the production (sometimes date!), sometimes “grown” area, quality standard and the type of saffron. Good labeling means also that they trust in their product, as a “signature stamp” from their bussiness, but still.. that do not guarantee is good… its another method that we just “put on check” from a “maybe seller”. You need everything at this point because its that hard!

So basically all comes into two rules “less and minimal the packing” usually will tell “bad” and “protected/glass packed”, with label.. it seems good for our “next potential seller”!

8. Grading of Iranian Saffron: “Pushal” vs “Sargol”, let’s get geeky.

Okay, here’s the kinda fun nerdy part – this also helps choosing better the right product (i got you friend) so lets begin. Iranian saffron comes in different “grades”, or rather – different types. And we really need to know the difference (you must at this stage). so lets try and explore to help!

• “Sargol” its considered top tier of saffron – its red tips without that “yellowish/orangy” styles and if you aim at “high quality with pure flavour”. but because it cut to only be in “red portion” it contains less fiber and less weight overall when u bought. but do not underestimate that! if you aim quality always pick “Sargol” when avaliable on sellers. its what every chef want it for best culinary application.
• “Pushal” Now this is with all the little “yellow tail/orangy styles”. and this still quality safron but contain a bit less intensity because its not all only the pure “red” of it!. is has lower price (but sometimes can vary). pushal are considered best by many customers and sometimes by many chefs for many other uses… the reason is it provide a good price point for most customers but also a good flavor and that yellow “tail” portion will still keep its real colour aroma too – a very good “value balance option” for real safron – when “sargol” price point its too much…

My pick goes for “Sargol” if avaliable to the price I wish, or at least “Pushal”. I think as soon as u go with any type.. u win against those “orange strands” so choose whatever u feel you desire most…
but what this knowledge you may learn something you didnt expected! like the prices and also flavour.. everything adds up for a greater value of your final product – but you’re in a better hand and not being tricked this way, like the old me did lol!

9. Pricey Little Things – How Much Should This Actually Cost?

Alright, the elephant in the room of any purchase, How much is it, right???!
Saffron it’s pricey and let’s keep it that way… now i wont give “absolute number” as prices fluctuates all the time. but here is something that will set u the right mind-frame (and yes, that you need!). because If anyone claims that its “very low price” its probably something like… lets say like… trash and if someone charges a way “too much”, thats like stealing from the innocent, or you know.. another type of scam!. there’s two ways to approach for pricing:

• Low Price If prices too much in this spectrum you need to pay attention it “could” mean is low quality or… that not safronn at all!. remember our discussion about fake items? this is very present when low pricing item so pay special attention if its that price, you will be shocked by this low price (not good shocking way). also be mindful when price are on discount. or that sellers “wanna just sold all”… usually those are big alert sign to keep away! and make research even further more! because thats suspicious! always.. so always take precautions for low low low price item that seems good “like always”… (never trust lol)
• High price: The other side is “too expensive that makes no sense!” – for this we have some “premium grade” (and usually they sell only that option which “not good”) and may be way too overpriced (also for non existing items) you need to read well because many “preimum shop or brands” tends to sell in premium prices so be mindful that that’s not something that it make “safronn great” sometimes just branding… or just high level fraud.. again do you researches or maybe not buy!. its hard yes, but this makes you the pro. do not take chances for these! always try the medium or “value” approach (unless u really want only the premium… no comment on my side)

For a price perspective: if price seems really low, you can bet it probably isn’t legit… for the same reason, if it seems outrageous for price maybe dont fall on “trap” with brands… always pick something that balance both price AND value. you need to look around so it matches your need for your purchase. but as we spoke price doesnt matter here if u got fake – you get a full price of fraud so do not gamble on this one! .
(i do not recomend low low low) price. ever!

10. What About Those Saffron Deals? (Spoiler Alert: Probably Not Real!)

Right… Now when it comes to “deal”, be prepared: MOST OF THE TIME ITS A TRAP. And yes that was almost my end… it’s those classic too-good-to-be-true deal, the classic that allways falls on many of us (me in other occasion).. here’s why it’s suspicious when we see “discount sale time or mega offer!”:

• Real Saffron isn’t sold out quickly because the production time takes a long long long long process to do it: So big sellers that “has a bunch stock” usually (not always tho) have fake items… that just “came from factory”. be wary for “low pricing mega offer” specially during big hollidays (this also shows “low budget seller”, usually with low “safety methods”, also because its all rush-mode at seller side). Always keep these facts! so do not take chance here, keep them as your “guideline” during this journey
• Super “Sale”? Usually Means.. Old Saffron: real saffron “aroma and color” fades and changes color in some periods (its very noticeable).. so super offer are probably means “last month or year” that it wasnt soold or for some bad storage issues.. (I wont talk further about this!). a new saffron harvest usually comes in late autumn / early winter each year. if something shows sale after winter is usually bad storage safronn
• Beware Of Vague “Clearance” Statements!: sellers that use random “mega” deals without reasons is another red flag!, mostly “to good to be real prices!” are usually scams. use you intuiction!. do not get blinded for all the “nice things you are buying for 3 dollars!”, maybe focus only one really good!

I would just straight avoid deals, it not only “risk for fake safron” but many risk issues all around because this means less effort on storage, security, customer service (usually when seller need more sells!) this will harm you long term, even in other aspect of “online shop” you may fell on another fraud method if u did gamble so hard on saffron…

11. “My Last Thoughts” – Saffron Conclusion:

Look, buying saffron online doesn’t have to feel like a blind step with closed eyes and holding your breath until is over! with my experience all along I’m sharing the basic “strategy to buying”. Is it really easy? NO. is it simple to implement YES?. it took me trial and error (mostly erroes! hahah). you have that tools now – now is up to you on how you will take these informations… will it be better saffron? (of course it will because we learned!), because now you understand all this world behind that red strands. You are closer of that “feeling when finally got it”, of all those “ohhh my GOD that taste real good”, or those moments you buy only good quality… so in overall my recommendation: go slowly on shopping and understand the real prices of these gems… try always go small local shop rather the big companies… because its a big leap! trust your instincts if the website or the “whole package smells fishy”. if you pay attention you wont fell victim for fake or scams.. this was not written on air, but based from “real experience!” for buying… so good luck. because its now your “turn” in buying that “magical” spice, from now. (but not all shops or brands tho). you’re welcome 😉

12. Questions I Have Before Writing This Post, But Maybe YOU Want To Ask Too…

Here are just some brain dump from my side… (because i want it more real with you):

• Is all this really necesary to do, and was not just “extra hard” my journey in saffron buys?, maybe it all those time i bought only good quality i forgot… so this all experience for a more broader prespective… is needed at this level… so.. if anyone have anything to add about this questions, it could help… me!. (yeah me too!).
• What makes people still buy fake item or low low quality stuff? is just because the “bad pricing and mega offer”? or other psychology trick.. also if its just “blind faith”? maybe it all.. or i just did “everything all wrong before”.. because maybe some dont have my past experence…
• Is Iranian saffron REALLY superior? Maybe im a bit biased I gotta explore other ones maybe one day. but i hope that my arguments are worth!.
• Will you or someone share your bad saffron buy history too, after this? im curios lol.

I feel kinda good, i did help someone to buy better items. let’s just make a rule if it seems too easy is almost never… this is all I learned in these few months. and now with you. cheers