Introduction:
Safflower and saffron are two distinct spices with unique characteristics and uses. Despite their similar-sounding names, they come from entirely different plant species and have diverse botanical, business, price, and culinary aspects. In this article, we will delve into adulteration and misrepresentation, and the differences and contrasts between safflower and saffron.
Adulteration and Misrepresentation:
Due to the exorbitant price of saffron, it has become a target for adulteration and misrepresentation. Saffron is often considered "red gold" due to its high cost, which has led to the proliferation of counterfeit saffron products in the market. Saffron's value and scarcity have created an incentive for unscrupulous vendors to sell cheaper alternatives while passing them off as genuine saffron.
Understanding the real vs Fake saffron is a question that most people face when buying saffron. In this post, I will deeply explain each aspect of saffron quality and methods on differentiating real vs fake saffron.
Fake saffron is mostly adulterants and foreign materials that are colored with red food coloring and sold as real saffron. The fake saffron has no flavor and have a metallic taste like chemicals. Fake saffron also smells like tabacco or chemical substances, it a sharp and unpleasant smell.
On the other hand, real saffron has a pleasant and strong floral smell, with a honeyed earthy taste. It has a mixed of sweet and bitter taste. It is an enjoyable essence of flavor that you are looking in saffron.
I had an issue with my delivery (totally my fault) and yet in less than 24 hours it had been fixed by Heray team. I got my product and it appears to be very high quality, I'm excited to try it!
We recently purchased saffron that surpassed all our expectations. This saffron exhibited a deep crimson color, a strong and distinct aroma, and a subtle yet rich flavor. The threads were long and thick, indicative of its superior quality. It was packaged in an airtight container, preserving its freshness perfectly. This saffron met all the highest standards, making it the best we have ever used