How to recognize the quality of saffron
Genuine Saffron (کیفیت زعفران) - Crocus Sativus
This crocus blooms from October to December. Each blossom has three stigmas.
These stigmas are dried and yield the precious saffron spice.
For one kilogram of dried saffron, 150,000 to 200,000 flowers have to be collected.
Already at around 1000 BC the Persians flavoured with saffron.
The quality of saffron threads (کیفیت و تفاوتهای زعفران)
Depends on the positions at which they are pinched off. Each length has its own characteristics.
Saffron threads - Negin (زعفران نگین)
The highest quality of the Saffron-threads is referred to as "Negin".
- colouring, Crocin, of about 250-270
- flavour, Safranal, of about 50
- bitterness, Picrocrocin, of about 95.
Saffron threads - Sargol (زعفران سرگل)
- colouring, Crocin, of about 240
- flavour, Safranal, of about 50
- bitterness, Picrocrocin, of about 95.
Saffron threads - Pushal (زعفران پوشال)
- colouring, Crocin, of about 225
- flavour, Safranal, of about 50
- bitterness, Picrocrocin, of about 85.
Saffron threads - Dochtar (Dokhtar) Pitsch (Bunch) (زعفران دسته یا دختر پیچ)
Natural saffron - complete stigmas in bundles. The flavour is also integrated in the white parts.
- colouring, Crocin, of about 190
- flavour, Safranal, of about 40
- bitterness, Picrocrocin, of about 75.