Saffron has a desirable taste; it is a unique and valuable spice with a delicate, sweet, and at the same time, honey-like fragrance. Pure and high-quality saffron, with its distinctive aroma and color, imparts a captivating and unparalleled golden hue to any dish. The quality and potency of saffron depend on how it is harvested, stored, and the time elapsed since harvesting. However, some individuals engage in fraud in the saffron trade, selling adulterated saffron instead of pure and high-quality saffron for their own gain. Therefore, it is essential for you to familiarize yourself with the types and characteristics of pure saffron to avoid falling into the trap of these profit-driven sellers. One way to identify pure saffron from adulterated saffron is through a taste test.
How does the authentic taste of saffron differ from fake saffron?
Here are various factors explained:
- Aroma:
As mentioned, the aroma of saffron is sweet, reminiscent of honey, clover, and tobacco. The substance responsible for the aroma is safranal, and in Grade 1 saffron, its pure content ranges between 20 to 50 units.
- Flavor:
One crucial difference between genuine and fake saffron is the flavor. Pure saffron has a slightly bitter taste, attributed to a compound called picrocrocin. The genuine saffron should contain over 80 units of picrocrocin.
- Grade:
It's noteworthy that the highest quality saffron is cultivated in Iran and undergoes grading before being sold. Grade 1 saffron signifies the highest quality.
- Age of Saffron:
According to ISO standards (ISO 3632), the age of saffron should be printed on the packaging. Older saffron tends to have a milder fragrance.
- Freshness:
Like any food item, the fresher the saffron, the stronger its aroma and taste. Broken or dark threads, as well as a lack of stickiness in the threads, may indicate adulteration or old saffron.
also Saffron is good for your body.
Avoiding the Tricks of Profit-Driven Sellers
- Taste: Genuine saffron should have a bitter taste, not a sweet one. If you place saffron on your tongue and experience bitterness or even no taste, it may be a sign of fake saffron.
- Bitterness: The main reason for the bitterness of saffron is the colorless compound picrocrocin, which is crucial for enhancing stomach function.
Understanding the Fragrance of Saffron
- The fragrance of saffron is due to abundant saffron oils.
- Saffron oil comprises a maximum of 10% of saffron.
- Saffron moisture content is 10% to 13%, with mineral components making up around 5%.
Using Saffron Flavor in Foods
Saffron has been widely used in Iranian cuisine for its delightful aroma and taste. Its benefits extend beyond flavor, making it a common ingredient in dishes, ice cream, and desserts worldwide.
Look at our Recipe: Easy Saffron Zucchini Pasta
Common Questions for Summary
- How to Identify Genuine Saffron? Methods include tasting, observing the saffron's shape, color, aroma, non-oily threads, and the speed of coloration.
- What is the Color of Genuine Saffron? Authentic saffron threads have a dark, reddish-purple color. If the threads are any color other than dark reddish-purple, it may not be genuine.
In conclusion
In this article, we delved into more details about how to identify genuine saffron. It's crucial to note that the best way to prevent purchasing fake saffron is to buy from reputable sources. Therefore, before making any decisions regarding saffron vendors, it is advisable to research and buy from trustworthy sources to ensure the authenticity of your purchase. If you are a bulk saffron buyer in South Africa, you can collaborate with Arya Tejarat Bostan to procure Grade 1 Iranian saffron. We are committed to providing you with the finest saffron quality.