More than 6’000 flowers and over 12 hours of labor make just 30g of saffron, so if it’s cheap be suspicious. The organic matter most often passed off as saffron – either in a mix with the real spice or on its own – is marigold and safflower petals, which are often marketed as Egyptian or Mexican saffron but which can include any number of organic and inorganic fillers. The most common substitute or ‘false’ saffron has been turmeric. Turmeric, like saffron, has a certain astringency, but the flavor and aroma are very different and for dishes that require the specific taste of saffron, it is not a comparable substitute. Imitation saffron is often odorless and may taste sweet, rather than bitter. Pre-ground saffron is easily adulterated and best avoided.

Depending on its appearance, origin, delicacy of preparation, and resultant characteristics of chemical tests, saffron quality can vary enormously. Classification of Iranian Saffron is basically based on the trim of the threads and chemical components. The five types of Persian saffron are depicted below.

Negin

This type of Saffron is longer in length but contains some yellow and orange portions. However, the aroma, quality, and purity are still great but the color is not perfect due to some portions of yellow and orange threads.

Dasteh

The most basic type of Saffron is Bunched Saffron. This is where the whole string of saffron from the top of the stigma to the bottom of the style is removed from the flower and dried altogether.

Sargol

“Sargol” has a specific, powerful aroma more than other types. It is also known as high quality since it does not contain any Yellow or Orange threads.

Puoshal

In Pushal Saffron, the red stigma is more of what you are getting compared to Bunch Saffron but half of it is still the yellow part of the style.

Konj

“Konj” is not a kind of saffron types but considered due to its beautiful color and appearance. Some people incorrectly think that “konj” is more perfumed than the Sargol.

Sargol

“Sargol” has a specific, powerful aroma more than other types. It is also known as high quality since it does not contain any Yellow or Orange threads.

Negin

This type of Saffron is longer in length but contains some yellow and orange portions. However, the aroma, quality, and purity are still great but the color is not perfect due to some portions of yellow and orange threads.

Puoshal

In Pushal Saffron, the red stigma is more of what you are getting compared to Bunch Saffron but half of it is still the yellow part of the style.

Dasteh

The most basic type of Saffron is Bunched Saffron. This is where the whole string of saffron from the top of the stigma to the bottom of the style is removed from the flower and dried altogether.

Konj

“Konj” is not a kind of saffron types but considered due to its beautiful color and appearance. Some people incorrectly think that “konj” is more perfumed than the Sargol.