Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world, and it is called “red gold”, but beware of falling into the trap of purchasing fake saffron, and to buy the unstable original saffron; You should see the most important thing you should pay attention to in this matter.
How to differentiate between original and imitator saffron
Visual examination
When looking at the original saffron; You will notice dark red strings that have orange or yellow ends, often separate and not shiny, and in return, you will find in the imitated saffron bright and unnatural colors and interlocking strands similar to herbs or fiber.
Smell test
When you rub the original saffron threads in your hands, a strong aromatic scent that resembles honey and hay will emit, while imitating saffron may have a chemical or plastic smell, or perhaps completely odorless.
Test test
The original saffron has a bitter taste with a slight sweetness, leaving a golden color in the mouth, while imitating saffron may have a metal or stinging taste, and often does not leave any color.
Deliner test
You can put saffron strands in warm water, as the original saffron will turn the water into a golden yellow color slowly, while imitating saffron will dye the water in a red color quickly and its strands will disappear.
Price and source
The original saffron is characterized by its high price, starting from $ 5 per gram, and it is preferable to avoid cheap or those that are not attached to validity certificates, because they are usually adulterated.
Paper test
You can rub the saffron thread on a white sheet, so if it leaves a yellow or light orange color; This is a sign that it is original, while if a strong red color appears, this indicates the possibility of dyes.
