By Hemant Sharma Saffron, also called “Kesar”, is one of the world’s most expensive spices. Known as the “red gold,” it comes from the dried stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. In India, it is widely used in sweets, religious offerings, Ayurvedic medicines, and beauty treatments. Because of its high value, saffron is often adulterated with dyed fibers, corn silk threads, or even paper strips. Therefore, knowing how to identify original saffron is essential for both health and value.
1. Look and Appearance
Original saffron threads are unique in their shape and color:
- Shape: Real saffron is a thin, trumpet-shaped thread. Each filament is slightly wider at one end (the stigma) and tapers at the other end.
- Color: The color ranges from deep red to reddish-orange. If you see saffron that looks too bright red or has yellow/white parts in large amounts, it could be fake or mixed.
- Texture: Genuine saffron threads feel dry, brittle, and slightly rough. Fake saffron often feels smooth or soft like plastic.
2. Smell Test
The fragrance of saffron is unmistakable.
- Original saffron has a strong, sweet, and earthy aroma with a hint of honey and hay.
- Fake saffron, or saffron mixed with colored fibers, usually has no smell or a chemical-like odor.
3. Taste Test
Saffron is never sweet in its raw form.
- When you chew a saffron thread, it tastes slightly bitter and earthy.
- If your saffron tastes sweet, it is adulterated with sugar or coated with other substances.
4. Water Test
This is one of the simplest and most reliable home methods:
- Take a few saffron threads and put them in a small glass of warm water or milk.
- Original saffron will slowly release a golden-yellow color over 10–15 minutes, while the threads themselves remain intact and retain their reddish color.
- Fake saffron gives out color immediately, turning the water red or orange, and the threads may lose all color or break down.
5. Rubbing Test
Another quick test is rubbing saffron threads:
- Place a few threads between your fingers and rub gently.
- If the saffron is real, your fingers will turn yellow or golden, but the threads will not lose their original red color.
- Fake saffron often leaves a red stain because of artificial dye.
6. Burning Test
This is a traditional way to confirm authenticity:
- Burn a saffron thread carefully.
- Real saffron burns slowly and smells like hay or leaves.
- Fake saffron or dyed fibers burn quickly with a plastic-like smell.
7. Price and Source Check
- Since saffron is one of the costliest spices, if you find it at a very cheap price, it is most likely fake.
- Original saffron in India is mostly grown in Kashmir (Pampore region, J&K). Iranian saffron is also popular worldwide, but Kashmiri saffron is considered among the best in quality.
8. Packaging and Certification
When buying saffron:
- Look for GI Tag (Geographical Indication) on Kashmiri saffron packets.
- Buy from reputed brands or government-certified outlets.
- Avoid loose saffron sold in unsealed packets, as it may be mixed with fake material.
Quick Comparison: Original vs Fake Saffron
| Feature | Original Saffron | Fake Saffron |
| Color release | Golden yellow, slow | Immediate red/orange |
| Smell | Strong, honey-like, earthy | No smell or chemical smell |
| Taste | Slightly bitter | Sweet or tasteless |
| Burn test | Smells like hay/leaves | Smells like plastic |
| Texture | Dry, brittle | Smooth, soft |
Final Thoughts
Identifying original saffron requires a mix of visual, sensory, and simple household tests. By checking its shape, color, aroma, taste, and how it reacts in water, you can distinguish genuine saffron from fake substitutes. Since saffron is not just a culinary ingredient but also used in religious rituals and Ayurveda, ensuring its authenticity is crucial. Always purchase from trusted sellers, and remember — true saffron is priceless for both health and tradition.