Real VS. Fake Saffron

    When it comes to Saffron, be very cautious as can be made from corn silks, 

coconut fiber or ever horse hair, synthetic coloring rose to die low rates threads to make it looks real!  Saffron is a highly valued and expensive spice derived from the Crocus sativus flower.

However the real Saffron comes from top of stigma, and each flower has only 3 threads. 

Saffron essentially is the reddish-yellow color flower stigma harvested from the plant Crocus Sativus and has been in use for ages as a seasoning and coloring agent in food. 

Let's explore the differences between real saffron and fake saffron:

1. Source: Real saffron comes from the stigma of the Crocus sativus flower. Each flower has only three stigmas, which are handpicked and dried to create saffron threads. Fake saffron may consist of other plant parts or synthetic materials that are artificially colored and flavored.

2. Appearance: Real saffron threads have a deep red color that can vary slightly depending on the region of cultivation. The threads are thin, about 2-3 centimeters long, and have a distinct trumpet-like shape at one end. Fake saffron may be uniform in color, shorter, and lack the characteristic trumpet shape. It may also have an unnatural bright red or orange color.

3. Aroma: Real saffron has a strong, sweet, and floral aroma with hints of honey. The aroma is released when saffron threads are crushed or steeped in warm liquid. Fake saffron may have a weak or artificial smell that doesn't resemble the pleasant fragrance of genuine saffron.

4. Flavor: Real saffron imparts a complex, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor to dishes. It adds a distinctive taste and yellow-orange hue to food. Fake saffron may have little to no flavor or a chemical taste due to the synthetic additives used.

5. Solubility: When genuine saffron is added to warm liquid, it slowly releases its color and flavor. The water turns golden yellow or orange. Fake saffron may release color rapidly and excessively, resulting in an unnaturally intense coloration.

6. Price: Authentic saffron is expensive due to its labor-intensive cultivation, hand harvesting, and limited production. If a saffron product is unusually cheap, it is likely to be fake or of poor quality.

To ensure you're getting real saffron, it's advisable to purchase from reputable sources, such as trusted spice merchants or well-known brands. Look for saffron threads rather than powdered saffron, as it is easier to assess their authenticity. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the characteristics of genuine saffron, including its appearance, aroma, and taste, to help you identify any potential fakes. It picked only by hand and its harvested end of October to mid November each year early in morning.