How to tell whether saffron is real or fake

Soaking in water

Take three or two saffron roots and immerse them in water. You can see that the orange-yellow color decreases in a straight line, the water turns yellow, but the flower does not fade. Although the flowers are red, the water is bright light yellow. And there should be no powdery precipitate, if there is precipitate it must be adulteration.

In addition, if the flower turns brown, white or other color, or becomes broken within a short period of time after being soaked in water, it is fake. The flower should be bright red and not fade or break.

Smell and taste

Authentic saffron has a strong floral scent that is very special, while fake or adulterated saffron has a very faint or even unscented scent. If you want to know the authentic taste, you might as well go to a regular large pharmacy and you will know the difference by comparing the authentic aroma with the fake ones.

Observational Identification

Place the saffron on a piece of white paper, spread it out and observe carefully. The genuine saffron is long, dark red in color, has no oily luster, and has a small yellow style. It is of top quality. After drying, it is brittle and easy to break. Although broken, each part is trumpet-shaped or you put the saffron in a white bag and shake it a few times, the saffron pollen will stick to the bag, which is yellow and very obvious.

Finger pressure identification method

Use a tissue to take a small amount of saffron and wrap it in the middle and squeeze it hard. There should be no oil marks on the paper, otherwise it is mixed with mineral or vegetable oil.