Beyond its enchanting aroma lies a surprising revelation: the demand for Saffron surpasses its limited production, leaving the market flooded with imitations. In this blog, we'll uncover the extraordinary nature of genuine Saffron and ways to expose counterfeit products. Join us in breaking down the mystique of Saffron and arming yourself with the knowledge needed to distinguish authenticity in a sea of spice impostors.
Why is Saffron so expensive?
Saffron is often called “the King of Spices” or “Red Gold” because of its high harvest cost. Over a harvest period of only one week, Eupherbia cultivators carefully handpick the delicate threads of the Crocus sativus flower. 150 flowers are harvested to produce 450 threads that make up every gram of Eupherbia saffron! But don't fear! Eupherbia’s mission is to supply quality saffron at an affordable price for all to enjoy.
Characteristics of Genuine Saffron
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.
Taste and Aroma:
If you’re a frequent saffron user, you can probably distinguish authentic Saffron from fake ones by its taste or aroma. It's a unique taste that is hard to describe to those who have never tried Saffron. Frequent saffron users would describe it as saffron-y. Saffron tastes like a complex blend of earthy sweetness and a hint of tongue-tingling bitterness, which transitions gracefully into subtle floral undertones. It interacts with the ingredients in your dish to produce an elevated, more balanced blend of flavors.
Like aroma, Saffron's smell is so unique that most would consider it the smell of Saffron. It smells just as it tastes. It has a warm, earthy, slightly sweet aroma, which indicates freshness. It often possesses notes of Honey, Hay, and Florals.
Appearance:
Saffron’s thread color is deep red and may have tones of bright orange. However, if your Saffron has a lot of orange or yellow in it, it may be either low-quality Saffron or just the dye from the fake threads is wearing off. The color that saffron releases in food and beverage is important. It’s a golden yellow color and not deep red. Most fake Saffron releases a deep red color, which is the dye.
The shape of the thread can also be a marker for authenticity. Saffron thread has a trumpet shape in which one side is wider than the other. If the size is even it may be an easily mistaken substitute like saffron thread.
Common Types of Fake Saffron
Counterfeiters try desperately to replicate the brilliant color and shape of Saffron threads. They commonly enhance lower-quality saffron by adding oil to improve the weight or dye to improve the color. In more extreme cases, they use substitutes like safflower or corn silk, which share the same visual appearance as saffron threads. But don’t worry! We have 6 simple tests to identify genuine Saffron!
Tests to identify Genuine Saffron
ISO standards 3632-1 and 3632-2 provide the guidelines for assessing its quality, including flavor, scent, and color, while also ensuring it is free from any hidden color additives. Some brands, like Eupherbia, undergo rigorous testing to ensure only the highest quality saffron enters the market, exceeding category norms in flavor, scent, and color. This process isn’t just about guaranteeing quality; it helps protect the true authenticity of Saffron in the market.
But don’t worry! Even if all brands don’t hold their Saffron to ISO standards, you can do a few quick and easy at-home tests to see if your Saffron is genuine.
1. Paper Test
Some sneaky sellers play a little game by adding oil to Saffron, making it heavier than it 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, rub the Saffron on it, and if it leaves a greasy residue, bad news! Oil has been added to it. Genuine Saffron doesn't leave a greasy residue on paper.
2. Float Test
If you drop a few saffron threads 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 that’s been added to them.
3. Hot Water Test
Let's heat things up with a hot water test! 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.
4. Cold Water Test
Cold Water Test! Place a few saffron threads in a bowl and pour cold water over them. Watch how the color begins to emerge. Real Saffron slowly releases a golden hue, while fake Saffron, often dyed, will quickly shed a red or orange color. If the water turns red or orange right away, it's probably from dye. A genuine saffron thread never abandons its signature red allure; real Saffron will hold onto its red color, while fake Saffron might fade or even go white after a little while in the cold water.
5. Rub Test
You can do this after doing the hot/cold after letting the thread soak in water for some time. Take a couple of the threads and place them on your fingertip. Gentle rub them with your fingers.
Genuine saffron threads are resilient and rigid. They won't budge or break apart, showcasing their authenticity. For the imitations, the fake color comes off, or worst case scenario, they crumble away into smaller pieces.
6. 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 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.
Final Thoughts
Distinguishing genuine Saffron from its counterfeit counterparts is not just about ensuring you get your money’s worth; it’s about preserving the legacy of one of the world’s most treasured spices. By understanding the unique characteristics of authentic Saffron—its taste, aroma, color, and resilience—and leveraging simple tests like the paper, float, or baking soda tests, you can confidently navigate the saffron market. Armed with this knowledge, you can savor the unparalleled flavor and aroma of genuine Saffron while supporting the authenticity and integrity of this remarkable spice.
Buy from trusted sellers like Eupherbia.com, who put their products through rigorous quality testing and provide above-ISO-level quality saffron. Buy genuine Saffron on Eupherbia.com and try our amazing Saffron infused products!
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