What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. But not all saffron is equal. It’s important to understand saffron grades before buying, especially if you want top quality for cooking or wellness.
What Are Saffron Grades and Why Do They Matter?
Saffron is graded based on color, aroma, and flavor strength. These qualities are measured using ISO 3632 standards, an international system used to ensure purity and potency.
High-grade saffron offers deeper color, stronger scent, and richer taste. Lower grades may look similar but have weaker performance. As a result, you may need to use more just to achieve the same effect.
Key Compounds That Define Saffron Quality
Three natural compounds help determine saffron grade:
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Crocin – Measures color strength.
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Safranal – Measures aroma.
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Picrocrocin – Measures bitterness or flavor.
Top-grade saffron has high levels of all three. Always check if a brand shows lab test results or ISO certification to confirm this.
The Main Saffron Grades Explained
There are four main saffron grades, based on international standards:
1. Super Negin (Highest Grade)
This is the premium grade saffron. The threads are long, deep red, and completely free of yellow or orange parts. Super Negin has the highest levels of crocin, safranal, and picrocrocin.
It’s ideal for chefs, luxury dishes, and those using saffron for health benefits.
2. Negin
Negin saffron is slightly less uniform than Super Negin. The threads may be a bit shorter, but still dark red and highly potent. It is a great choice for home cooking and offers excellent value.
3. Sargol
Sargol means “top of the flower” in Persian. It includes only the red tips of saffron threads. The color and taste are strong, but it may have slightly more breakage. It’s a popular choice for everyday use.
4. Pushal or Mancha
This grade includes red and yellow parts of the thread. It has less strength and more volume. While cheaper, it doesn’t deliver the same aroma or flavor. Often used in lower-cost commercial blends.
How to Choose the Right Grade for You
When shopping for saffron, look for:
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Bright red threads with no orange or yellow.
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Long, unbroken strands for maximum freshness.
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Lab-tested certification showing high crocin content.
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Transparent sourcing (e.g., Iran, Spain, Afghanistan).
Choose Super Negin for the best results, especially if you’re using saffron for gourmet cooking or health purposes.
Know Your Saffron Grades Before You Buy
In conclusion, knowing the different saffron grades helps you choose the right product for your needs. High-grade saffron may cost more, but it delivers stronger color, deeper aroma, and better flavor—so you use less.
Invest in pure, certified saffron from a trusted brand to enjoy the full benefits of this golden spice. Whether you’re cooking a rich paella or sipping saffron tea, the right grade makes all the difference.
