Saffron Grading ISO 3632 | World Saffron Foundation

ISO 3632 Quality Dashboard

Premium saffron is measured, not guessed.

ISO 3632 classifies saffron using laboratory analysis of key quality indicators. Category I saffron should show strong coloring power, strong taste profile, balanced aroma and appropriate moisture levels.

Crocin

>200

Coloring power target

Picrocrocin

>70

Taste strength target

Safranal

20-50

Aroma range

Moisture

8-12%

Quality range

Next-Level Tool

ISO-style grading calculator

Enter available lab or sample values to estimate an educational quality category.

Next-Level Tool

Practical authenticity tester

Select the signs you observe. The tester estimates whether the sample appears low risk, needs caution, or should be submitted for further verification.

Excess yellow or white material

Very low price compared with premium saffron

Rancid, stale or non-floral odor

Powder contains white or yellow specks

Color releases instantly and unnaturally in water

Foreign debris or mixed plant material visible

Threads are deep red and trumpet-shaped

Aroma is floral, earthy and honey-like

Commercial Grade Ladder

Visual saffron grades.

Super Negin

Long, thick, deep red stigmas with no yellow parts.

Sargol

Pure red stigmas, often shorter or broken.

Pushal

Red stigma material with some yellow style attached.

Bunch

Complete stigma and style bundle with more yellow content.

Coloring Power

Crocin scale

Premium saffron generally sits above the 190-200 range.

Aroma Window

Safranal range

Balanced aroma is commonly shown around 20-50.

Adulteration Watch

Warning signs to check.

These checks do not replace laboratory testing, but they help identify samples that may require verification.

Too much yellow/whiteMay indicate excess style material or filler.

Very low pricePremium saffron is labor-intensive and rarely cheap.

Rancid odorCan indicate poor storage or aging.

Powder specksMay suggest mixing with other materials.