How to tell the quality of saffron

How to tell the quality of saffron by examining the four characteristics of Saffron.

What does the video say about the most effective methods to distinguish real saffron from fake saffron?

Methods to Distinguish Real Saffron:

🪴 Shape of Saffron

• Trumpet Shape: Real saffron stigmas have a trumpet shape with a wider head tapering to a thin base. Even if broken, some trumpet shapes should still be visible.
• Avoid Powdered Saffron: Powdered saffron should be purchased only from trusted suppliers, as the shape cannot be verified.

👃 Aroma of Saffron

• Distinctive Aroma: High-quality saffron has a floral and earthy aroma. It contains aromatic components like safranal, crocin, and picrocrocin.
• Aging and Storage: The aroma strengthens with age if stored correctly in a cool, dark place.

🌊 Color Test

• Floating Behavior: Genuine saffron floats on water before sinking as it absorbs water, while fake substitutes like corn silk sink immediately.
• Color Release: Real saffron releases its color uniformly in water over about 30 minutes. Inconsistent color release indicates possible adulteration.

👅 Taste Test

• Bittersweet Flavor: Saffron has a unique bittersweet taste due to picrocrocin. The flavor becomes sweeter over time.

Insights based on numbers

• Saffron contains over 400 bioactive components, all with antioxidant properties.
• About 90% of high-quality saffron should show the trumpet shape of the stigma.
• Out of 100 people who smell saffron, there are 60 to 70 different comments about its aroma.