Most Expensive SaffronWhat Is the Most Expensive Type of Saffron?

The Super Negin Royal saffron is the most expensive type of saffron, commonly used for export.

Buying the Most Expensive Saffron

When buying saffron, many people wonder: What makes the saffron available in the market different from each other? Why is there such a price difference? Additionally, how can we determine the best type? Keep reading as we explore these questions and more.

Understanding Different Types of Saffron

At first, it might seem like all saffron is similar, but that’s not the case. Saffron is available in various qualities and packaging, which affects its price. Additionally, quality saffron comes in different forms, and its price depends on both its type and packaging.

What Is Saffron?

Saffron, also called “Zarafran,” has had a prominent place throughout history in both Iran and around the world. Known as one of the most expensive spices, saffron is used not only as a flavor enhancer in cooking but also has significant medicinal properties.

The Composition of Saffron

Saffron contains more than 150 compounds, including crocin, antioxidants, saffranal, carotenoids, and others. It is a small, perennial plant that grows between 10 and 30 centimeters tall. It produces flowers with purple petals and three red-orange stigma threads, which are the valuable part used as saffron.

Where Is Saffron Grown?

Saffron thrives in semi-arid climates, particularly in northeastern Iran, which is known for its mild winters and hot, dry summers. It is also cultivated in southern Europe and other countries such as Spain, Italy, France, and India. However, Iran produces around 95% of the world’s saffron, making it the largest exporter.

Types of Saffron Based on Quality

  • Super Negin Royal Saffron
  • Negin Saffron
  • Grade-A Saffron (Sargol)
  • Powdered or Broken Saffron
  • Poushal Saffron
  • Flower or Daisy Saffron (Dasteh or Dughter Pich)

Super Negin Royal Saffron

The Super Negin Royal saffron is the highest-quality and most expensive type, ideal for export due to its high standards. Its superior quality lies in having fully red and thick saffron threads, without any broken pieces.

Negin Saffron

This type of saffron is highly regarded and second in quality to Super Negin Royal. It is also used for export. The key difference lies in the processing method, although both are similar in terms of quality.

Saffron Sargol

Saffron Sargol is one of the most common types and is often considered the classic version of saffron. It is graded based on quality and is often divided into “pure saffron” or “raw saffron” based on its processing.

What’s the Difference Between Negin and Sargol Saffron?

The primary difference between Negin and Sargol saffron is in their appearance. Negin saffron strands are long, intact, and the highest quality, while Sargol saffron threads sometimes break during processing, reducing the overall quality.

Powdered Saffron (Narma Saffron)

This type of saffron, also called “Narma,” refers to saffron that gets broken or powdered during handling. It is typically used in industries or low-budget products.

Poushal Saffron

Poushal saffron contains both red saffron threads and yellow stigmas, making it less expensive than other types but still a good option for certain needs.

Flower or Daisy Saffron

This is the lowest grade of saffron, typically consisting of both stigma and yellow threads, often lumped together. It is considered to be the least expensive type with the lowest quality.

Most Expensive Type of Saffron

As mentioned earlier, the most expensive saffron is Super Negin Royal Saffron, valued for its high color strength and uniformly shaped threads. The least expensive saffron is Poushal saffron.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve discussed different types of saffron and highlighted the most expensive one—Super Negin Royal saffron. We’ve also provided important insights about the price and qualities of saffron to assist you in making well-informed purchasing decisions. Hopefully, this guide proves useful for your saffron selection process. Feel free to leave any comments or questions below.