Step by step: How to identify real saffron from fake

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March 15, 2026

On March 15, 2026

After seeing many people asking the question “How to identify original saffron,” we decided today to respond through Rawnaq Oud, which includes a large group of specialists in the manufacture of perfumes and incense that contain many traditional oriental spices. Since saffron is one of the spices with a wonderful and distinctive fragrance, it is widely used in the production of many original perfumes and incense. After extensive research, we found that a large number of people still do not know how to distinguish between original and fake saffron.

As we know, saffron is one of the spices sold at relatively high prices due to its many benefits for the body, in addition to being used in the production of many famous perfumes. Therefore, many people engage in fraud by selling imitation saffron as original, even though its appearance and scent are known to many of us. There are some tricks used to sell large quantities of fake saffron as real saffron.

Previously, we talked about the best store selling original Saffron Super Naqil and recommended through that topic dealing with Rawnaq Oud store, which is considered one of the most trusted and reliable places that sell original perfumes, incense, and oriental spices used in the manufacture of the finest types of incense and perfumes. Therefore, when you decide to buy saffron and similar products, we recommend dealing directly with Rawnaq Oud store in Saudi Arabia. In today’s topic, we will provide steps through which you can identify original saffron… stay tuned to learn more.

Important Information About Original Saffron

Saffron is one of the most famous spices used by many of us and is known internationally as “Saffron.” It is characterized by its strong and intelligent fragrance, and its distinctive color has made it easily recognizable. Additionally, it contains many bioactive compounds and nutrients that play a wonderful role in treating many diseases.

Therefore, saffron has been used since ancient times in alternative medicine. It also has other non-medical uses. Among the most common uses of saffron are treating certain health issues, such as cough, asthma, expelling phlegm, relieving pain, and reducing heartburn.

It also helps treat glaucoma, reduces abdominal bloating, and inhaling perfumes and incense made from saffron reduces the severity of whooping cough attacks. Original saffron is also used in preparing delicious foods, giving them an excellent color and flavor. It is also used in Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries to flavor beverages, for example adding it to Arabic coffee to enhance its taste.

Saffron extract is also used in the production of many global perfumes, as many international perfume brands create lines that include oriental spices, giving them a unique historical scent. Therefore, saffron is one of the spices used in many products we use daily. Despite its high price, it achieves very high sales. The high price is due to its extraction from the stigma of the Crocus flower, which is collected entirely by hand and dried with heat, making its production labor-intensive and time-consuming. Original saffron contains many antioxidants and chemical compounds beneficial for health, such as:

● Zeaxanthin.

● Safranal.

● Picrocrocin.

● Crocin.

● Crocetin.

Methods of Saffron Fraud

There are several ways in which saffron can be fraudulently sold. Due to its high price, we decided to provide the most common methods used to increase the quantity incorrectly. Please be very careful when buying saffron, as many people use professional tricks to make fake saffron indistinguishable. Among the most famous methods are:

1. Adding Other Herbs to Saffron

Due to the similarity of many herbs and spices, many saffron sellers add herbs resembling saffron threads to the original saffron to increase its weight and thus obtain more money. Therefore, choose a trusted seller. We mentioned Rawnaq Oud store for buying original saffron to avoid deceptive sellers.

2. Mixing Saffron with Various Fats

Sellers also spray appropriate amounts of various fats to increase the weight of original saffron. For example, a seller may add fats to half a kilo of original saffron, making it appear as a full kilo. They spray a little oil or liquid fat on dried saffron and let it dry again. This doubles the saffron’s weight after the fat remains inside.

3. Adding Sugar or Salt Powder to Original Saffron

Many people buy saffron after it is ground into powder. Here, sellers can easily add sugar, salt, or other impurities to double the quantity. This method, however, reduces saffron’s aroma, taste, and quality. Therefore, when buying saffron, it is best to smell it to ensure its authenticity.

4. Adding Artificial Colors to Saffron Parts

The essential part used to make saffron powder is the stigma, called the “Negin” part. Some people separate the saffron threads and add artificial colors resembling saffron’s natural color, then sell it as original saffron. These and other methods can be used to cheat buyers.

Best Methods to Identify Original Saffron

1. Identify Original Saffron by Its Threads

Original saffron is distinguished by its conical threads. If there are herbs within the saffron without a conical tip, these are certainly not saffron. Therefore, inspect carefully before buying original saffron.

2. Identify Original Saffron by Its Appearance

Some deceitful saffron sellers moisten the saffron. After this process, the threads become heavier than normal and somewhat compressed due to the excess moisture. The threads lose their crispness and become completely soft. In this case, the saffron threads are not sticking together, and the color spreads widely on the stems and outside the packaging.

3. Identify Original Saffron by Heat

Original saffron has a distinct color. If the saffron threads are heated and turn yellow, it is not original and has likely been mixed with oils or fats, causing it to lose its characteristics.

4. Identify Original Saffron Using Water

This method provides more accurate results, but the steps are somewhat lengthy. Place the saffron in water: if the water changes color immediately, the saffron is fake because original saffron takes longer for the water to change color.

You can also place the saffron roots in water for a specific time. If the color of the saffron changes when lifted, it is fake; if the color remains, it is original. Another method is placing saffron in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. If the threads do not turn white after 5 minutes, the saffron is original; if the color changes before 5 minutes, it indicates fake saffron.

5. Identify Original Saffron Using Benzene

Original saffron does not dissolve in benzene. If saffron is placed in benzene and dissolves completely, it is fake. If it retains its properties and appearance, it is original saffron.

6. Identify Original Saffron by Taste and Smell

Saffron is known for its beautiful and strong fragrance. On the other hand, tasting raw saffron does not give a sweet flavor. Therefore, it is best to smell and taste saffron when buying to ensure its authenticity.

7. Identify Saffron Using Baking Soda

Add a little baking soda to water, mix well, and place saffron in the mixture. If the water turns yellow, the saffron is original; if the mixture turns dark red, the saffron is fake.

8. Identify Original Saffron via Certificates and Scientific Studies

This method is used among traders in the herb and spice market, where original saffron or other herbs are accompanied by a quality certificate confirming the authenticity of the product. This ensures that fake saffron or counterfeit goods are not circulated among traders. This method is very reliable and ensures no fake saffron in the market.

9. Identify Original Saffron by Measuring Fat Content

As mentioned in saffron fraud methods, some sellers spray oils and fats on original saffron to increase its weight. To avoid this trap, place the saffron on a white paper and press it lightly with your fingers. If you see oil or fat marks on the paper, it is certainly fake saffron.

The Correct Way to Buy Original Saffron

1. Buy Packaged Saffron

When buying packaged saffron, you avoid purchasing fake saffron, as open and large quantities are more likely to be counterfeit and difficult to identify as original. Therefore, it is better to avoid buying loose saffron and buy packaged saffron from trusted brands such as Rawnaq Oud store. You can purchase it by clicking here.

2. Buy Original Saffron from Trusted Brands

When deciding to buy original saffron, it is preferable to go directly to the most reputable brands in this field, such as Rawnaq Oud store. These well-known stores are required to provide a quality certificate for the herbs and spices they sell, ensuring 100% original saffron. This completely eliminates counterfeit products sold in the market.

3. Buy Saffron from Properly Stored Locations

Many places ensure the correct storage of herbs and spices. For original saffron, it must be stored in an environment with proper lighting to retain its quality and effectiveness. Saffron should be kept away from direct sunlight, as excessive light exposure diminishes its value.

At the end of our topic, we have provided many methods on how to identify original saffron and how it is fraudulently sold. We recommend following the steps outlined above to purchase original saffron easily and completely avoid buying fake saffron. We also strongly advise purchasing original saffron from Rawnaq Oud store in Saudi Arabia, which is the most trusted place for selling authentic products.

Source:

https://www.rumispice.com/pages/how-saffron-quality-affects-taste-and-how-to-measure-it

Rawnaq Oud