Ultimate Guide to Saffron Purity: Testing & Avoiding Counterfeits

Table of Contents

1. My Saffron Sad Story & Why You Shouldn’t Repeat It
2. The Allure of the Real Deal: Why Genuine Saffron Is Worth Fighting For
3. The Saffron Spectrum: Types and Grades, (A Quick note )
4. Decoding the Deceit: How Counterfeit Saffron Tries to Trick You.
5. Saffron Sniff Test: A simple nose Test (with practice you become Pro!).
6. The Water Test: The Power of simple Science (It really works, seriously)
7. The Paper Test: when Water just Not Enough
8. The Baking Soda Test : How simple household material, saving the day
9. The Rub Test: A Gentle Touch Reveals All(or nothing!).
10. Visual Inspection: Using our God’s Given Super Vision (Yes the Eye, your eye !)
11. The Taste Test: Only The Most Brave Are doing it
12. The Expert Level: Lab Testing, cause why not be very paranoid?
13. Shopping Smart: Tips for Avoiding the fakes
14. Storing the Golden Threads Right (How Not To Waste $200 in spice)
15. My Concluding Thoughts: On Saffron Love & Life Lessons
16. Final Questions.

My Saffron Sad Story & Why You Shouldn’t Repeat It

Alright, let’s get real for a second. Okay so Imagine this: you, all excited, you know; that’s me in case it’s unclear, you stumble across some “rare and authentic” saffron being sold by, you know; that shady dude on an international marketplace that, maybe you have some feeling they kinda scam you lol… He promised it’s the BEST. he use terms i cant understand! I am sold!!! its looked fine, in his cheap looking picture , maybe? he looks nice in pic, a sweet old men with glasses . Yeah! I order and feel really happy. Now this my fault not him ! ok maybe its partially on him too!.

Anyway it shows up in the mail.. I’m like yay. Open it up.. BAM. It’s smells so wierd. No amazing, beautiful sweet-smelly perfume, kinda of tastey i was excited to cook. Nada. The color it looks almost orange (like low quality carrots type of orange.. Not red at all ). I knew. i’m scamed again lol… It tastes kinda blah? its has like… not like my other safrron I bougth before. so disappointing that is.. My cooking experience just plop flat. Like deflated football. So yeah, It sucked so badly; It got me thinking… This is such big issue now… That day I decide that there a BIG BIG HUGE problem! and something need to be Done! Hence this text that i am writhing today LOL

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And i dont want you end up like me ! NO NO. That is not accepted !! . The journey, should be, I swear! A safe and happy land, not scam full place haha, where everything smells delicious! ok…maybe that is overly dramatic; but honestly… nobody wanta fake saffron ! am I Right!? That how the idea this “guide” (or whatever u call this ramble). was made and came up!. and from then on! it started ! with hard researching and tons and tons of notes.

The Allure of the Real Deal: Why Genuine Saffron Is Worth Fighting For

Look; i’ll admit.. its not all bad… there a tons and tons of good people that make high quality saffron in a ethical way with happy smiles. (yes that does help in the process hehe )
Its important to understand, why good-quality Saffron (i am very specific to use ‘good quality” instead just a normal quality ok?). Is so much important to me, i need this thing !. The reason behind all the drama i created , LOL , . And to all of us honestly! Saffron, you guys all probably now it is? its a really really super rare, it’s a true work of art, It’s made in an amazing process where the farmer hand picking it !.

Think of it. These tiny stigmas are from the Crocus sativus flower, they get harvested, like so patiently and carefully, by hands.. Then gently laid down and slowlly dried (yes its needed that) to bring all the aromas. Each tiny thread contain a very big story.. So, it should have its beauty and right…

Good Saffron? i can only explain like..Its taste, well… let say “It’s an experience” that is far away for regular flavour . its also has very beautiful aroma, very perfumey , unique and it does make food very beautiful, that deep beautiful Red Golden Yellow color ( i prefer the pure red to be honest but i love it). And that’s the big issue for me and every saffron buyer…
The colour the smell the taste all this are the biggest important aspect of it! and its not replaceable or imitate-able (not that easy lol ). it give such warm, deep feeling of joy. Saffron is worth fighting, it bring out our inner chef haha…its for these very important things to keep authentic . It elevate food to levels so good and memorable; it bring people in happy memories when they use it . I can never skip this for anything . ok..maybe except very big expensive car lol.

The Saffron Spectrum: Types and Grades

Quick talk to the types! yes we must address it ! . saffron’s not just one big blob. it is kind of thing ! ( it feels good to see, i’m kind of in the middle right now haha.) There’s levels and it is needed that we do dive in. Generally? when we talking abour Saffron; we mostly go through it through its region of Origin, for example : “Iran”, “Kashmir” “Spain”, or “Afghan”… Each are kind of very unique from other . they have unique characteristics in aroma and its flavors… Then? once it arrive to each Region! it usually getting classified based by the thread appearance . Usually, they are called :

• Sargol: This means “top of the flower” in Farsi which very lovely name in a way. they’re known to be the most expensive part of the stigma which the whole top red part , i think it is mostly like what i prefer !.
• Pushal (sometimes called “Mancha”) Its have those small small small yellow pieces in one end , but most the top it’s very high-quality red. not bad, usually very good too and some people even like better than Sargol .
• Konj or Konge: this parts with Yellow part are all the way in and its mixed, this i will always be wary of this one. but again its fine , i wont say bad (or good! ha).
  Then theres the ISO 3632 standard grading system!. its a fancy word but let me simplify :
• Grade I (Highest): This is the tip top the best !. High level colouring of crocin (it get tested in a Lab!)
• Grade II (Good): a great standard for most home cooks with high aroma and very lovely.
• Grade III: Its considered decent, less quality than grade 2 or 1. (i prefer to not go too low with this type ).
  Also its good idea that always you be aware of price ! . I always buy form ethical farmers who get high prices ! high quality with High price = less risk in my experience, . But cheap or very suspiciously “cheap” price means there is HUGE red flags there!. That is so obvious! LOL! …but it happens.

Decoding the Deceit: How Counterfeit Saffron Tries to Trick You

Here’s where things get shady, my fellow food enthusiasts, yes yes i know it’s very exciting! because.. we gotta go Sherlock Homes on those fake spices. Counterfeit saffron pushers, bless their sneaky little heart, they be trying some very elaborate techniques in tricking us buyers!, they wanna use different methods and techniques, like for example:

• Using Other flower: like safflower , some part of safflower almost look like our precious golden saffron!, they also have a same tint but.. well they lack a lot on aromas and taste. its almost null.
• Using Dyes: this what happened with my first bad experince , remember ? they’ll spray something red in to it (which can be also harmful sometimes too!) , in the hopes that you get fooled with it by look only . they may use something bad chemical just to make that beautiful red.
• Mix Other Materials: Some mix things that does increase weights but its so bad.. so like corn silk.. hair fibers (what!) , and even small bits of paper or anything that looks tiny , all this thing will only mess things up
• Adding Sugar / Honey/ Salt : yep. sometimes even that to gain more weight and you cant even realize until late .
• Misleading Marketing: by using all kind of terminology. That sometimes, I dont think even exist at all! , Like , “Golden Premium Organic AAA++++”, that thing probably does not even exit!.
• Reusing “Used” Saffron: Yep it sounds horrible but some reuse already coloured “saffron” to again extract any remining little bits. Which sounds terrible i dont ever use it, it’s so wrong! it’s not “good quality”.
  It’s like a whole other dark world lol . the trick with it its that: these counterfeit things wont do not just a good imitation, usually they’ll lack of the saffron essential beautiful characteristic : the aromatic flavour!. Its make such a bland flavour when you try them.

Saffron Sniff Test: A Simple Nose Test (With Practice You Become a Pro!)

First, let’s tap into the power of smell . The Smell test! we will gonna be a professional “sniffer”! lol. Get closer to that saffron . What does it smell like?. It should smell…unique. very particular smell.. a mix of very soft and sweet like honey mixed with a flowery tone , but also has that kind of earth touch too! with a tiny notes of leathers . Its also like something similar to a warm hay, or some soft of like vanilla, but not really, it hard to tell by words! but overall a Very Aromatic, and beautiful in it’s complex aroma!.

Now: what a bad saffron may smell like?

1. Weak and bland smell : If you cannot smell anything from it!. its a big bad sign .it mean there isnt enough aroma molecules to make an impact (probably bad quality)
2. Chemical-like smells: any smells of very strange type it will trigger alarm . its probably dye , or strange fake mix . dont go further! (like a paint, plastic..something).
3. Sweet like honey without complexity: if its super super super overly sweet without complexity probably some sugars have been add, so its a problem. (dont get fooled by it).
4. Cardboard or Dry hay smell: It’s super bland in taste. if this is that! run away now! ( its mean either its to old or low quality).
   Now with practice! and i said WITH practice! your nose becomes like your most reliable guide! It develop a special sense on noticing the beautiful delicate complex perfume and unique aromas from high quality saffron ! you should develop and refine and educate your nose in such complex nuances over time (not on your first test )! just repeat with a known good source . ( it worth it!)
   .

The Water Test: The Power of Simple Science

Now let’s turn to some basic water magic!, its something i learn when I did a lot of digging for answers! get that little glass and start experiment on it (this also kind fun)

• Take small threads of saffron and place them gently into small bowl with room temp water . and you’ll want to see the results. now the most importnant is observe!.
  • Real saffron: Its usually will starts by leaving a trail of the very gorgeous Golden Orange to Red color that starts spreading slow slowly and in very smooth and wavy like pattern. the process is very gradual . threads itself keep there shape and dont loose shape . The aromas usually bloom even stronger than when its on dry
  • Fake saffron: the colour might be to quick! as its already sprayed (not inside). and too bright! or weird color , like plastic and dye types and color won’t blend well! will also not really leave much aroma too . threads often are break down or lost their structural integrety.

Additional note
Water needs to be only lukewarm to do not to alter with test or cause anything in it , just a plain room temp type is perfect !
Again : look into that threads closely when its wet. look in its colours. this process is fun so experiment around, find your happy spots with that!.
.

The Paper Test: When Water Is Just Not Enough

Okay so, Water test it super usefull for 1st test . However, What if your still paranoid, lets use another useful and easily findable “lab test” , Paper testing , lol. this paper testing has become one of my favorite type of tests honestly.

1. Grab one paper towel (any type would do really!)
2. Take a thread and place it on it (a few maybe will give more detail!)..
3. Use light touch press on saffron on towel.. Now. start rubbing!.
4. Take off thread
   Now Observe:
   Real saffron: Should leave only a natural Red and slightly golden orange tint only (mostly will be orange with some type of red too).. There no smearing ,or oily texture (very light red ).
   Fake saffron: leaves heavy dark-orange-red smudges (a lot). or maybe some oilly streaks, that’s tell tale sign they used artificial colour and some additional ingredient to imitate good colouring!. If is smearing (and super dark !) .. you been a victim . this happen too much but keep trying your find that precious one!
   Important Note. This test works also good on “used” saffrons (if u still have them ) that has lost its aroma , with water or with anything in reality this one it super reliable.

The Baking Soda Test: How a Simple Household Material Saves the Day

Alright, you guys, we’re about to turn kitchen staples into scientific reagents!, lets use Baking soda !! yuppy!!!. I feel kinda nerdy again . And let’s give baking soda all the credit, the champion against fake spices . lets try on baking soda:

1. Mix about one table spoon baking soda in room temp glass of water
2. Add some of the strands. Stir it gently (just enough).. and what do you observe
   • Real saffron it will usually wont change much . if theres some changes, they will be subtle changes of colour that do get very slow.

• Fake saffron : Usually it will turns red- orange really quick and in really big ways. sometimes almost instantly!, if colour changing too fast , this usually are artificial dyes and means is big NO NO! . it is better skip. if its also smell some wierd, its even more big no no no.. (the same goes with paper test!).
  Important tip : Use white base plates so it helps to recognize differences .
  Also i’d like to warn all you home cook!s. Never eat any spices from such lab type tests that we talking here ok!? These testing method it not “food safety certified ” in any ways (of course its obvious right lol!?)
  .

The Rub Test: A Gentle Touch Reveals All

This is what my grandma has showed me in her ancient cooking books!. Now , lets tap in into our inner sensing powers! lets use this gently rubbing! a soft texture check, to know how it feels :
Take very tiny tiny strands between your fingers , lightly and softly rubbing them around ( like making circle). then lets watch how they will be..:
Real Saffron: Its should stay very sturdy.. almost tough to press or move!. They remain intact , mostly!. feel a bit more fibrous. threads mostly, feels kinda springy almost? (kinda hard to explain on writing!).
Fake Saffron: if thread feels flimsy!. easily breaks and crumble down into tiny powder… thats really bad sign. The fakes are very thin and also feels kind of..plastic-y… its really not same at all.. They will fall down as a really red very dusty (sometimes a weird dark orange) and wont spring back
important : never too rough on these poor threads its not what its meant, it only has light tough.. and keep it delicate…

Visual Inspection: Using Our God-Given Super Vision

Now we using the all power of God given gifts!, yupp! our eyes, and let us dive in this visual inspections! ( that thing my grandma keep showing all the time in every spice).

Take those little threads! and observe them very careful under bright and clean lights , you’ll want the most high resolution images of those lovely saffron to make judgements based in colour and forms. What to search?:

• Shape: look at how shape is from these Threads. usually Real Saffron are kinda trumpet shape from top. this means it they have widen part to end then go thin again at the base
• Color: The Real Saffron it should very consistant, a uniform deep and vibrant and dark beautiful red, in other word ,not some light, faded, orangish colour!. Some premium might get very very slight lighter orange part at very bottom but is not super common usually only one dark Red color from tip. . And when that red go to bottom ,it can sometime gets little yellower that are in pushal kind (and konj ). This colors, means , well that specific stigmas has high amount of molecules . a high good potent pigment from nature! the deep more red colour the most expensive usually!. (or most high quality saffron i must to say).
• Shinny? when i look through it, good high quality usually reflect some tiny sheen of natural oils. so usually looks slightly glossy, not matte. Fake tend to look to dry
• Thread structure: each fiber threads of real saffon must appears in tiny hair shape. the hairs mostly stay very uniform to itself and they don’t break apart usually very consistent to each one threadsWhat if i saw :
  • Threads all flat and looks dull, not thick, very small, broken or dusty threads. Its should raise big flag
• very bright red colors or any colors that it does look like red!. Usually it dyes and they’re just no-no . Run away !..
  * Very mixed parts of yellow red colors (too much) : low quality , always . Its usually from Konj and not recommended type.. but usually some people love that so… always judge your budget accordingly.
  important tip!: Its really help having something that has already a proven great authentic type saffron nearby for comparisons!, you see these thing when you do testing in different spices!.

The Taste Test: Only the Most Brave Are Doing It

Okay! here is very brave moment ! lets move into flavour experience!. You need a tongue of a scientist to do it! (ok not really scientist, haha… but yeah kind of). but, If you reached this point of paranoia lol then go head try it and taste!. (as last choice ok?). remember ! : take small, VERY VERY SMALL pinch, place directly under your tongue to sense those flavor note for couple minute before to fully swallow or anything ( it should be done without added sugars or any tea , and do with full fresh mouth , ok ?)

• Real saffron : The taste is described often in some unique types!. Earthy.. not bitter but more subtle..a light gentle flavour!. Its more about aromatic, rather taste . If you have ever had great quality , your body would tell you ” oh it this is! amazing!’..
• Fake Saffron: Its tasteless like.. dust!. It can also be bitter . Sometimes artificial sweet. ( that is so wrong! no like ). chemical like ( big alarm again!). You won’t find that complexity of saffron flavours . They will lack this unique aromatic flavours in all ways.. if they give any strong type its mostly the taste of synthetic chemicals (yuck!. again ).
  Very Important: Taste last and in last step of testing!. (i told you guys!).. be aware the small test could leave stains if its fake type.!. So we really leave as LAST step ok?

The Expert Level: Lab Testing, Because Why Not Be Very Paranoid?

Ok guys!, for those extreme levels of paranoia and trust issues ( that’s me again ). I always recommend, to use Lab Analysis . yupp, we turn into lab coat wearing people LOL , this one it does give most data than others . Now the following things get tested.

• Crocin (Color): High quality saffron! has great potent colour levels.. this determines intensity on colors that show its pigment.. Higher levels mean that intense rich colour
• Picrocrocin (Taste): This gives taste notes , very low bitter. or a subtle flavor usually.. its good if you have moderate to normal amount here!.
• Safranal (Aroma): Most important in quality !!. this responsible to it perfumes . if it’s high you will know!. high grade would usually have much potent scent of its amazing aromas, so that usually mean quality is fantastic..
  Lab will give full detailed information by using machines and software. and tell all secrets lol. You can use online sites where you order lab service kit, they will analyse everything.. if you can do! go for it!. this one can really eliminate your doubt. this its all for all that super anxious home cook! .. and thats how we got that pro lab expert. hehe..

Shopping Smart: Tips for Avoiding the Fakes

Okay so we been deep in deep details, and now we move into final sections of this giant wall text i did ! lol, now its the time we discuss some useful tips on purchasing process!. let make buying much more stress free..

• Purchase from reliable Vendors: buy from farmers or directly known sellers! not from any strange anonymous websites or places ! check their reviews and look any other red flags like complaints or others.
• Ask questions, do a research! : never fear to ask questions. a Good trusted vendor has nothing to hide! or have full disclosure on their products. Do research in any specific names and if their methods on saffron processing! you’d surprised about the results
• Avoid very suspicious low prices: Real good high premium saffron wont sell like crazy on discounts. The low low price its a BIG FAT red sign. Real saffron takes to make a big work, not be that easily for sell. Remember that and dont ever trust suspiciously cheap offers. If you see huge offers and prices, leave. That very very sus . always!. ( always check to have fair market pricing).
• Trust Your Eyes: Look well when in front the real package or box (not only pictures!) Look for very good details, or strange colours of those package! some vendors use old looking packaging just to fool. dont trust those type. always double check that! .
• Go local when can: whenever u have the opportunity buy at local farmers ! direct! from your local farm in your region ! this really helps in small business to get big wins in saffron. also, you may make nice personal connect with their life’s . so always try this option.. or you can get farm visiting option . most do this!

Storing the Golden Threads Right (How Not To Waste $200 on spice)

Listen now very carefully cause it super crucial to save money after a very long testing you did . How you store saffron correctly is how to properly keeping its beautiful potent qualities, from flavour, aromas and colours for longer periods! .. So! if you’re not caring about storage, probably youre wasting that high investment of great high premium saffron! , lets protect this!.

• Airtight Container: Its essential to protect saffron in this!. its the main way for saving them from moisture which make it loose its aromatic scent , you should store into that and close so tht to not be in touch of outside . the perfect option in non-reactive material glass or stainless containers!.
• Dark and Cool Space: dont exposed too much in high sunlight, its can do bad stuff by fading its natural pigment. so store it at your storage cabinet or your shelves from kitchen where theres no light. room temps it fine too..
• Stay Dry: avoid the high moister areas like refrigerator it bad ! it make lose is pigment potency too. try use those small food dehydrator package things that do avoid moister when you stored food inside (small silica packets do great!. try getting a lots lol)
• Avoid to Grind the Stigma in advanced : dont do that if not about use them, in moment of consumption it best to grind. never grind more than u have too!. this could fade aromas way more quicker. . The whole stigma of a saffron keeps better properties. Always!. So..do only before when your cooking session start..
  Following above thing will be helping those potent aromas and color properties longer . also means that more saved money because good stored saffron stay more long!.

My Concluding Thoughts: On Saffron Love & Life Lessons

If we gonna all honest, the saffron is more that some kinda cooking spices; they really are, small treasures . its a deep cultural thing , with rich historic tale ( and thats how its important). To see, the path i started to see what can give in those tests.. make a deep dive in many methods!. its all very unique in itself, it has been quite the learning experiences , like life-changing to me honestly. I came so confident with my eyes. That was an important moment for myself. You, now are here ! are in that point too. that a BIG WIN to our lives! to all your culinary path from now on… Now you are better educated .
Remembering! all that my grandma used in spices!. Its really something in a full human life journey!.

Always, never lose curiosity. Explore the flavour world out there! in ethical ways!. Be present in moments . Taste with mindful awareness and that all bring out joy from spices. Let those unique aroma molecules embrace in all senses in your existence (that sounds pretty good and i agree with it ! ) Happy food cooking, people!. 🙂

Final Questions

Alright guys!, i am here and all open for Q&A . Do ask in section comments in wordpress, if u have any further doubt ! i am happy to reply your quest !… i think this should answer mostly everyone right?. I guess..