In different countries, there are different rules for how to classify saffron. In Spain, saffron is given a grade based on where it was grown and, in the second category, based on how long or thick the stigma and cream are. In India, saffron is sorted by the purity and quality of the stigma or by whether or not it has both stigma and cream. In England, saffron is sorted by things like its color, smell, and taste.
Simultaneously, the ISO 3632 standard created the most reliable way to classify saffron, which has been accepted by all countries that produce and use it.
TOP SAFFRON PRODUCER COUNTRIES
Iran (Biggest Saffron Producer)
Saffron is an important agricultural product in Iran, and it is one of the world’s leading saffron producer. Iran produces around 90% of the world’s saffron, and it is known for its high quality. The majority of the saffron produced in Iran is exported to other countries, and it is used in a variety of culinary dishes and medicinal products. Although Iran is the largest producer of saffron, but its export volume is not more than 35%.
India (Another Saffron Producer)
Saffron is a spice derived from the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus). India is one of the major producers of saffron in the world and produces about 18–20 tons of saffron annually. The saffron produced in India is of high quality and is exported to many countries across the world. The main producers of saffron in India are Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Spain
Saffron is the most valuable and expensive spice in the world, and it is also one of the most important agricultural products in Spain. Spain is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of saffron, and it is estimated that around 20% of the world’s saffron exportation comes from Spain. Spain, Italy and Greece are the top producers of saffron in Europe. Common saffron products in Spain include saffron powder, saffron threads, and saffron extract.
Morocco
Moroccan saffron is a popular product in Morocco, and it is used in many traditional dishes. It is also used to make saffron tea and is often used as a natural dye in fabrics. Saffron is also used in many Moroccan cosmetics and beauty products, such as saffron-infused lotions and creams.
Italy
The most popular saffron product in Italy is saffron risotto. It is a traditional Italian dish made with saffron-infused rice, vegetables, and broth. Other popular saffron products in Italy include saffron-infused pasta, saffron-infused sauces, and saffron-infused desserts.
Turkey
Saffron is widely used in Turkey, with the most popular product being a saffron-infused Turkish tea. This tea is traditionally served after meals and is known for its health benefits. Other popular saffron products in Turkey include saffron-flavored rice, saffron-infused syrups, and saffron-flavored desserts.
Afghanistan
Saffron is a popular spice in Afghanistan, and it is widely used in cooking, baking, and desserts. It is also used in traditional medicine. The most popular saffron products available in Afghanistan include saffron strands, saffron powder, saffron extract, saffron tea, and saffron-infused honey.
