Price of Saffron 

Saffron also know as ‘kesar’ in hindi , is often regarded as the golden spice of the medicinal, culinary and the beauty world. It possesses a unique flavour with a blend of extravagant taste and vibrant colours, providing various benefits. Saffron is a priced possession and known as one of the most expensive spice in the world. It  has many other names such as Kungumapoo, Kumkuma Puvvu, Zafran, Azafrán, etc.

What makes saffron so expensive?

Saffron is expensive because of the way it is harvested and cultivated.

Saffron is derived from the stigmas of the flower Crocus sativus. It involves plucking the stigmas carefully and delicately from the flower, which is possible only mannually. Each flower possesses a limited amount of saffron stigmas, making it a low yield spice. The time, delicacy and efforts taken to harvest by the labourers makes this spice expensive.

The geographical and cultural significance also plays a significant role in the harvesting of saffron. Cultivating and harvesting saffron requires a specific climate condition, which makes the production time-specific. Saffron has widely been used since the traditional times for culinary, medicinal and beauty purposes which makes it a valuable possession in many fields.

Price of saffron

Saffron, also known as kesar is cultivated in many parts of the world. Various types such as Kashmiri saffron, Afghani saffron, Irani saffron, and many more are well-known because of their purity and originality. The rate of saffron varies based on how pure and original the saffron is. The quality, demand and originality determine the prices. A pack of saffron ranges from hundreds to thousands of rupees depending upon the quantity. Bulk purchases a comparatively more cheaper than small-quantity purchases.

In India, kesar ki kimat ranges from:

• 100 gms of kesar – The cost ranges from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000.
• 10 gms of kesar – It costs around ₹6,500 to ₹7,500.
• 1 gm of kesar – Typically ranges from ₹699 to ₹750.

This prices can vary from country to country. The factors impacting the prices are local supply and demand, production costs, labor expenses, and import/export regulations. Countries with higher production offer lower prices compared to countries with low production.

Conclusion

Overall, the harvesting and cultivation of saffron is a quiet challenging and rigorous task. The labour intensity, geographical conditions, historical and cultural relevance, makes it valuable and one of the most expensive spice in the world. Known by many names, saffron is a priced possession.

Here are 10 FAQ’s:

1. What is saffron, and where does it come from ?

Saffron is known for it’s vibrant colours and exquisite taste. It comes from the strands of the flower  Crocus sativus.

2. Why is saffron so expensive?

Saffron harvesting is a labour intensive process, which involves pulling out the stigmas by hand. It also requires specific climatic and geographic conditions to be harvested. This makes it one of the most expensive spice in the world.

3. What are the different types of saffron ?

The most common types of saffron include:

• Kashmiri Saffron: Lacha, Mongra, Zarda.
• Iranian Saffron: Sargol, Pushal, Negin.
• Spanish Saffron: Coupe, La Mancha.
• Afghan Saffron: Known for its emerging quality, especially from Heart

4. What is the cost of Saffron per gram ?

The cost of saffron depends on the type, quality, purity and originality of the saffron. The prices range from :

• 100 gms – ₹15,000 to ₹30,000
• 10 gms – ₹6,500 to ₹7,500
• 1 gm –  ₹699 to ₹750

5. How do you know if the saffron is pure?

Pure saffron has a deep red color with slightly lighter orange tips, a strong, distinct aroma, and a bitter taste. It should not dissolve in water immediately but instead release color gradually. If the saffron is uniformly coloured and dissolves quickly it must be adulterated.

6. Are there any price differences between different grades or types of saffron?

Yes, saffron is graded based on its quality, which affects its price. For instance, Kashmiri Mongra saffron is generally more expensive than other types due to its superior quality and intense flavor.

7. Why does saffron price vary so much between different countries?

Saffron prices can vary based on factors like local supply and demand, production costs, labor expenses, and import/export regulations. Countries with high saffron production, like Iran and India, might offer lower prices compared to regions with limited production.

8. What are the main uses of saffron ?

Since the traditional times, saffron has been used widely for medicinal, culinary and beauty purposes. Saffron provides many health benefits and is used in a variety of cuisines all over the world.

9. Does the price of saffron fluctuate seasonally?

Yes, saffron prices can fluctuate based on the harvest season. Prices might be lower immediately after the harvest when supply is abundant, but can increase during the off-season when saffron becomes scarcer.

10. How can I tell if saffron has been adulterated?

Adulterated saffron may be mixed with other substances or artificially colored. Signs of adulteration include a uniform, bright red color, an overly strong or synthetic aroma, or threads that dissolve too quickly in water.