Coupe or cut saffron
is the name given to saffron, which has been cut so that only the reddest tips are used.
This produces a saffron product with a more intense flavor. Whole saffron strands have naturally occurring yellow or whitish bottom ends. Coupe or Cut
These lighter portions do appear in saffron of slightly lower quality.
But where their amounts are kept to a minimum, the saffron is perfectly good. A higher price is paid for saffron that has these lighter ends completely removed, as they add weight, but do not add a significant amount of color or flavor to the dish.
The higher price is justified as less of the coupe or cut saffron would be needed to create the same flavor and color. Sargol is the Iranian name for Coupe.