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How to tell real saffron from fake

By SpiceIndia editors · Updated · About SpiceIndia

Saffron threads in a glass jar ( Viora Saffron packaging)
Photo: ulleo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Real saffron is the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus. It is expensive because each flower gives only three threads, picked by hand.

Checks you can do at home

  • Shape: real threads are trumpet-shaped, red with a slightly lighter, flared tip. Fakes are often uniform shreds.
  • Soaking: put a few threads in warm water or milk. Real saffron releases colour slowly over several minutes and the threads stay red. Fakes often bleed colour instantly or turn pale.
  • Smell: real saffron smells honeyed and slightly metallic.
  • Price: if it is very cheap, it is almost certainly not pure saffron.

How to use it

Soak a pinch of threads in two tablespoons of warm milk or water for 15 minutes, then add the liquid and the threads to biryani, kheer, shrikhand or kesar pista kulfi.

Kashmiri saffron

Kashmir’s Pampore area is India’s saffron region, and Kashmiri saffron has a geographical indication (GI) tag. Buy from sellers who state the origin and batch.

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