What is Iranian Saffron, exactly?
Saffron Crocus is also known as Crocus Sativus is a perennial with a stem that bears six purple flowers with three red stigmas.The red stigmas found on the saffron flower are what give the spice its name.It is also known to be red gold.It is also the most expensive spice in the entire world due to its complex harvesting procedure.
What are the uses of saffron?
Saffron is a special seasoning and favorite spice in Persian cuisine; because it gives a beautiful color and pleasant aroma to Persian food and sweets.Iranians use saffron in their desserts, tea, kebabs, or stews.Shole Zard, a Persian rice pudding served in ritual ceremonies, is also a major use of saffron.Iranians use it to dye Persian rugs made by hand.
Benefits of Iranian Saffron
Iranian saffron is known as the world’s best saffron in the world. In addition, it’s a nutritious, good-for-you food.Accordingly, saffron therapeutic properties include reducing blood pressure, preventing heart disease, decreasing cholesterol, and improving mood and energy.It’s also full of antioxidants that help to prevent and treat cancer.It also helps to heal the stomach, abdomen, and intestines.
Despite its many therapeutic properties, excessive consumption of saffron can cause poisoning.The human body can die from excessive consumption of saffron, which is why it’s recommended that you do not consume more than 5 grams in one meal.
Iranian Saffron Harvest Season
Saffron will not grow in sunny regions with mild weather. It will only grow in the areas with significant temperature differences between night (and day)It’s therefore ideal to grow this crop in the climate of Iran in Razavi Khorasan & South Khorasan Provinces.
Iran’s saffron harvest time is relatively short. It begins at around November 1st and lasts for about three weeks.The harvest season begins when the purple flowers covered the saffron blooms appear on the farms of eastern Iran and Fars Province.The farmers reach the farms before sunrise, as the saffron bloom has not yet opened.They begin to pick the flowers by hand quickly and meticulously until just before sunrise.Then, they remove the stigmas from each flower and transfer them to a cool place under a roof.They use their hands to remove all stigmas.
So now we know the answer to the question, “Why are saffron flowers so expensive?”Because the saffron harvesting process can be difficult, approximately 1 kg of dried saffron will be produced for each 150,000-200,000 saffron blossoms.This makes saffron a very expensive spice.
The exciting process of Persian saffron harvesting and separating stigmas is so entertaining, many tourists come to Iran’s saffron Farms in November.You can be part of this harvesting and support the farmers.
Saffron Stores In Iran
Iran exports about 95%, or more than 300 tons, of Iranian saffron each year.Iran is both the biggest producer and the largest exporter.Iran currently exports saffron to 40 nations, including Spain, China, India, Hong Kong, Italy, and UAE.It is interesting to note that some countries package the Iran saffron for sale under their own name.
Iran is the best location to purchase high-quality saffron in.Now it is time to ask the question, where can I purchase saffron in Iran?Accordingly, the primary market of saffron in Iran is Mashhad, which obtains its saffron product from the farms in Qaen, Torbat Heydariyeh, Gonabad, Khaf, and Taybad.Fars Province also grows saffron. However, its quality may be lower than Khorasan.Qaenat saffron is Iran’s finest saffron. It comes from Qaen.Mashhad also has Persian saffron available for purchase in Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Yazd, or online.To buy Iranian saffron, or get more information about saffron, pleasecontact us.
How to distinguish authentic saffron from a fake one
It is possible to find fake saffron on the market because it’s costly.This article explains how to spot fake saffron.
- First, you have to recognize the appearance of Saffron.The saffron stigmas are trumpet-shaped at one end and narrower towards the bottom. They also have a bright red color.
- Recognizing the saffron taste is one of the best ways to distinguish the real from the fake saffron.Real, high-quality saffron must have a sweet aroma and not a sweet flavor.Sometimes profiteers will dip saffron with honey or sugar to increase its mass.Put saffron onto your tongue to feel the sweet flavor.Even though the original saffron tastes slightly bitter, sometimes it doesn’t.
- The smell of the original saffron will also help you identify it.This is why you need to know how authentic saffron smells.This smell is a mixture between honey and alfalfa.The essence of this scent is that the saffron must be fresher than the honey to make it more intense.
- Color is another way of identifying real saffron.Warm water can be used to reveal the color of the saffron.Take the stigmas out of the water. If the original saffron is used, the primary color of the stigmas will not change much.You will notice that fake saffron has lost its primary color after you have removed them from the water.
- Profiteers can sometimes add oil and saffron for weight gain.Put a few drops of saffron down on a piece of paper. Or, rub the saffron between your fingers.This saffron could be contaminated if you get grease stains on your paper or between fingers.
- Another way you can check the authenticity is to place a little saffron in front of the stove flame.If the color changes to purple, or orange, it’s pure.Fake saffron becomes yellow.
Also, the original saffron takes longer to color, so if the color of saffron shows up quickly it is probably fake. However, the color change in water to the original saffron is transparent, yellowish-orange, and light red.Also, water containing dark red saffron indicates that it is fake.Additionally, the saffron stigmas aren’t shiny.The original saffron won’t dissolve in gasoline.
Iranian Saffron Cost
The most asked question about Iranian Saffron has to do with “How much is Iranian saffron?“
As I mentioned earlier, the price in Iran for saffron varies from other countries.This is the Iranian saffron cost in Iran.
Saffron is divided into several types depending on its type. It depends on the origin of the plant, its age, and other factors.Khorasan Province is the home of Iran’s finest and most costly Saffron.
When we ask about the Iranian Saffron Price, the first inquiry that comes up is “The Price of Which Type of Saffron?”
Here’s a list of Iranian saffron types along with their approximate Iranian prices.
Please note that dollar fluctuation can affect the price of the Iranian saffron.
Sargol Saffron at a Fair Price
In English, Sargol means the top of the flower. Sargol saffron is the part of saffron flower with all red threads, but in comparison with Negin and Super Negin saffron it has shorter filaments.
The current Sargol price for saffron in Iran is 6-10 dollars per Mesghal. Each Mesghal is equal to 4.6875g.The reason behind the price difference between Sargol and other types saffron is not because of its packaging or brand, it’s because of the quality of the saffron.
Bunch Saffron Price
Bunch saffron which is also called Dasteh saffron is the entire stigma. This includes both the yellow and red parts.Bunch saffron comes from the Qaenat region in Iran. It is the main source of saffron.Because they know that yellow saffron stigmas have the same properties as red, they don’t think it is necessary to throw them away.Pushal Saffron is another name for this particular type of saffron.
Dasteh saffron does not have a specific market price. However, the average Mesghal price in Khorasan Province is between 4 to 7 dollars.The difference in their packaging and coloring is what determines the price.
Saffron Root Price
Many wonder, “What are the benefits of eating saffron root?”If you are looking to enjoy the properties of Saffron (color, benefits), and have a budget to spare, saffron is a good choice.The Iranian saffron root is usually about 2 dollars per Mesghal.
Transportation of Iranian Saffron
Saffron should not be exposed to light or moisture. Instead, it is best to keep it in dark glass and metal containers.It is possible for saffron to evaporate quickly so its quality and medicinal effects will be diminished if it’s stored outside.You should make sure that no air can penetrate the box.Aside from the fact that saffron can be fragile, it must be carried carefully.You can transport it in a steel box.
Permissible Iran Saffron with Passenger
Saffron is a product that is highly valued and can be expensive in countries other than Iran. Therefore, Iran has restrictions regarding the export of saffron.The passport can only allow 100 grams of saffron to leave Iran.
The Permissible Iranian Saffron Quantity
You can post up to 100 grams of Iranian Saffron to other countries without having to obtain a customs license.A series of customs steps must be followed in order to post 100 grams to 2 kilograms of saffron.It is worth noting that in Iran the high-quality Iranian Saffron costs approximately 2$ per gram.This price can fluctuate according to its packaging and the rate of dollar at the time of purchase.
How to Use Iranian Saffron You Have Purchased
After you bring saffron back to your house, make sure you keep it in a sealed container.Place the box in an area that is dark, dry, and cool. Make sure no air gets inside.The aroma of saffron will disappear if it is kept in the freezer.
Here are the steps to making saffron extract flavor and color.For saffron to be used in food, grind a few of the stigmas in a mortar and pestle, then add some hot water. Let it cool in a warm place.Or, you can sprinkle a little saffron powder onto a small piece of ice and allow it to melt.In either case, the beautiful dark orange color saffron is revealed after a while.You can add some dissolved succor to your rice, chicken, and meats, or your tea.You can also use saffron in many Iranian foods.
