Saffron
Where to buy saffron in bulk
Saffron, golden-colored, pungent stigmas (pollen-bearing structures) of the autumn crocus (Crocus sativus), which are dried and used as a spice to flavor foods and as a dye to color foods and other products. Saffron has a strong, exotic aroma and a bitter taste and is used to color and flavor many Mediterranean and Asian dishes, particularly rice and fish, and English, Scandinavian, and Balkan breads. It is an important ingredient in bouillabaisse soup.
Saffron is cultivated chiefly in Iran as best saffron in the world but is also grown in Spain, France, Italy (on the lower spurs of the Apennines Range), and parts of India. A labor-intensive crop, the three stigmas are handpicked from each flower, spread on trays, and dried over charcoal fires for use as a food flavoring and coloring. A pound (0.45 kilogram) of saffron represents 75,000 blossoms.
Standards for Saffron Classification
Enlili Supply All types of Saffron based Grades and ISO 3632 categories.
However, a number of ISO standards can help fight against this fraud and help recognize quality saffron producers. Saffron is considered to be pure when it complies with the requirements of the standard ISO 3632 and when no external matter has been added to the natural product.
ISO, a federation of national standards bodies, sets the saffron classification standards. ISO 3632 exclusively deals with saffron and sets up 4 grades of color intensity such as IV (lowest), III, II and I (purest and finest saffron quality).
Saffron Classification gauges the level of 440-nm light absorbency by using samples of dray saffron. High absorbencies mean that there is a high concentration of crocin and high intensity of color. These variables are gauged through spectro-photometer details at testing laboratories around the world.
The major saffron producing countries have various Saffron names and classification. Here are some of the most common commercial results and names in saffron producing countries:
Persian Saffron: result 2000/2001 = 160 ton | Classification: 1-Sargol (All-Red), 2-Dasteh, 3-pushal
Spanish Saffron: Classification base on coloring strength | Classification: 1-Cupe, 2-Mancha, 3- Rio, 4- Sierra
Greece Saffron: Commercial name : Red Saffron
Indian Saffron: Commercial name : Mongra, Lacha