Spice guide / Saffron
What is Saffron?
Dried Crocus stigmas. Sell by gram, never as a generic 1kg grocery spice.
Short answer: Saffron (Hindi: केसर) is Crocus sativus. Honey, hay, bitter-floral. Culinary use only — not a medicine.
| Common name | Saffron |
|---|---|
| Hindi | केसर |
| Sanskrit | — |
| Botanical name | Crocus sativus |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Origin | India — Kashmir GI saffron where certified; otherwise declare actual origin |
| Main producing regions | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Flavour | Honey, hay, bitter-floral |
| Aroma | — |
| Forms | whole |
| Retail packs | 100g–5kg (typical; see products) |
| Bulk | 10kg+ |
What is Saffron?
Saffron is the dried stigma of Crocus sativus. Kashmir saffron is a protected origin when genuine. Pack sizes are grams, not kilograms. Do not invent GI certification.
History of Saffron
Origin
India — Kashmir GI saffron where certified; otherwise declare actual origin
Growing regions
Jammu and Kashmir
How it is grown
Harvest
Processing
Grades
- Standard: Admin-configured commercial grade
- Premium: Admin-configured higher visual/purity selection
- Export Grade: Only show when export specifications exist for the lot
- Machine Cleaned: Machine cleaned — confirm process for the lot
Only grades that apply to a lot should be shown at purchase. These are templates, not invented industry certificates.
Flavour, aroma and colour
Honey, hay, bitter-floral. . Colour: . Heat: none.
Whole vs ground
Saffron is usually used whole. Toast briefly in dry pan or hot fat, then leave whole in the dish or grind. Do not confuse toasting with burning — bitter notes mean it went too far.
Culinary uses
- Biryani
- Sweets
- Tea
- Rabri
Traditional uses
Recorded in culinary tradition. Traditional use is not scientific evidence of a medical effect.
SpicyCenter does not claim that spices cure, treat or prevent disease.
Storage and shelf life
Nutrition
Saffron is a culinary seasoning. Nutrition values are pack-specific and must match the label for UK/EU sale. We do not claim that this spice treats, cures or prevents disease.
Buying guide
Retail packs typically run from 100g to 5kg. Bulk starts at 10kg. Selling prices are checkout prices. Indian market figures, when present, are indicative only.
Indicative Indian market price
No dated market print has been imported yet. Admin must enter min/max/average with market, grade, date and source.
Indicative Indian market prices must be imported or entered with date, market, grade and source. Empty values are intentional so the site does not fabricate today's rates.
Market prices →Recipes using this spice
- Hyderabadi-style vegetable biryani (home method) — Layered rice with whole garam spices; household recipes vary by region — this is a culinary overview.
- Saffron phirni — Ground-rice pudding with genuine saffron threads — a pinch, not a health tonic.
