In the world of saffron, appearances can be deceiving, and the photo above tells a story far more complex than meets the eye. On the right, we see saffron from a leading grocery store brand. On the left, we have MĪZĀN Saffron. Let’s explore the reasons behind the dramatic difference in appearance between the two, along with some common ways that saffron is either adulterated or of poor quality.
How Saffron Can Be Adulterated
Saffron is one of the most valuable spices in the world, which unfortunately makes it a prime target for adulteration. Here are some of the most common ways lower-quality or fake saffron finds its way into the market:
Added ColorMany counterfeit saffron products are enhanced with artificial coloring agents to make them appear more vibrant and appealing. These additives may temporarily trick the eye, but they dilute the spice’s flavor, aroma, and health benefits. Genuine saffron should slowly release a rich golden hue when steeped in cold water. Adulterated saffron quickly releases a bright red or orange tint. |
Fake SaffronSome products marketed as saffron aren’t saffron at all. Instead, they may contain entirely different plants, such as:
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MoistureBefore packing, some suppliers add moisture in order to increase the weight of each saffron strand. Not only does this fraudulently hike up sale prices, but it drastically reduces the shelf life of the product, making it prone to mold and spoilage. |
Old and Degraded SaffronEven when saffron is real, it may not be fresh. Some store brands sell saffron that was harvested several years ago. Over time, saffron loses its potency—its vibrant color fades, its aroma diminishes, and its flavor weakens significantly. This means that old, low-potency saffron requires far more threads to achieve the same effect as fresh saffron. |
Other AdulterantsBeyond fake flowers and added color, saffron can also be adulterated with fillers such as:
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What Sets Us Apart
At MĪZĀN, we pride ourselves on offering only the highest-quality saffron, sourced directly from Herat, Afghanistan—a region renowned for producing the finest saffron in the world. Here’s what we do to ensure our saffron is always pure, potent, and fresh:
Sourcing from Trusted FarmersWe work with farmers in Herat who have cultivated saffron for generations. By maintaining close relationships with these farmers, we ensure trust throughout the supply chain. |
Hand-Harvested at Peak BloomOur saffron is meticulously handpicked during the brief harvest window each autumn, ensuring that only the freshest flowers are selected. Harvesting at peak bloom preserves the saffron’s vibrant color, intense aroma, and powerful flavor. |
Rigorous Quality ControlEach batch of MĪZĀN Saffron undergoes rigorous testing to verify purity and potency. We ensure that our saffron meets and exceeds international quality standards, including high concentrations of crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal—the compounds responsible for saffron’s color, flavor, and aroma. |
Proper Drying and StorageOur saffron is carefully dried using traditional methods to lock in its essential compounds. It is then stored in optimal conditions to maintain freshness until it reaches your kitchen. Unlike suppliers who add excessive moisture to increase weight, we ensure that our saffron retains the ideal moisture content, adhering to ISO 3632 standards (below 12% for filaments), which maximizes its shelf life and potency. |
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Our Difference: Better Quality, Greater Value
When you buy MĪZĀN Saffron, you’re investing in quality. Our saffron’s higher potency means you need fewer threads to achieve the desired flavor and color in your dishes. Unlike lower-quality saffron that requires more to compensate for its lack of strength, each strand of MĪZĀN Saffron goes a long way—offering better value for your money.
A Tradition Worth Preserving
Saffron has been a treasured spice for millennia, symbolizing luxury, health, and culinary excellence. At MĪZĀN, we are committed to preserving this tradition by providing only the best saffron, free from adulteration and full of the rich heritage of Herat.
Experience the difference with MĪZĀN—pure, potent, and truly authentic saffron.
