Saffron (Crocus sativus) - "Red Gold"

Premium quality Kashmir saffron from India's only saffron-producing region sourced by experienced indian spice traders and bulk spice suppliers. ISO 3632 Category I certified with high crocin content (200-250+). World's most expensive spice with complete quality documentation for international export by trusted spice merchant partners offering bulk spices.

Export Quality Kashmir Saffron - World's Most Precious Spice - Trusted Indian Spice Trader & Bulk Supplier

As a leading indian spice trader and bulk spice supplier, we source Kashmir saffron representing the pinnacle of spice excellence, accounting for India's entire domestic production from the exclusive Kashmir Valley region. Our merchant export model ensures competitive pricing while serving international spice manufacturers, spice wholesalers, and bulk spice importers. With GI (Geographical Indication) certification protecting its authenticity, our carefully selected saffron stigmas undergo traditional hand-harvesting followed by precise drying processes to meet international ISO 3632 standards. Kashmir saffron commands premium pricing globally due to its exceptional crocin content (200-250+), distinctive deep maroon-red color, and intense aromatic profile that surpasses Iranian and Spanish varieties through our spice exporter network.

India contributes approximately 7% of global saffron production, with Kashmir being the sole producing region supplying premium Mongra and Lachha grades to international markets including USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. Our role as trusted spice traders and bulk spice suppliers enables competitive wholesale pricing ($1500+ per kg) while maintaining strict quality standards through our network of certified Kashmir suppliers. As a professional spice manufacturer partner, we serve bulk indian spices requirements for spice wholesaler clients through our established merchant export channels. We facilitate bulk export from 100g samples to commercial quantities, ensuring complete documentation compliance for pharmaceutical, culinary, and cosmetic applications worldwide through reliable spice suppliers.

Why Choose Our Saffron - Trusted Indian Spice Trader & Bulk Supplier

As a leading indian spice trader and bulk spice supplier, we offer comprehensive solutions for international spice manufacturers, spice wholesalers, and bulk spice importers. Our merchant export model ensures competitive pricing, consistent quality, and reliable supply chains for saffron sourcing from Kashmir's exclusive growing region.

Trusted Spice Merchant

Established relationships with certified growers across Kashmir Valley, ensuring authentic bulk indian spices at competitive wholesale rates. Our spice trader network provides direct access to premium Mongra and Lachha grade saffron with GI certification.

Bulk Spice Specialists

Custom packaging from 100g to commercial quantities, serving international spice suppliers and bulk spice importers worldwide. Professional spice exporter services with complete documentation and quality assurance for global markets.

Quality Assured Export

ISO 3632 Category I certification and GI protection ensure our saffron meets international standards. Spice manufacturers and indian spice suppliers trust our quality control processes for consistent crocin content and authentic Kashmir origin.

Global Bulk Distribution

Secure logistics network serving premium markets worldwide with specialized handling for high-value spices. As experienced bulk spice suppliers, we ensure proper documentation and authentication for international spice wholesalers and manufacturers.

Basic Information
Common Name:Saffron / Red Gold
Botanical Name:Crocus sativus L.
Family:Iridaceae
Origin:Kashmir Valley, India
Harvest Season:October to November
Part Used:Dried stigmas (flower threads)
Shelf Life:36 months from processing
Multi-Language Names
Hindi:केसर (Kesar)
Kashmiri:کونگ پوش (Kong Posh)
Urdu:زعفران (Za'faran)
Persian:زعفران (Zafran)
Arabic:زعفران (Za'faran)
French:Safran
Spanish:Azafrán

Available Varieties & Grades

Mongra Saffron (Premium Grade)

Highest quality saffron consisting only of deep red stigmas without any yellow/white parts. Longest threads with maximum crocin content.

ISO Category I Crocin 250+ GI Certified
  • Appearance: Deep dark red stigmas only
  • Crocin Content: 230-280+ (ISO 3632)
  • Moisture: 10-12% max
  • Best For: Premium culinary, pharmaceutical
Lachha Saffron (Standard Grade)

Traditional Kashmir saffron with stigmas attached to yellow/white style parts. Good quality with authentic Kashmir characteristics.

ISO Category II Crocin 190+ Traditional
  • Appearance: Red stigmas with some yellow parts
  • Crocin Content: 190-230 (ISO 3632)
  • Moisture: 12-14% max
  • Best For: Culinary use, traditional recipes
Kashmir Baby Saffron

Smaller stigmas from young flowers, offering good quality at competitive pricing for volume applications.

ISO Category II Cost Effective Kashmir Origin
  • Appearance: Shorter red threads
  • Crocin Content: 170-200 (ISO 3632)
  • Moisture: 12-15% max
  • Best For: Food processing, bulk applications
Powdered Saffron

Finely ground Kashmir saffron powder for industrial applications and easy incorporation into products.

Ready-to-Use Industrial Grade Fine Powder
  • Appearance: Fine red-orange powder
  • Mesh Size: 80-120 mesh
  • Moisture: 8-10% max
  • Best For: Manufacturing, blending, cosmetics

Form/Processing/Grade Options

Physical Forms

  • Whole Stigmas: Hand-picked natural threads
  • Cut Saffron: Shorter thread segments
  • Ground Powder: Fine mesh powder
  • Extract/Tincture: Concentrated liquid form

Processing Options

  • Traditional Dried: Natural air-drying method
  • Controlled Drying: Temperature controlled processing
  • Organic Certified: NPOP/EU/USDA organic options
  • Freeze Dried: Premium preservation method

Complete Product Specifications

General Product Information
Parameter Specification Testing Method Remarks
Country of Origin India (Kashmir Valley only) Certificate of Origin GI Tag protected region
Harvest Period October to November (6 weeks) Farmer Records Hand-picked at dawn
Processing Method Traditional air-drying Process Documentation 20-30°C controlled environment
Storage Conditions Cool, dark, airtight containers Storage Guidelines Below 20°C, <60% RH
Shelf Life 36 months (threads), 24 months (powder) Stability Studies Proper storage conditions
GMO Status Non-GMO, naturally propagated Declaration Traditional cultivation
Cultivation Type Traditional, Organic available Field Certification NPOP certified organic options
Physical Parameters & ISO 3632 Standards
Parameter Mongra Grade Lachha Grade Baby Saffron ISO 3632 Method
Crocin Content (Coloring Strength) 230-280+ at 440nm 190-230 at 440nm 170-200 at 440nm UV-Vis Spectrophotometry
Picrocrocin (Bitterness) 70-110 at 257nm 60-90 at 257nm 50-80 at 257nm UV-Vis Spectrophotometry
Safranal (Aroma) 25-50 at 330nm 20-45 at 330nm 20-40 at 330nm UV-Vis Spectrophotometry
Moisture Content 10-12% max 12-14% max 12-15% max ISO 939 Oven method
Foreign Matter 0.5% max 1% max 1.5% max Visual inspection, sorting
Floral Waste (Style/Stamen) 2% max 5% max 8% max Manual separation
Thread Length 20-30mm 15-25mm 10-18mm Manual measurement
Chemical & Microbiological Parameters
Parameter Specification Testing Method Standard Reference
Crocin (Crocetin Glycosides) 6-16% total content HPLC Analysis ISO 3632 standard
Picrocrocin Content 4-8% total content HPLC Analysis ISO 3632 standard
Safranal Content 0.4-1.3% total content GC-MS Analysis ISO 3632 standard
Total Ash 7% max AOAC 942.05 ISO 3632 requirement
Acid Insoluble Ash 1.5% max AOAC 941.12 ISO 3632 requirement
Water Soluble Extract 65% min ISO extraction method Quality indicator
Heavy Metals (Lead) <3.0 ppm ICP-MS EU/FDA standards
Heavy Metals (Cadmium) <0.5 ppm ICP-MS EU/FDA standards
Pesticide Residues Below MRL limits GC-MS/LC-MS EU/US/Japan MRL
Aflatoxins <10 ppb total ELISA/LC-MS/MS EU Regulation
Microbiological Count <10⁴ cfu/g Plate Count Method ISO 4833
Salmonella Absent in 25g USP Method USP <62>
Packaging & Container Loading Options
Package Type Weight Options Material MOQ Special Features
Glass Jars 1g, 2g, 5g, 10g Amber glass with airtight lid 1000 pieces UV protection, premium presentation
Aluminum Pouches 1g, 2g, 5g, 10g, 25g Multi-layer barrier film 5000 pieces Light & moisture barrier
Vacuum Sealed Bags 50g, 100g, 250g, 500g High barrier laminated pouches 1000 pieces Extended shelf life
Tin Containers 25g, 50g, 100g Food-grade tin with tight lid 2000 pieces Airtight, reusable, premium
Bulk Industrial Packs 1kg, 5kg, 10kg Triple-layer barrier bags 100 kg Food processing applications
Private Label Packaging Custom sizes available Various materials & designs As per design Custom branding & labeling
Sample Vials 0.1g, 0.25g, 0.5g Small glass vials 100 pieces Quality evaluation samples
HS Code & Export Classification
Product Form HS Code Required Documentation Additional Notes
Saffron (Whole/Threads) 09102010 Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate Natural dried stigmas
Saffron Stamens 09102020 Certificate of Origin, Quality Analysis Report Specific for stigma parts only
Other Saffron Products 09102090 Certificate of Origin, Quality Analysis Report Powder, extracts, processed forms
Saffron Extract/Oil 3301.29.30 Certificate of Origin, COA, MSDS Essential oils and extracts
Saffron Oleoresin 1302.19.90 Certificate of Origin, COA, MSDS Concentrated extracts
Pharmaceutical Grade 30049099 GMP Certificate, Drug License Medicinal/nutraceutical use
Cosmetic Grade 33019090 Cosmetic License, Safety Data Beauty/cosmetic applications
Standard Export Documents
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Certificate of Origin (Chamber of Commerce)
  • Phytosanitary Certificate (Plant Quarantine)
  • Quality Analysis Report (ISO 3632 Certified)
  • GI Certificate Copy (Kashmir Saffron)
  • FSSAI License Copy
Market-Specific Requirements
  • USA: FDA Prior Notice, LACF compliance
  • EU: Novel Food regulation, RASFF notification
  • Japan: MOH Import notification, JAS standards
  • Middle East: Halal certification (if required)
  • Australia: AQIS import permit, quarantine clearance
  • Canada: CFIA compliance, health product license

Products Available (Made from Saffron)

Various value-added products derived from premium Kashmir saffron for different industrial and commercial applications.

Saffron Powder

Finely ground saffron powder (80-120 mesh) for easy incorporation in food manufacturing and cosmetics.

80-120 Mesh
Saffron Extract

Concentrated liquid extract standardized for crocin content for nutraceutical and cosmetic applications.

Standardized
Saffron Oil

Essential oil and carrier oil infusions for aromatherapy, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications.

Essential Oil
Crocin Extract

Standardized crocin extract (90%+ purity) for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

90%+ Crocin
Saffron Blends

Custom spice blends and seasoning mixes incorporating premium saffron for culinary applications.

Custom Blend
Organic Saffron

NPOP/EU/USDA certified organic saffron products for health-conscious consumers and premium brands.

Organic Certified
Cosmetic Grade

Premium cosmetic-grade saffron extract for skincare and beauty product manufacturing.

Cosmetic Grade
Pharmaceutical Grade

GMP-certified pharmaceutical-grade saffron extracts for medicinal and therapeutic applications.

GMP Certified

Usage & Applications

Fine Dining & Gourmet Cuisine

Premium restaurants and luxury hotels use Kashmir saffron for signature dishes, desserts, and beverages. Essential for paella, biryani, bouillabaisse, and saffron ice cream.

Grade: Mongra preferred for color and aroma | Usage: 0.1-0.2g per serving
Bakery & Confectionery

Traditional sweets, saffron cakes, cookies, and premium confectionery products. Used in Indian mithai, Persian desserts, and European pastries.

Form: Powder or extract preferred | Products: Saffron cookies, kulfi, baklava, tres leches
Beverages & Drinks

Saffron tea, lassi, milk-based drinks, and premium beverage manufacturing. Traditional preparation in kehwa, golden milk, and luxury cocktails.

Usage: Hot and cold beverages | Market: Tea blends, RTD beverages, coffee shops
Food Manufacturing

Large-scale food processing for ready-to-eat meals, snack foods, dairy products, and sauce manufacturing using saffron extract and powder.

Form: Extract, powder, oleoresin | Applications: Dairy products, sauces, ready meals
Neurological & Mental Health

Clinical studies show saffron's efficacy in treating mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and cognitive enhancement. Crocin and safranal are key active compounds.

Active: Crocin, safranal, picrocrocin | Dosage: 20-30mg daily extract | Research: Multiple clinical trials
Ophthalmology & Vision Health

Saffron supplementation for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal health, and vision improvement. Antioxidant properties protect eye tissue.

Mechanism: Antioxidant protection | Applications: Eye supplements, vision health products
Cardiovascular Health

Traditional use for heart health, blood pressure regulation, and circulation improvement. Modern research supports cardioprotective properties.

Benefits: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory | Usage: Cardiovascular supplements, functional foods
Research & Development

Ongoing pharmaceutical research for cancer therapy, neuroprotection, metabolic disorders, and anti-aging applications using saffron compounds.

Research Areas: Oncology, neurology, dermatology | Compounds: Crocin, crocetin, safranal
Luxury Skincare

Premium anti-aging creams, serums, and face masks utilizing saffron's antioxidant and skin-brightening properties. Popular in luxury beauty brands.

Benefits: Anti-aging, brightening, antioxidant | Products: Face creams, serums, masks
Natural Beauty Products

Organic and natural cosmetic formulations featuring saffron extract for skin tone improvement, complexion enhancement, and natural glow.

Market: Natural/organic cosmetics | Applications: Face packs, beauty oils, cleansers
Aromatherapy & Perfumery

Saffron essential oil and extracts in high-end perfumes, aromatherapy blends, and luxury fragrance formulations for unique scent profiles.

Usage: Base notes, luxury fragrances | Properties: Warm, sweet, distinctive aroma
Traditional Beauty Treatments

Traditional Ayurvedic and Middle Eastern beauty treatments using saffron for skin health, bridal beauty preparations, and therapeutic applications.

Traditional Use: Ayurveda, Unani medicine | Applications: Bridal preparations, spa treatments
Natural Dyeing Industry

Traditional textile dyeing for luxury fabrics, silk, and artisanal textiles. Saffron provides golden-yellow color with excellent fastness properties.

Applications: Silk dyeing, luxury textiles | Color: Golden yellow to deep orange
Laboratory & Research

Histological staining, biological research, and laboratory applications utilizing saffron's natural coloring and bioactive properties.

Applications: Histology, cell staining | Grade: Laboratory grade extract
Art & Craft Industry

Natural pigment for traditional art, manuscript illumination, and premium art supplies. Historical use in religious and decorative arts.

Usage: Natural pigment, art supplies | Applications: Manuscript art, traditional painting
Religious & Ceremonial

Traditional religious ceremonies, temple offerings, and cultural celebrations. Sacred use in Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic traditions.

Cultural Use: Religious ceremonies | Market: Temples, cultural organizations, diaspora communities

Frequently Asked Questions

Kashmir saffron has unique characteristics due to the region's specific climate and soil conditions in the Kashmir Valley. It contains higher crocin content (200-250+ vs 190-230 for Iranian), resulting in deeper color and stronger aroma. The traditional hand-harvesting at high altitude (1,600-1,800m) and shorter stigmas create more concentrated flavor compounds. Kashmir saffron also has GI (Geographical Indication) protection, ensuring authenticity and quality standards.
Mongra is the premium grade consisting only of deep red stigmas without any yellow/white style parts, offering maximum crocin content (230-280+) and superior coloring strength. Lachha grade includes stigmas attached to some yellow style parts, providing good quality at more economical pricing with crocin content of 190-230. Mongra is preferred for premium culinary and pharmaceutical applications, while Lachha is suitable for general culinary use and traditional preparations.
We source directly from certified Kashmir farmers with full traceability documentation. Every batch undergoes ISO 3632 testing for crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal content to verify authenticity. We provide GI certificate copies, detailed lab reports, and maintain cold chain storage. Our saffron shows the characteristic deep maroon-red color, distinctive aroma, and proper thread structure. We also conduct microscopic examination and chemical fingerprinting to detect any adulterants like turmeric, safflower, or artificial coloring.
Minimum orders: 100g for samples, 1kg for commercial orders, 10kg for wholesale pricing. Current wholesale rates: Mongra grade $1800-2200/kg, Lachha grade $1400-1700/kg (FOB India). Pricing varies based on current harvest, quality parameters, and order quantities. We offer volume discounts for orders above 25kg. Payment terms: 50% advance, 50% before shipment. All prices include quality certificates and standard export documentation.
Store saffron in airtight containers away from light, heat, and moisture. Ideal conditions: temperature below 20°C, humidity below 60%, in dark places. Glass jars or aluminum pouches work best. Whole threads maintain quality for 36 months, while powder has 24 months shelf life. Avoid plastic containers as they can affect aroma. Properly stored saffron retains its color, aroma, and potency throughout its shelf life. Refrigeration is recommended for long-term storage of larger quantities.
Yes, we provide samples from 0.5g to 25g for quality evaluation with complete documentation. Commercial shipments include: ISO 3632 certificate of analysis, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, GI tag certificate copy, FSSAI license, detailed specification sheet, and packing list. For pharmaceutical/cosmetic applications, we provide additional certificates like GMP compliance, heavy metals analysis, and microbiological reports. All documents are issued by accredited laboratories.
Yes, we supply NPOP (India), EU, and USDA certified organic saffron with full organic certification chain. Pharmaceutical grade saffron is available with GMP certification, detailed impurity analysis, and compliance documentation for medicinal applications. Organic saffron commands 15-20% premium pricing due to stringent cultivation and processing requirements. We also provide cosmetic grade saffron with appropriate safety and purity certifications for beauty industry applications.