Expensive Saffron TypesWhat Is the Most Expensive Type of Saffron?

Expensive Saffron Types

When it comes to buying saffron, the common question that comes to mind is: What distinguishes the different types of saffron available in the market? Why do their prices vary? Which one is the best? And which one is not worth buying? Let’s explore these questions in detail in this post.

Types of Saffron and Their Pricing

At first glance, you might think that most saffrons look alike. However, that is far from the truth. Saffron comes in various qualities and packaging, with its price being determined by the type of saffron and its packaging. So, let’s dive into the different types of saffron and see what makes each unique.

About Saffron

Expensive Saffron Types

Saffron, known as “Zerparan” in Persian, has held a special place in Iran and around the world from ancient times. It is considered one of the most expensive spices in the world, not only due to its exquisite aroma and taste but also for its many medicinal properties.

Saffron consists of more than 150 different compounds, including crocin, antioxidants, safranal, and carotenoids. It is a small, perennial plant that grows 10 to 30 centimeters tall. From its bulb or base stem, thin, long leaves grow, from which one to three flowers emerge. The flowers have six purple petals, and each flower contains three stamens and a pistil, which culminates in three red-orange threads known as saffron.

The Growing Regions of Saffron

Traditionally grown in the Khorasan region of northeastern Iran, saffron thrives in semi-tropical climates with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Although it is native to southern Europe, it is now cultivated in many parts of the world, especially in Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, India, and Kashmir. However, 95% of the world’s saffron is produced and exported from Iran.

Most Expensive Saffron

The most expensive saffron variety is Super Negin Royal saffron, known for its high-quality threads used primarily for export. The main reason for its high cost is its flawless threads, which are entirely red, thick, and wide.

Different Grades of Saffron

Saffron can be categorized into different grades, with each grade having its quality and price:

  • Super Negin Royal
  • Negin
  • Sargol
  • Narma
  • Poushal
  • Dafta or Kesar

Super Negin Royal Saffron

Super Negin Royal saffron is the finest quality saffron grown in Iran. Its red threads are thick and wide, and they are free from breakage. This type of saffron is primarily used for export due to its premium quality and powerful color characteristics.

Negin Saffron

Negin saffron is another high-quality variety, similar to Super Negin but with slight variations in processing. It also holds a premium price but is slightly less valuable than Super Negin Royal due to the quality of its threads.

Price and Comparison

When comparing different saffron grades, Super Negin Royal stands out as the most expensive. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, you can consider Poushal saffron, which offers a good balance of quality and price.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed the different grades of saffron, the most expensive varieties, and the factors that contribute to saffron’s pricing. We also provided a current price overview to help you understand the cost of saffron better. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments section below.