What are the types of saffron? Complete explanation and video

Saffron, also called red gold, is among the world's most expensive and valuable spices. This fragrant, flavorful product comes from Crocus sativus stigmas and is used in cooking, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Harvesting and processing differences give varieties different qualities and prices.

Iran, the world's largest saffron producer, offers varieties with distinctive characteristics. Understanding them helps consumers choose the best option for their needs and budget.

Saffron varieties

Saffron falls into four broad groups: Dasteh or Dokhtar Pich, Sargol, Pushal and Negin. Each has distinctive characteristics and uses.

Dasteh or Dokhtar Pich saffron

Dasteh or Dokhtar Pich saffron is named for its distinctive appearance. It includes the entire stigma and style (the white part), twisted and bundled by hand. This is the most traditional packaging method, and the whole stigma gives it a distinctive taste and aroma.

Dasteh saffron has less coloring power because it contains more style. However, retaining all parts of the stigma leads some to believe it has more medicinal properties. It is usually cheaper than Sargol and Negin.

Sargol saffron

Sargol saffron, also known as premium saffron, contains only red stigma parts. The style is removed entirely, leaving only red stigmas. Removing the white parts gives this variety very high coloring strength and aroma.

With its high purity and excellent quality, Sargol is one of the most popular saffron types on the market. It is widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries. Its strong coloring power means a smaller amount is enough for flavor and color.

Pushal saffron

Pushal saffron contains red stigmas with a small portion of style. The style means it has less coloring strength than Sargol, but it still has a good aroma and flavor. With both stigma and style present, Pushal gives slightly more color than bunch saffron and less than Sargol.

Because it includes some style, this saffron is more affordable than Sargol while still offering good quality and aroma. Pushal saffron is a suitable option for everyday household use.

Negin saffron

Negin is one of the most expensive and highest-quality types of saffron. It consists of fully red stigmas with no style. The stigmas are selected separately and without breakage, giving Negin saffron a particularly beautiful appearance.

Negin saffron is highly sought after internationally for its high quality and exceptional purity. It offers the strongest coloring power and aroma, making it widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Konj or white saffron

Konj or white saffron consists of the white or yellow parts of the style. It is not consumed on its own but obtained as a processing by-product. White saffron has medicinal properties and various traditional-medicine uses.

Although white saffron adds no color, it has a mild aroma and some medicinal properties of saffron. It is usually much cheaper than other varieties and is used as a by-product in herbal infusions and medicines.

Differences between saffron types

The main difference between saffron varieties is the proportion of red stigmas to white styles. Pure red stigmas give Sargol and Negin the strongest color and aroma, making them premium, expensive varieties. Pushal and Dasteh contain some style and therefore have less coloring strength and aroma.

Dasteh or Dokhtar Pich saffron has a distinctive appearance because it contains more style and is traditionally packaged. Its style content may give it more medicinal properties, but less coloring strength. Pushal also contains style, so it colors less than Sargol and Negin, while retaining a good aroma and affordable price.

Negin saffron commands the highest price for its beautiful appearance and exceptional quality, and is highly sought after internationally. Konj or white saffron is a much cheaper by-product used in herbal infusions and medicines.

The best saffron variety

Many experts and consumers consider Negin the best type of saffron. Its pure red stigmas, without any style, offer the highest coloring strength and aroma. Negin saffron is harvested as separate, unbroken stigmas, giving it a beautiful appearance that is also highly valued internationally.

Negin is considered premium saffron for its high quality and attractive appearance and is widely used in food and pharmaceuticals. Its exceptional purity means less is needed for flavoring and coloring.

Export saffron

Export saffron mainly comprises premium types such as Sargol and Negin. Their strong color and aroma make them highly valued in international markets and exported to various countries. Export saffron It is usually packaged and supplied to international standards to preserve quality and freshness.

Iranian export saffron is popular globally for its quality and exceptional aroma and flavor. Europe, the Americas and Asia are major destinations, and the product plays an important role in Iran's agricultural economy.

Saffron variety prices



Saffron price It depends directly on its type and quality. Negin saffron has the highest price because of its purity and high quality and is usually sold at high market prices. Sargol and Pushal saffron are respectively less expensive than Negin, although still relatively costly compared with bunch saffron.

Bunch or Dokhtar-Pich saffron and Konj or white saffron are also lower-priced types. These price differences reflect harvesting methods, the amount of style and final quality. In general, purer, higher-quality saffron costs more and is offered at different prices according to its quality and particular characteristics.

Overall conclusion

Understanding saffron varieties and their differences helps consumers choose for their needs and budget. Negin, regarded as the finest, highest-quality saffron, is used for special and professional purposes. Sargol, Pushal and Dasteh can also be suitable choices depending on price and characteristics.

Given the range of saffron prices and varieties, consumers should shop carefully and with full information to choose the best option for their needs and use. With sound knowledge and the right choice, this valuable spice can improve food quality and cooking experiences.

Frequently asked questions

1. How does Negin saffron differ from Sargol?

Negin saffron consists of red stigmas without styles and costs more for its purity and premium quality. Sargol also has red stigmas but may contain a little style, reducing coloring power and aroma compared with Negin.

2. Why is Dasteh or Dokhtar Pich saffron cheaper than Sargol and Negin?

Dasteh or Dokhtar Pich saffron includes the entire stigma and style, giving it less color and aroma than Sargol and Negin. It therefore costs less than other varieties.

3. What is Pushal saffron suitable for?

Pushal saffron, with a little style and red stigmas, suits everyday household use. It offers good quality and an affordable price, making it suitable for many dishes.

4. How can saffron quality be assessed?

Assess saffron quality by color, aroma and flavor. Quality saffron should be bright red with a strong aroma and distinctive taste, and have intact, unbroken stigmas.

5. Does Konj saffron have specific uses?

Konj saffron, consisting of saffron styles, is mainly used in traditional medicine and herbal infusions. It provides no color but is used in herbal treatments for its medicinal properties.