Saffron is known as the best spice in the world. Common types of saffron include bunch, Pushal, Sargol, and the prime kind, Negin saffron.
In this article, we are trying to find out what is the difference between various types of saffron.
How is saffron classified?
Saffron types can be classified in both physical and content. In physical classification, saffron is classified according to form and shape, but in the content, the focus is on the quality of saffron. Saffron classification criteria are different in variant countries. In Spain, saffron is cultivated according to regional criteria and is graded according to the length or thickness of the stigma and cream. In India, saffron is classified based on the purity and quality of the stigma or the combination of the stigma and stalk, and in the UK based on characteristics such as color, aroma, and taste.
Each saffron string consists of two parts, which are very important in distinguishing different types of saffron; The first part is the stigma (red part of saffron), and The second part is the stalk(white part of saffron).
Bunch or Dasteh Saffron
It is a complete string that has the red and yellow parts of saffron together. The yellow part is about 30 and the red part is about 70%.
In this type of classification, saffron is intact and saffron stigmas are not separated from the white part of saffron.
Poushal Saffron
In Poushali saffron, the saffron stalk (white part) is separated from under the flower, so that the stigma will have 2-3 mm of the stalk. At the end of the stigma, there are some yellow or white parts, which gives it a straw-like shape; That is why saffron is called straw(Poushal). Straw saffron is divided into two types of stem straw and ordinary straw. This saffron model is graded from 1 to 3 based on the coarseness and sagging of the stigma and the amount of stalk attached to it. Straw saffron that has thick and smooth stigmas, without wrinkles and has less stalk is called stem straw, and which has a normal stalk and is with more stalk, is called ordinary straw.
Sargol saffron
It is the most consumed and common type of saffron for people to use and our consumers are more familiar with this type of saffron.
In Sargol saffron, which is pure saffron, the white part of the saffron is completely removed and only the red part remains; That is why it is called All-Red. Grading and pricing of Sargol saffron depend on the thickness of stigmas and the presence or absence of broken stigmas.
Negin saffron
This model of saffron has a wonderful color and is very fragrant. In this type of saffron, stigmas are connected together and are smooth and without fractures (unlike Sargol saffron, where the stigmas have fractures). This has caused this type of saffron to have a better look and a higher price than Sargol saffron. Due to the high quality and elegance of this saffron, it is the most popular saffron in the world.
