What is a saffron?

Types of Saffron

Saffron is categorized and classified based on its appearance. The different types are usually described as follows:

Bunch

Bunch saffron consists of complete threads with both red and yellow parts. Approximately 30% is yellow and 70% is red.

White (Style)

After the top part (Sargol) is separated from the bunch, the root or white part remains, also known as the style.

Pushal

In this type, the style (white part) is separated from the flower, leaving the stigmas with 1-3 millimeters of style attached. The end of the stigmas shows some yellow or white, called Pushal.

Sargol

In Sargol, the style (white part) is entirely removed, leaving only the red part. It is called "all red". Its grading and price depend on the thickness, fineness, and presence or absence of broken stigmas

Negin

This type has excellent color and appearance and is highly fragrant. The three stigmas are connected, straight, and unbroken.

Super Negin

Super Negin is one of the best and highest quality that available in the market. It has a higher quality and price compared to other types, with good coloring quality and a beautiful appearance.

Benefits of Saffron

Saffron's stigma, the main edible part of the plant, is composed of around 150 compounds, including crocin and crocetin carotenoids, which serve as coloring agents. Other important compounds include picrocrocin and safranal, responsible for its bitter taste and aroma, respectively. It also contains other compounds like alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, carotenoids, glycosides, glucosides, di-glycosides, gentioglycosides, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, gamma-crocetin, among others.

In the following sections, the nutritional value present in the main edible part of the plant (red threads) along with their amounts per 100 grams are mentioned.

Vitamins

Electrolytes

Minerals

Here we briefly explain the properties and benefits of saffron, which will be discussed in detail in a separate article. The benefits include:

• • A powerful antioxidant: The antioxidants in saffron include crocin, crocetin, safranal, and kaempferol. These substances have the following properties:
• • Protect brain cells
• • Protect against progressive damage
• • Improve inflammation
• • Reduce appetite
• • Improves mood and treats symptoms of depression
• • Reduces the risk of cancer
• • Reduces symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• • Enhances sexual function
• • Helps with appetite control and weight loss
• • Reduces the risk of heart disease
• • Lowers blood sugar levels
• • Improves age-related vision problems
• • Enhances memory in adults with Alzheimer's
• • Improves blood circulation
• • Enhances digestive health
• • Strengthens bone health
• • Treats digestive issues
• • Improves sleep quality
• • Enhances lung function
• • Prevents hair loss

Storage

Fully dried saffron should be stored away from light and moisture. It's best kept in opaque or metallic containers at room temperature. Due to the volatile nature of it's essence, improper storage can lead to its evaporation over time, diminishing its medicinal effects and flavor, thus reducing its quality.
It's recommended to avoid using plastic containers, especially those made of nylon, for saffron storage, as they may cause damage to the threads.

Packaging

Bulk or loose saffron does not come with special packaging, which has both advantages and disadvantages, including a lower price compared to specially packaged types. However, packaged saffron offers more benefits.
Packaging plays a crucial role in ensuring safety and preventing waste during storage. It protects the product from environmental moisture, oxygen, and light. Additionally, the packaging comes in suitable shapes and sizes and can be customized according to the buyer's preferences and conditions.

Types of Packaging:

Polycrystal Containers

Polycrystal containers are among the best types of packaging due to their high durability, resistance, lightweight, and high transparency. These containers are produced and offered in various volumes and thicknesses, catering to all needs and preferences. However, they tend to be relatively expensive.

Glass Containers

Glass containers are another packaging option, but they have disadvantages such as high weight and fragility.

Metal Containers

Metal containers offer luxurious and very stylish packaging for saffron. The designs and patterns on these containers attract customers effectively.

Paper and Cardboard Containers

Cardboard packets are among the oldest and most common packaging materials, available in different sizes and models. This type of packaging is the best and most suitable choice for retailing saffron.

Cellophane Packaging

Cellophane is one of the most widely used materials in the food and hygiene packaging industry. Its high tensile strength and resistance protect saffron well against various external factors, including moisture.
Ultimately, packaging is done according to the customer's preferences, adhering to all principles and standards to maintain the quality and safety of the saffron.

Saffron Prices

Saffron has historically been used as a natural medicine for various illnesses. Today, it is more commonly used as a unique spice to add extraordinary flavor and aroma to different dishes. The main producers of this spice are Iran, Afghanistan, Spain, and Greece. It is considered a valuable spice, with prices varying based on its types. For pricing information, contact us.
However, the high price of saffron can be attributed to the following reasons:

1. Scarcity Saffron is a very delicate plant that grows only in specific regions. The best quality comes from a small part of the plant

2. Harvesting Process To date, no standardized mechanized method exists for harvesting saffron flowers. Because the threads are very delicate, they must be gently picked by hand, making the process labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Buying Saffron

Saffron can be purchased in bulk or packaged from the company. Each purchasing method has features that distinguish them. It is sold both wholesale and retail, and sales methods vary based on requests. For a hassle-free purchase, we recommend buying from our website. You will experience a direct purchase with guaranteed product quality. You can order saffron products online or through social media according to your needs. For more information, you can contact our experts.

Final word

In this article, we discussed what saffron is, its different types, and its benefits. We also talked about its value and why it is considered precious. To purchase the highest quality saffron, simply place an order on our website and receive the product directly from us.