Where Can I Buy Saffron?
Saffron is a delicate and exquisite herb with many culinary and medicinal properties. Saffron Threads can be consumed as tea for their health benefits or used to add extra flavor to your cuisine. Since saffron has such high demand, it’s natural for knock-offs or dupe versions of saffron to circulate in the market.
Many fake saffron brands can be found on the internet, the most popular way for users to search where they can buy saffron. However, online sellers and brands will try to sell off their products by claiming that it is 100% pure and of the best quality; it is a known fact that sellers become dishonest when they want to increase their sales. For this reason, one must identify fake saffron from the original saffron before making a purchase. Shop our certified quality saffron and see the difference yourself.
Buy Original Saffron From Saffron Australia Only
The stigma of the autumn crocus flower is what the original saffron is called for. Since a minimal amount of saffron is harvested annually, adulterated saffron tends to be a common phenomenon when users are looking to buy saffron in the market.
Fake saffron can be adulterated by using water to add extra moisture inside the threads and make them gain weight. Corn silk threads and coconut filaments are commonly passed off as saffron threads, shredded paper, and dyed horsehair.
Another common way to cheat is to spray oil-based perfume on synthesized threads on fake saffron and sell them as original saffron.
Not only do these products end up scamming you for original saffron, these fake saffron threads include harmful chemicals and materials that can cause multiple health risks in individuals.
Six easy tests to identify original saffron
1. The appearance of the threads
The actual appearance of saffron threads is when they slightly bulge in a trumpet shape at the end. If this is not the case with the product you buy, it is probably fake. Rubbing original saffron strands between your thumb and finger will also stain your skin yellow, yet another way to identify real saffron from counterfeit saffron.
2. The taste of the saffron threads
Actual saffron threads have a slightly bitter taste. If the saffron threads you are testing taste sweet, they are fake. While saffron does have a natural and slightly sweet smell, it can never taste sweet.
3. The smell of saffron
Husky and sweet notes can be prominently identified from whole saffron threads. Saffron producers generally describe the smell of saffron as a blend of honey, earth, and hay aromas. Saffron has its own unique smell. Saffron carries an earthy and herbal smell, slightly sweet but sharp on the nose. So, if your saffron smell sweeter than it is supposed to, It is fake.
4. Baking soda test
The way saffron threads react in baking soda is another way of identifying original saffron from fake saffron. Mix saffron and baking powder, and then add the mixture in a small container filled with water. If the mixture turns yellow at the end, then your saffron is original.
5. Coldwater test
Yet another way of differentiating fake saffron from original saffron is the cold water test. In a bowl full of cold water, place a few saffron threads on top. After a while, if the saffron threads slowly release their color and turn the water yellow, you are dealing with original saffron threads.
If the water in the bowl immediately turns red, or if the saffron threads do not release any color, this may be a case of contaminated saffron threads.
Yet another point that can be noted is that actual saffron threads will retain their form and figure when rubbed between the fingers after being soaked. On the other hand, fake saffron threads will crumble and fall apart.
6. Price
The price of saffron Australia is also a dead giveaway. Because saffron has a high demand and is difficult to harvest, it is expensive. If you’re looking to buy saffron online and find cheaper alternatives, then the saffron threads sold by those producers or brands are probably fake.
It is recommended not to buy ground saffron since it is rare to find original and pure saffron powder. Buying saffron threads gives you an upper hand in determining whether you have purchased it original or fake.
Ground saffron makes it impossible to distinguish it from original or fake saffron. Ground saffron may also contain harmful fillers such as dyed rice flours, which can cause health complications.
Another thing to remember before purchasing saffron threads is to read the product’s reviews online and buy saffron from a reputable store or brand.
Which Saffron Is Good For Cooking?
While there are multiple varieties of saffron found worldwide, a few specific brands are commonly used for cooking purposes.
Persian Saffron is quite popular amongst individuals who add saffron to their cooking. Persian saffron threads are generally recommended in paella dishes to give them an extra boost of smell and flavor. Persian Saffron is famous for its high quality and history across the globe. Saffron Australia is a registered and certified brand that only trades in the highest quality Persian saffron.
This brand only produces and supplies top-quality saffron, which is 100% pure. Saffron Australia is yet another Persian brand amongst the top runners. The finest quality saffron can be found in these tins, with an unmatched aroma and flavor.
Besides Persian Saffron, Spanish Saffron and Kashmiri Saffron are among the top varieties of saffron threads sold worldwide. Persian Saffron is the most abundant saffron thread and is used in various dishes, tea, and therapeutical reasons.