Afghan Saffron: The Red Gold of Excellence

Afghan saffron is consistently ranked as the world’s best saffron due to its vibrant color, strong aroma, and high crocin content, the compound responsible for its deep red hue. According to the International Taste and Quality Institute (ITQI), Afghan saffron has held the top ranking for multiple consecutive years (The Guardian). It also boasts a Crocin color quality of 310 based on ISO 3632.2 standards, one of the highest recorded in recent years (EFE News).

Saffron, often referred to as “red gold,” is a highly valuable spice derived from the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. Afghanistan has emerged as the second largest producer of saffron, after Iran. However, in terms of quality, it earned the “The world best saffron” title for the last nine years in a row. Saffron is cultivated in 26 out of 34 provinces of Afghanistan, and majority of Afghan saffron is coming from Herat region of Afghanistan. (Heart of Asia, ArabNews, ToloNews).

Saffron has always been in history and culture of Afghanistan. The Afghan people believe that the cultivation of saffron goes before Alexander the Great conquered the old Persian empire. Due to centuries of droughts, war, and climate, people stopped cultivating. And they focused on other corps. However, he cultivation of saffron in Afghanistan began in earnest during the early 2000s as part of international efforts to diversify agricultural practices in the country. It was introduced as an alternative to opium poppy farming, supported by global organizations and the previous Afghan government. Herat’s climate and soil are particularly conducive to saffron farming (Arab News; Agricultural Reviews, Eater.com).

Afghan saffron has gained international acclaim for its exceptional quality, vibrant color, strong aroma, and high crocin levels, a compound responsible for its rich red hue. The spice has been ranked as the best in the world multiple times by organizations such as the). Afghan saffron hold a top ranking of 310 Crocin color quality based in ISO 3632.2, which is a major record in the recent years. International Taste and Quality Institute (ITQI) (EFE News). Afghan saffron has gained international acclaim for its exceptional quality, vibrant color, strong aroma, and high crocin levels (a compound responsible for the spice’s rich red hue). The International Taste and Quality Institute (ITQI) in Belgium has consistently ranked Afghan saffron as the best in the world over multiple years (The Guardian).

Saffron cultivation is a vital part of Afghanistan’s economy, providing livelihoods for thousands of farmers, especially women. Over 80% of the saffron workforce consists of women, who primarily handle harvesting and processing. This has made saffron farming a cornerstone of empowerment and sustainable development in rural areas (Tolo News; EFE News). Saffron cultivation has become a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture in Afghanistan, providing livelihoods for thousands of farmers, particularly women. The sector has created employment opportunities for over 40,000 people, with women comprising more than 80% of the workforce in saffron harvesting and processing (World Bank).

Herat accounts for more than 90% of Afghanistan’s saffron production. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock (MAIL), Afghanistan produced over 20 metric tons of saffron in 2022. Key export markets include India, Europe, and the United States, where Afghan saffron is highly valued for its premium quality (Arab News).

Herat is the primary saffron-producing region in Afghanistan, accounting for more than 90% of the country’s saffron output. According to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, the country produced over 20 metric tons of saffron in 2022, and 46 metric tons in 2024 which is 130 increases in production in just 2 years. Key export markets include India, Europe, and the United States, where Afghan saffron is prized for its superior quality (International Trade Centre).

Despite its success, the Afghan saffron industry faces challenges, including limited infrastructure, market access, and competition from established producers like Iran. However, initiatives by the Afghan government, NGOs, and private enterprises aim to expand production capacity, improve marketing, and secure geographical indication (GI) status for Afghan saffron (BBC).

Despite its success, the Afghan saffron industry faces challenges such as limited infrastructure, market access, and competition from larger producers like Iran. However, initiatives by Afghan enterprises and NGOs aim to expand saffron’s global reach and secure geographical indication (GI) status (Heray Spice; Heart of Asia).

Afghan saffron has received numerous accolades, including:

• Consistent recognition as the world’s best saffron by ITQI.

• Recognition as the world’s best saffron by ITQI for multiple years (The Guardian).

• ISO certifications for quality and purity.

• Halal, NON GMO, and Kosher certifications, making it suitable for diverse markets (Heray Spice).

• ISO 22000, FSSC 22000