Find different types of Saffron
Original price was: 429,00 AED.389,00 AEDCurrent price is: 389,00 AED.
What is Saffron? and What are different kinds of saffron?
In this article, we aim to introduce the plant and spice saffron to you, discuss different kinds of saffron, tell you about saffron’s properties and uses, and finally introduce you to various saffron brands present in the UAE.
What is Saffron?
Saffron is a precious spice derived from the Crocus sativus flower, a member of the iris family. This beautiful flower blooms with purple petals and boasts bright red-orange threads in its center. These threads, called stigmas, are the essence of saffron.
Growing saffron is no easy feat. The plant thrives in dry climates with well-drained soil and requires specific sunlight and temperature ranges. Each flower produces only a few precious stigmas, which are meticulously handpicked and dried to become the saffron spice we know. This labor-intensive process, coupled with the flower’s short blooming season, makes saffron one of the most expensive spices in the world.
But saffron’s value goes beyond its price tag. It boasts a rich aroma, vibrant color, and potential health benefits, making it a true “king of spices” that adds a touch of luxury and flavor to any dish.
What Are Different Kinds of Saffron?
While saffron is revered for its overall quality, there are different types within this “king of spices.” These variations depend on which parts of the Crocus sativus flower are used:
Sargol
This is the crown jewel of saffron. It consists solely of the pure crimson tips of the stigmas, offering the most intense flavor and vibrant color. Imagine the most prized part of the flower captured in a single thread.
Negin
Negin saffron is the top-of-the-line type of saffron. It’s like the “king of kings” among saffron varieties. These threads are long, thick, and a beautiful shade of red. They have a strong smell and the most intense flavor of any saffron. Because of this, Negin saffron is more expensive, but it’s perfect for adding a powerful pop of flavor and color to your food or for medicinal uses.
Pushali
This grade is slightly less expensive than Sargol. It includes the crimson tips along with some of the yellow styles (the yellow part below the red threads). Pushali still delivers a rich flavor and aroma, making it a valuable option for many dishes.
Konj
This is the most affordable type of saffron. It’s made from the yellow styles and white bases of the flower, offering a milder flavor and color compared to Sargol and Pushal. Despite its lower price point, Konj retains the beneficial properties of saffron.
There’s another way to categorize saffron based on how much of the flower is used:
Bunch Saffron | Dokhtar Pich
It includes the entire saffron thread, from the vibrant red tip to the white base. Dokhtar Pich is often preferred by farmers as it utilizes the whole flower, but it may contain a mix of different quality saffron strands.
Understanding these types of saffron allows you to choose the best option for your needs, whether you prioritize the most intense flavor (Negin and Sargol) or a more economical choice (Konj).
Where Does Saffron Originates?
Saffron’s story likely began in Iran, where it’s been cultivated for centuries. Today, Iran remains the king of saffron production, supplying over 90% of the world’s supply. It’s believed saffron spread from Iran to other countries like Afghanistan, India, Greece, and Spain.
Within Iran, not all regions are suitable for saffron. The cold desert regions in the northeast, called Khorasan Province, provide the perfect conditions for this precious spice. Cities like Qaenat, Torbat Heydarieh, and Torbat-e Jam in Khorasan are renowned for producing some of the world’s finest saffron.
What Is the Use of Saffron?
Beyond its prestigious origins, saffron offers a wealth of uses. In the kitchen, it adds a touch of magic. A sprinkle of saffron threads or a touch of saffron water infuses dishes like rice, stews, and meats with a unique depth of flavor and vibrant yellow hue. But saffron’s magic extends beyond culinary delights.
Saffron’s potential health benefits have been recognized for centuries. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may offer mood-boosting effects, support digestion, and even benefit eye and memory function. Some people take saffron supplements, while others find it incorporated into medicinal products targeting various health concerns.
Saffron’s beauty extends beyond the plate. The power of its antioxidants has reached the world of cosmetics. Extracts from this “king of spices” are used in skincare and haircare products, offering a luxurious touch to your beauty routine.
This is just a taste of saffron’s many uses. There’s a whole world to explore, and we’ll delve deeper into some lesser-known applications in a future article.
How to Choose and Buy Saffron?
Where to buy saffron from is both an easy and a difficult question. Easy because with a small search on the internet, you’ll find various saffron brands that you can buy from websites like Amazon and others. But figuring out which saffron is good and which brand is reliable is a tough question. In today’s world, there are thousands of saffron brands available from Iran, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Spain, Morocco, and other countries on the market.
While you can tell the type of saffron by its appearance, determining which saffron has more color and aroma is not discernible. Sometimes saffron in the market is mixed with counterfeit and dyed saffron, and at a glance, you can’t distinguish real threads from counterfeit ones. Therefore, the best brand for each person is one they have access to and have had a good experience consuming.
When selecting saffron, consider the following factors:
- Grade: Negin and Sargol offer the highest quality and flavor.
- Freshness: Opt for freshly harvested saffron, as older saffron may lose its aroma and color.
- Appearance: Saffron threads should be intact, vibrant crimson in color, and free of debris.
- Aroma: Saffron should have a rich, earthy, and slightly floral aroma.
- Source: Purchase saffron from reputable brands or stores known for authentic products.
What Is the Best Saffron Brand in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai?
Due to its proximity to the source of saffron exports, namely Iran, the UAE imports more saffron from this country. In the Dubai market, you can find various brands of Iranian, Indian, Afghan, Emirati, and Spanish saffron. The best saffron in this market is Negin saffron and Super Negin saffron, which are perennial favorites among Arabs. Being reputable and well-known, the Badiee brand of saffron is one of our proud achievements, as we have managed to supply the Dubai market with saffron alongside reputable brands like Bahraman, Saharkhiz, Novin Saffron, and Qaenat. Below are the names of the top saffron brands in Dubai:
Badiee | Qaenat | Bahraman | Taj Mahal | Saharkhiz | Vozara | Zaran | Bayara | Flower King | Golpich | Fermond | Novin | Royal | Ezzak …
You can also find Badiee Saffron on below marketplaces:
Conclusion
Final Words Everyone’s experience and taste of saffron products differ, but what makes saffron good and high-quality is its freshness and aroma. Having trust in the brand or store you’re buying from is also very important. However, it’s important to remember that being more expensive doesn’t always mean higher quality, and sometimes by comparing brands and prices, you can buy the best type of saffron!
