The Guide to Buying Pure Saffron: How to Avoid Fake Kesar & Get Real Kashmiri Saffron

The Shocking Truth About Saffron in India

Picture this: You buy expensive "Kashmiri Kesar" for your biryani, only to find it has no flavor, no aroma, and turns your milk blood-red instantly.

You've just been scammed.

Over 70% of saffron sold in India is fake, adulterated, or low-quality
Most "Kashmiri saffron" is actually Iranian or Spanish saffron (or worse, dyed corn silk!)
Real Pampore (Kashmir) saffron costs ₹2-3 lakhs/kg – which is why fakes flood the market

But here's the good news: You CAN find real saffron if you know what to look for.

This detailed guide will teach you:

How to spot fake saffron in seconds (5 foolproof tests)
Why Kashmiri saffron is the best (and worth the price)
Where to buy 100% pure saffron (without getting cheated)
How to store, use & maximize saffron benefits

Plus, we'll reveal why Organic Spree Kashmiri Saffron is one of the few trusted brands in India.

Try Organic Spree's Pure Kashmiri Saffron

What Makes Saffron So Expensive? (And Why Fakes Exist)

The Labor-Intensive Harvesting Process

Each saffron flower produces only 3 red stigmas (threads)
It takes 1,50,000 flowers to make 1 kg of saffron
All harvesting is done by hand (no machines can pick the delicate threads)

This is why real saffron costs ₹2-3 lakhs/kg – it's literally handmade luxury!

1.Why Fake Saffron Floods the Market

Since real saffron is so expensive, scammers use:

Dyed corn silk (looks similar but has no flavor)
Safflower (kusum flowers) – sold as "cheap kesar"
Paper or synthetic threads – colored with artificial dyes
Mixed saffron – 10% real + 90% fake (hard to detect)

2. The 3 Types of Saffron (Which One is Best?)

Kashmiri Saffron (Mongra) – Strongest aroma, deep red, best for biryani & sweets
Iranian Saffron – Cheaper, but weaker flavor (most common in Indian markets)
Spanish Saffron – Milder, used in European dishes

Verdict: Kashmiri saffron is the gold standard – if you can find the real deal.

5 Foolproof Tests to Check Saffron Purity (Do This Before Buying!)

The Water Test (Instant Red Flag for Fake Saffron)

How to Do It:

Take 2-3 saffron strands
Drop in warm water
Wait 15 minutes

Real Saffron:

Water turns golden-yellow slowly
Threads remain intact

Fake Saffron:

Water turns red immediately (artificial dye)
Threads dissolve or bleed color

The Rub Test (No Stain = Fake!)

Rub a strand between your fingers
Real saffron: Leaves a slight golden stain
Fake saffron: Leaves bright red dye

The Smell Test (Your Nose Knows!)

Real saffron: Strong honey-like, floral aroma
Fake saffron: No smell or chemical odor

The Taste Test (Bitter First, Sweet Later!)

Chew a strand (then spit it out)
Real saffron: Starts bitter, ends sweet & floral
Fake saffron: Tasteless or soapy

The Flame Test (Burn the Fakes!)

Hold a strand over a flame
Real saffron: Burns slowly, smells like burnt honey
Fake saffron: Burns fast, smells like plastic

Why Kashmiri Saffron is the Best (And How to Identify It)

What Makes Kashmiri Saffron Special?

✔ Higher crocin content – gives richer color
✔ Stronger aroma (safranal) – floral & honey-like
✔ Bitter-sweet taste (picrocrocin) – unmatched flavor

How to Spot Real Kashmiri Saffron?

Color: Deep red with orange tips (not uniform red)
Threads: Thick, trumpet-shaped stigmas (not thin & straight)
Smell: Strong, intoxicating fragrance (even from a distance)

Where is Real Kashmiri Saffron Grown?

Pampore, Kashmir – The saffron capital of India
Only 5-6 tons produced yearly (most "Kashmiri saffron" in markets is fake)

Where to Buy Real Saffron in India (Without Getting Scammed)

Trusted Brands for Pure Saffron

✔ Organic Spree Kashmiri Saffron – Lab-tested, direct from Pampore farms
✔ Amazon "Premium" listings (check reviews carefully)

Red Flags When Buying Saffron

Too cheap (Real saffron costs ₹400-₹800 per gram)
Bright red color (Real saffron is deep red with orange tips)
No smell (Real saffron has a strong natural fragrance)

Best Places to Buy Online

Official brand websites (like Organic Spree)
Amazon (only if seller has 4.5+ stars & verified reviews)
Specialty spice stores (avoid local markets)

How to Use Saffron for Maximum Benefits

For Cooking (Biryani, Sweets, Milk)

Soak 5-6 strands in warm milk/water for 20 mins before adding to dishes
Never cook saffron directly (heat destroys its flavor)

For Skin & Beauty (Glowing Face Pack)

Mix 2-3 saffron strands + 1 tsp honey + 1 tsp milk
Apply for 15 mins – reduces dark spots, gives glow

For Health (Immunity, Sleep, Mood)

1-2 strands in warm milk at night – boosts relaxation
Helps with PMS, digestion & blood circulation

How to Store Saffron (So It Lasts Years!)

✔ Keep in airtight container (no moisture)
✔ Store in a cool, dark place (not fridge)
✔ Avoid plastic bags (use glass or metal boxes)

Shelf life: 2-3 years if stored properly

All Your Saffron Questions Answered

Q1: Why does my saffron not color milk properly?
A: Likely fake. Real saffron turns milk golden-yellow, not red.

Q2: Can I eat saffron daily?
A: Yes, but max 2-3 strands/day (too much can cause dizziness).

Q3: Does saffron help in weight loss?
A: Indirectly—curbs cravings & boosts mood (but not a magic pill).

Q4: Is Iranian saffron bad?
A: No, but weaker flavor & color than Kashmiri.

Q5: Why is Organic Spree Saffron better?
A: Directly sourced from Pampore, lab-tested, no additives.

Final Verdict: Don't Waste Money on Fake Kesar!

Now you know:
✔ How to test saffron purity in seconds
✔ Why Kashmiri saffron is the best
✔ Where to buy real saffron (without scams)

Your biryani, halwa & skin deserve the real deal.