Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world and Iranian saffron is considered to be among the best quality saffron globally. Here are some key points about Iranian saffron:
- Iran currently produces around 90% of the world’s saffron supply. The main saffron growing regions in Iran are in the northeast of the country, including Khorasan Province.
- Persian saffron (the saffron from Iran) is highly prized for its distinctive flavor, strong aroma, and deep red color. It has very high levels of crocin, safranal and picrocrocin which give saffron its unique properties.
- Iranian saffron is hand-picked and processed completely by hand in a labor-intensive process. The red stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower are carefully harvested by hand. This manual process and care contributes to the high quality.
- Iran imposes strict quality control standards for saffron classification and packaging. The government administers quality certifications like the ISO 3632-2:2010 which verifies the saffron meets international standards. This ensures consistency.
- In terms of cultivation methods, Iranian saffron uses no pesticides or other chemicals. It is grown purely using traditional, organic techniques that have been passed down through families over generations.
The characteristics of Iranian saffron include:
- High Quality: Iranian saffron benefits from favorable climatic conditions and fertile soil in the production regions, resulting in exceptionally high quality.
- Deep Red Color: Due to its high concentration of crocin (the main compound responsible for saffron’s color), Iranian saffron exhibits a vibrant and deep red hue.
- Distinctive Fragrance and Flavor: In addition to its bright color, Iranian saffron has a unique and distinct fragrance and flavor, contributing to its reputation as one of the best saffron varieties globally.
- International Standards: Saffron production in Iran adheres to international standards such as ISO (International Organization for Standardization), enhancing the credibility and traceability of the products.
Iranian saffron is recognized as a natural and essential ingredient in global cuisine and pharmaceutical industries. It plays a crucial role in the country’s economy as a significant export commodity.