Understanding Saffron Grades: From Khaameh to Super Negin

🌸 What Are Saffron Grades?

Each saffron thread comes from the Crocus sativus flower, and the grading depends on which part of the stigma is harvested and how it’s processed. These differences affect the saffron’s color intensity, aroma, and flavor — the three key markers of quality.

The image above beautifully illustrates the distinctions between the various grades, from the full yellow style base to the deep red tips prized for their potency. Let’s break them down one by one.

🌿 1. Khaameh (Konge or Style)

This is the lowest grade of saffron, consisting mostly of the yellow or white style part of the stigma with very little red coloring.

Characteristics:

• Mostly yellow threads
• Minimal flavor and aroma
• Very low crocin (coloring compound) levels

Khaameh saffron is rarely used for cooking or high-end dishes since it lacks the vibrant color and rich fragrance that real saffron lovers expect. It’s often used in industrial or cosmetic applications where aroma isn’t the main focus.

🌼 2. Dasteh (Bunch Saffron)

Dasteh, also known as Bunch saffron, includes the entire stigma, both the red tip and the yellow style, tied together in small bundles. It’s a traditional presentation method in Iran and still found in local markets.

Characteristics:

• Contains red and yellow parts of the stigma
• Mild aroma and moderate coloring power
• Traditionally tied in bundles (as seen in the image)

While Dasteh saffron offers authenticity and heritage, it’s not as potent as higher grades like Pushal or Negin.

🍂 3. Pushal (Pushali Saffron)

Pushal saffron is where things start to get interesting. It’s a step above Dasteh, containing mostly red threads with a small portion of yellow style attached at the bottom.

Characteristics:

• Deep red with a touch of yellow
• Stronger aroma and richer flavor than Dasteh
• Commonly used in cooking for a good balance of quality and price

Pushal saffron offers solid color and aroma without the premium cost of higher grades. It’s a popular choice for everyday cooking and restaurant use.

🔥 4. Sargol (All-Red Saffron)

Sargol, meaning “top of the flower” in Persian, is made up of the red stigma tips only, with the yellow parts completely removed. This results in a much more concentrated product.

Characteristics:

• 100% red stigmas
• Strong aroma and vibrant golden coloring
• Excellent purity and potency

Sargol saffron is often labeled as “premium saffron” and is a favorite among home cooks and chefs who want authentic color and fragrance without paying for the rarest variety.

👑 5. Negin and Super Negin Saffron — The Crown Jewels

Now, we arrive at the highest grade of saffron available: Negin, and its even rarer counterpart, Super Negin.

Negin Saffron:

Negin saffron consists of uniform, long, thick, and unbroken red stigmas. It has no yellow parts at all and is meticulously hand-selected to ensure consistency.

Super Negin Saffron:

This is the elite version of Negin — the top 1% of saffron in the world. Super Negin threads are longer, thicker, and more intensely red, with exceptional aroma and flavor.

Characteristics:

• 100% pure red stigmas
• Highest levels of crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal (for color, taste, and aroma)
• Uniform, unbroken threads
• Brilliant golden infusion when steeped
• Distinct earthy-floral fragrance

At TheSaffronReserve.com, we exclusively offer Super Negin Saffron, verified by independent laboratories for purity, Non-GMO compliance, and authenticity. Each golden jar represents the pinnacle of saffron excellence — trusted by chefs, restaurants, and discerning customers across New Jersey and beyond.

💎 Visual Summary: Grades at a Glance