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
Tell us the quantity you need, from 100 gm to 1 metric ton. Prices are not published on this website. Availability is confirmed on the enquiry.
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.
