Expert shares key tips and tricks to help you identify fake saffron

Saffron, the world’s most expensive and rare spice, is a precious ingredient which is used as a garnish as well as an integral ingredient in several dishes and desserts as part of the Indian cuisine. It’s robust colour also acts as a natural food colouring agent. However, saffron often falls prey to adulteration with cheaper substitutes.

“When a consumer buys any spice product, the first thing that comes to their mind is the quality of the spices,” said Akash Agrawal, co-founder at Zoff, a leading spice brand. He shared that different types of brands manufacture spices using different tools and machinery, which alters the taste of spices and further creating confusion in consumers’ minds.

If you want to find out if the saffron you bought from the local market is the real deal, Agarwal shared a few tricks up his sleeve to help identify whether the saffron in your kitchen cabinet is authentic.

Colour: Authentic saffron is a deep, rich crimson or dark red in colour. He advised consumers to avoid saffron that appears orange or yellow, as these often depict adulteration.

Stigma shape: The real saffron stigmas are long, thread-like, and tapered at one end. Fake saffron may have an irregular shape or broken stigma.

Shine: Holding the real saffron against light gives it a subtle shimmer or sheen; however, fake saffron often lacks this lustre.

Aroma: Aroma is the only thing that helps consumers decide whether the spice smells fresh or not. The real saffron has a distinct, earthy, and slightly sweet fragrance. “If a consumer is purchasing a weak or saffron that has an unpleasant odour, it may be contaminated,” he said.

Avoid saffron that appears orange or yellow, as these often depict adulteration. (Source: Freepik)

Taste: Real saffron has a slightly bitter and spicy taste. However, fake saffron has a bland or even sweet taste, which is common and can create a dilemma for consumers.

Buy from a well-known spice brand: It’s always advisable for consumers to buy saffron from well-known spice brands, local farmers’ markets, or online retailers with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Generally, consumers buy saffron from local stores to save their money, but they are not aware of its quality. Consuming adulterated saffron may also affect health and well-being.

Check for Certifications: Look for certifications from renowned organisations like the Spices Board of India and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure authenticity.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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