Saffron, The "King of Spices" or The “Red Gold”, is renowned for its unmatched flavor and cultural significance. Beyond its enchanting aroma lies a surprising revelation—the demand for saffron surpasses its limited production, leaving the market flooded with imitations. In this exploration, we'll uncover the extraordinary nature of genuine saffron and ways to expose counterfeit products. Join us in unraveling the mystique of saffron and arming yourself with the knowledge needed to distinguish authenticity in a sea of spice impostors.

We'll delve into the art of differentiating real saffron from its counterfeit counterparts. From examining color and aroma to understanding the delicate threads of the Crocus sativus flower, we'll explore various clues that can help you identify the authenticity of this precious spice.

1- Taste and Aroma: If you’re a frequent saffron user, you can probably tell authentic

saffron from the fake ones by its taste, or aroma. Real saffron tastes, well, like saffron. Its

taste is hard to describe to those who have never tried saffron as frequent saffron users

would just describe it as saffron-y. However, to get into details, saffron tastes a nuanced

blend of earthy sweetness, accompanied by a hint of tongue-tingling bitterness, which

transitions gracefully into subtle floral undertones.

When it comes to the smell, we face a similar issue. The smell is so unique that most would consider it the smell of saffron. To profile it, it smells just as it tastes and tastes just as it smells. It has a sweet aroma which indicates freshness.

2- Appearance: Saffron’s thread color could be described as deep red to bright orange and

if your saffron has a lot of orange or yellow in it, it’s probably low-quality saffron, or just

the dye from the fake threads is wearing off. The color that saffron releases in food and

beverage is also important, it’s a golden yellow color and not deep red, most fake

saffron gives a red color as it’s the color of the dye that’s being released.

The shape of the thread must be considered as well. Saffron has a trumpet shape in which one side is wider than the other. If the size is even, it’s probably not real saffron as there are other saffron-looking substitutes sold as saffron thread.

3- Paper Test: some sneaky sellers play a little game by adding oil to saffron, making it look fancier than it actually is. Fear not, though – there's a fun little test to ensure your saffron isn't pulling a fast one on you. Get a piece of paper, and rub the saffron on it, and if it leaves a greasy residue, bad news! Oil has been added to it. Real saffron doesn't leave a greasy residue on paper.

4- Float Test: If you drop a few saffron on water and they float, you’ve got the real thing! But if they drown, sorry to tell you but it’s due to the dye color that’s been added to them and they’re altered.

5- Hot Water Test: Let's heat things up with a hot water test! Simply toss a handful of those vibrant saffron threads into warm water (not boiling), let it chill for 5 to 20 minutes, and witness the magic unfold. Genuine saffron keeps its color intact, painting the water with a consistent yellowish charm.

Now, onto the imitation game! Testing fake saffron has got artificial red dye and it releases the color quickly. Dip it into hot water, and the dye dances out, turning the water into a bold red

canvas, sometimes with a quirky mix of colors such as orange while the thread loses its original color.

6- Cold Water Test: Cold Water Test! Get a few saffron threads and drop them in a bowl. Then pour a bit of cold water in the bowl and watch as the color unfolds, a captivating show true for both pure and not-so-pure saffron threads. The fake saffron quickly releases the color that comes from the dye, while the real one takes its time in releasing its beautiful golden color.

But here's where the saffron mystery deepens! If the water decides to show off a deep red or orange vibe, a sure sign of mischief. Keep an eye out for vibrant yellow swirls or bold red stains; it's like saffron storytelling in liquid form.

And here's a little saffron secret: a genuine saffron thread never abandons its signature red allure. On the flip side, let fake saffron take a cold water plunge for an hour, and brace yourself for a color twist – it might just turn pure white!

7- Rub Test: You can do this after doing the hot/cold. Letting those saffron threads soak in water for a little while, it's time for a rub test. Take a couple of these magical threads and place them on your fingertip. Gentle rub them with your fingers.

Genuine saffron threads are your resilient companions. They won't budge or break apart, showcasing their authenticity. But the fake ones are in for a dramatic twist. The fake color comes off, or worst case scenario, they literally crumble away into smaller pieces.

8- Baking Soda Test: This round, we're exploring the world of baking soda. Grab a cup of water and mix in at least two tablespoons of baking soda until it's all blended and smooth. Now, introduce a few saffron threads and give it a gentle stir for a quick 2-3 seconds. Voila! If the mix boasts a delightful yellowish hue, congratulations – you've got yourself a batch of pure, high-quality saffron.

However, if the mixture takes a surprising turn towards maroon or reddish tones, you might have fallen prey to some saffron shenanigans.

Don’t lose hope! Companies providing real saffron prove their authenticity by doing ISO Standard 3632 which is an ISO specifically for saffron. ISO standards 3632-1 and 3632-2, the behind-the-scenes guidelines for categorizing saffron into threads, cut threads, or powder. Companies use these standards to explore the flavor, scent, and color profiles of this golden spice. Saffron can be a bit tricky during drying, holding onto moisture and influencing its weight. Labs step in to ensure it's pure gold, free from excess moisture, and without any hidden color additives. This rigorous testing process isn't just about ensuring quality; it's about safeguarding the true authenticity of saffron in the market.

Our saffron not only has done this ISO, but also has evidence proving its exceptional quality in the category of flavor, scent, and color.

Buy Eupherbia’s saffron, the one and only true king of all spices.