Saffron has been regarded as one of the most expensive spices around the globe. The reason behind such hyped saffron prices is the excruciating and laborious method for harvest. Pure saffron can be obtained from the stigmas of Crocus Stivas, and around 90% of the world’s saffron comes from Iran. Now when you have a single harvester of such beneficial spice, it can fall victim to fraud. Although there are strict quality checks and trademarks guarantees in place which ensure authenticity, you still need to be cautious while buying saffron.

This article will talk about things you need to keep in mind to purchase authentic saffron.

There are some rudimentary checks that you can apply to find out the authenticity of your saffron. We have provided our readers with five methods to test authentic saffron mentioned below. So keep on scrolling to enlighten yourself about real or fake saffron.

Physical Aspect

Usually, people try to imitate the colour of saffron but to find the real deal, you need to open your eyes. First, look for the physical aspect of saffron, as the physical appearance cannot be changed. Also, the real saffron comes with diffused ends, so check the ends of the saffron threads real close before buying.

Taste

Now put your second sense into working by tasting saffron before making a purchase. Real saffron tastes slightly bitter and astringent when put on the tongue. If the saffron you are testing tastes sweet, then it’s a big alarm that it’s fake.

Aroma

Take a good sniff at your saffron to absorb the smell. If it smells like honey and hay, then it is real, but if there is no smell, then it might be fake.

Water Test

Even the real saffron releases its colour when soaking in water, but that doesn’t take away the colour of the strands. So, while battling between real or fake saffron, put some saffron threads in water and take them out after some time. Then, if the saffron threads are still coloured, the saffron is real.

Baking Soda Test

Take some water and add a small amount of baking soda to it. Then add some saffron threads to the mixture and look for the colour. If the colour of the mixture is red, the saffron is fake, but it guarantees the real saffron's authenticity if it is yellow.

Saffron comes with various beauty, skin, and health benefits and is considered a staple ingredient in various cuisines around the globe. If you are intrigued about how you can distinguish between fake or real saffron, you must follow the tips mentioned above?

Also, buy saffron from a reliable dealer like Parsa Global Imports to get the excellent quality of original saffron. A family-owned business with extensive experience of 70 years in harvesting and selling saffron across the globe, Parsa Global Imports offers clients bespoke quality saffron at highly reasonable rates.

How do you find this article? Do let us know; also, share your tips and tricks to spot fake saffron threads by commenting in the comment section below.