Premium
Saffron
Kesar · World's Most Expensive Spice
केसर · Crocus sativus
- Origin:
- Pampore, Kashmir (16 km² zone only)
- Flavour:
- Floral, honey-like, earthy with unique metallic sweetness
GI Tagged KashmirISO 3632 Category IWorld's Most ExpensiveUSDA Organic
About Saffron
The world's most expensive spice by weight — one kilogram requires 150,000–200,000 hand-picked crocus flowers and costs ₹3–5 lakhs. The Pampore region near Srinagar produces the finest quality with the highest crocin, picrocrocin and safranal content. Kashmiri saffron has a GI (Geographical Indication) tag. Stigmas must be hand-plucked within hours of the flower opening each October.
Health Benefits
- Crocin and safranal shown in clinical trials to match antidepressants for mild-moderate depression
- Strong antioxidant — protects retinal cells and shown to slow macular degeneration
- Memory improvement and neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's research
- Anti-inflammatory — reduces PMS symptoms and menstrual discomfort
Culinary & Industrial Uses
- Kashmiri dishes — rogan josh, yakhni and Kashmiri pulao
- Biryani — provides signature golden colour and floral aroma
- Persian and Moroccan cuisine — saffron rice and lamb tagine
- Italian risotto Milanese — the only authentic saffron risotto
Processing & Grades
Hand-plucked within 48 hours of flower opening, immediately dried over gentle heat. Graded by ISO 3632: Category I (crocin 250+). Tested for safranal, picrocrocin and crocin. Certificate of authenticity provided with every order.
