Published Dec 26, 2023
Saffron blends red and yellow strands, with 30% of each colour mixed. It can be arranged one-way, stacking creams and stigmas, or two-way, placing stigmas on both sides and creams in the middle.
Poshal saffron separates cream, leaving 1-3 mm on stigmas for a pocket-like shape. It comes in two types: Pendarian with thick, smooth stigmas and normal pushal with wrinkled stigmas.
Sargol saffron, like AII-Red, is renowned for its all-red composition with no cream. Graded 1 to 3 based on stigma features and the presence of red-tinged root pieces, it varies in thickness and fineness.
Negin saffron, distinguished by its beauty and fragrance, has unbroken strands, though pricier than Sergol saffron. Despite the cost, Sergol saffron, offering similar qualities at a lower price, remains a popular choice.
Indian Kashmiri saffron, with 0.6-inch strands, is rich in aroma and ash. Despite being named Jammu and Kashmir, it's also cultivated in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, which are known for their favourable conditions.
Greek saffron, Krokos, has red-orange threads around 1.2 inches, keeping some style. Unlike Indian and Persian saffron, it lacks a clear sorting system, resulting in variations in its smell.