Introduction To Saffron (Kesar)
Saffron, also known as Kesar, is a valuable spice that is derived from the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. “Saffron, is often referred to as ‘Red Gold’, as it is the most expensive spice in the world and has been highly prized throughout history.”
The Mongra Strands | The Purest Quality Saffron
Mongra strands in saffron production refer to the topmost parts of the saffron stigma, which are considered the purest and most valuable. The historical origins of Mongra strands in Kashmir trace back to the era of the Mughal Empire. The Mughals, who were great patrons of art and culture, introduced saffron cultivation to the region, and it has since become an integral part of Kashmir’s agricultural and cultural landscape.
The Mongra strands are the purest and the most expensive form of saffron strands. They are dark maroon in color, long, and thick. The strands are derived from the stigma of the saffron flower, which the farmers handpick during the harvest season, which typically falls in late October and early November. The process of harvesting and processing the Mongra strands is labor-intensive and requires precision, which adds to its historical and cultural significance.
Over the centuries, the cultivation of Mongra strands has been passed down through generations of Kashmiri farmers. The process of obtaining Mongra strands is labor-intensive. The saffron flower blooms for only one week a year, and the harvesting has to be done during the early morning hours to ensure the stigmas do not lose their aroma and color. Each flower has only three stigmas, which are handpicked and then separated into Mongra and lesser-quality strands.
The Mongra strands are then dried. The drying process requires careful control of temperature and humidity to preserve their quality. The drying process also concentrates the saffron’s aroma, flavor, and color, making the Mongra strands even more valuable. This meticulous process contributes to the high cost of saffron, especially the premium Mongra strands.
Saffron: Nature’s Stress Remedy
How Saffron Boosts Your Feel-Good Hormones?
Feeling stressed? Saffron can help! This vibrant red spice offers a natural solution to combat the harmful effects of stress.
When you’re stressed, our body releases the “stress hormone” called cortisol, that can wreak havoc on your physical and mental well-being. But saffron interrupts this process.
The active compounds in saffron, like crocin, and safranal, have been shown to:
⬇️Reduce Cortisol Levels
Saffron helps lower the production of cortisol, restoring balance to your stress response.
⬆️ Increase Serotonin
Saffron boosts the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin, improving mood and promoting feelings of calm.
⬆️ Elevate Dopamine
Saffron stimulates the release of Dopamine, the “reward chemical” that enhances motivation and pleasure.
⬆️ Enhance GABA
Saffron increases levels of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that relieves anxiety and promotes relaxation.
By regulating these key hormones and neurotransmitters, saffron offers powerful anti-stress benefits that can:
- Alleviate anxiety and depression
- Improve sleep quality
- Boost energy and focus
- Support overall mental well-being
Harness the restorative power of saffron to keep your stress in check and your feel-good hormones in balance. Your mind and body will thank you!
Benefits of Saffron
Why is saffron so expensive?
First, let’s delve into what makes saffron special. Saffron threads are plucked from the Crocus sativus flower. What’s fascinating is, it takes approximately 75,000 flowers to produce just a pound of saffron, making it the world’s most expensive spice. The process is incredibly labour-intensive and must be done by hand, which explains the high price tag.
Let’s breakdown the price further for a better understanding:
Quality: The quality of saffron depends on its colour, aroma, and taste. Higher the grade, higher the price. Pure saffron has a strong aroma, deep red colour with the yellow style, and a slightly bitter taste.
Source: Kashmiri saffron, renowned for high quality, tends to be pricier than the Iranian or Spanish alternative.
Season: Saffron is usually harvested in autumn. Just after harvest, prices may be lower due to higher availability, but demand can quickly drive these costs up.
Demand: Globally, saffron is in high demand for its culinary and medicinal use. Any spike in demand can directly impact its price.
FAQ about Saffron
What is the saffron price in india ?
Prices can fluctuate based on quality, harvest season, source, and demand. Generally, In India, top-grade saffron can cost anywhere from ₹350,000 to ₹500,000 per kilogram.
Where can I buy saffron in India at the best price?
One compelling reason you should consider purchasing saffron from the brand “Farms of Kashmir” is because of its prime origin. Saffron from Kashmir, specifically Pampore, is globally renowned for its superior quality. It boasts a deep red color and an aroma that is both potent and enchanting, adding depth and flavor to your dishes.
Furthermore, “Farms of Kashmir” is a trusted brand ensuring all their saffron passes rigorous purity tests. These tests include checking the bitterness, observing color change in milk, and assessing moisture content, bolstering the brand’s credibility and vouching for the product’s authenticity.
How does the quality of saffron affect its price?
Saffron’s price varies based on various factors.
It all starts with how it’s grown and harvested. Saffron comes from the ‘saffron crocus’ flower. Each flower only gives us three stigmas, and these need to be hand-picked and dried. This careful, slow process is one of the reasons saffron can be pricey.
The quality and cost of saffron are also tied to its color, taste, and smell. Good saffron should be deep red, smell fresh and strong, and have a slightly bitter flavor. These characteristics come from specific chemicals: crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal. When these are present at high levels, the saffron is high-quality and commands a high price.
We also have saffron grades. The ISO 3632 standard sets these grades based on the amounts of crocin (color), picrocrocin (taste), and safranal (smell) in the saffron. Top-grade saffron, known as ‘Sargol’ or ‘Negin,’ is expensive because it’s essentially the best you can get.
Also, fresher saffron is usually better—and more costly. As saffron ages, it loses its strong taste and smell, which can lead to a drop in its price.
Lastly, where the saffron comes from can affect its price. Some regions, like Kashmir in India or Iran, are known for high-quality saffron due to their optimal growth conditions. This reputation often means saffron from these regions will cost more. To sum up, saffron’s price depends on how it’s grown, its sensory qualities, its grade, its freshness, and its origin.
Palak (verified owner) –
Product and packaging too good.
Neha Awasthi (verified owner) –
It gives good flavour
Priyanka Yadav (verified owner) –
Very good quality
Aniket Yadav (verified owner) –
bdiya hai yeh kesar
Neha Sharma (verified owner) –
Thank you. Your products are good
Rajat Dalal (verified owner) –
This saffron is good
Vipin (verified owner) –
I recommend this saffron
Dinesh (verified owner) –
Saffron enka bahut hi bdiya hai. Original wali feel deta hai. Aap zarur farms of kashmir sei apna kesar mangvaye
Vineet (verified owner) –
Very good for health. Keep up the good work.
Pooja (verified owner) –
I have been using this saffron for now a month. Very good quality.
Gurleen (verified owner) –
Please launch bigger packaging sizes. Product quality is good.
Rohit Verma (verified owner) –
Satisfied with the product