Real Kashmiri saffron has deep red threads with a slightly flared tip, a sweet hay-like smell and colours water slowly to golden-yellow — not instantly red. Buy sealed packs from trusted sellers, look for the GI (Geographical Indication) tag or a lab report, and avoid prices that look too cheap.
Simple checks
• Cold-water test: threads release golden colour slowly over minutes; fakes bleed red at once. • Threads: dark red, trumpet-shaped tips, no yellow or white bits mixed in (except some grades). • Smell: sweet, honey-hay; not chemical. • Price: real saffron is expensive per gram; very cheap “saffron” is usually fake or mixed.
Grades
Proof of quality
Kashmir saffron carries a GI tag. Good sellers can show a lab report (ISO 3632 grading). In Pampore during harvest you can buy straight from growers — ask for sealed packing.
FAQ
Mongra (pure red tips) is the strongest.
Some is. Use the checks and buy sealed packs from trusted sellers.
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