Saffron or Zarparan, the brand name of Crocus sativus, is a plant from the genus Saffron or red gold, which is known as the most expensive spice in the world in terms of weight. Therefore, its cultivation in the agricultural sector is a valuable trade. Most sources of saffron are native to Iran. Currently, Iran produces more than 90% of the world’s saffron. Iran is the largest exporter of saffron and China is the largest importer of saffron in the world. One of the most important problems in the trade and sale of saffron is recognizing its authenticity.
Certainly, by selling counterfeit saffron, a lot of money is made by fraudsters, so only by knowing the methods of distinguishing genuine saffron from counterfeit can you stop the profiteers from making a profit.
There are many ways to identify genuine saffron from counterfeit, after which you may be able to identify up to 60% of genuine saffron. Because fraudsters in the field of saffron sales use new methods every day.
But the best way to buy saffron is to buy it from reputable saffron stores and buy it directly from the farmer.
Methods of detecting the original saffron
The first method is to recognize the appearance of saffron
In the face of counterfeit saffron, we immediately realize that saffron is counterfeit.
Saffron has a clove-like appearance quality,
So that the bottom of the plant is trumpet-shaped and the other side is thin, also the color of saffron should be bright red, not bright, and also should not be shiny.
The second method of saffron testing
If the saffron strands are shiny, you should doubt that saffron is good.
If you see this abnormal situation, crush the saffron string on your fingers or on the paper. If a certain substance is stamped on the paper and the paper or your fingers become greasy, it is clear that the saffron is soaked in fat to increase its weight.
The third method is to determine the quality of saffron
Put a few strands of saffron in boiling water. After 5 minutes, if the color of the saffron becomes pale or white, saffron is counterfeit.
The fourth method
Remember that saffron has a very strong and intense aroma. If you buy saffron that did not smell very strong, you should doubt its authenticity.
Make the combination of the smell of honey and alfalfa the key to recognizing the authenticity of saffron.
The fifth method
Counterfeit saffron usually has a sweet taste. If you put a little saffron on your tongue, you feel it is sweet. You are definitely dealing with fake products. Saffron does not have a special taste. If you taste it, it may be a little bitter. Yes, but never the taste.
at the end
Experience in buying quality saffron helps you to have good choices. One of the best ways you can collect memories about the quality of the product is to buy from famous and reputable brands.
Well-known brands do not tarnish their reputation in vain and generally have reputable brands.