Our Saffron Quality & Lab Results
We believe saffron quality should be demonstrated, not simply described. Our saffron is evaluated using internationally recognized analytical methods so you can see what is actually in the threads you purchase.
Quality You Can See.
Imperial Saffron is carefully selected as whole, premium Negin saffron threads. Each batch is handled with attention to appearance, cleanliness, aroma and consistency before it reaches our customers.
Understanding the Standard
What Is ISO 3632?
ISO 3632 is the international standard family used for evaluating important quality characteristics of dried saffron. It provides a standardized way to analyze saffron rather than relying only on appearance, aroma or marketing descriptions.
Laboratory analysis examines important saffron characteristics including crocin, picrocrocin, safranal, moisture and other quality characteristics.
These measurements help evaluate the saffron's coloring strength, flavor characteristics and aroma, while laboratory examination can also help identify unwanted or foreign material.
Category I: The laboratory results for our tested batch were reported as meeting Category I quality requirements under the applicable ISO 3632 testing framework.
The Numbers Behind Our Saffron
These are the reported analytical results from the tested Imperial Saffron batch.
Moisture & Volatile Matter
Our tested batch reported a moisture result of 5.25%. Moisture is an important quality consideration because excessive moisture can affect saffron's stability, weight and storage characteristics.
Foreign Material
The tested batch reported no foreign botanical matter. The laboratory analysis is part of our commitment to verifying the quality and integrity of the saffron we offer.
View the Laboratory Results
We believe customers should be able to see the documentation behind our quality claims.
What These Numbers Mean
Crocin — Color
Crocin is associated with saffron's coloring strength. Higher coloring strength means saffron can produce a more pronounced golden-yellow color when its compounds are extracted into food or liquid.
Picrocrocin — Flavor
Picrocrocin is one of the key compounds associated with saffron's characteristic flavor. It contributes to the distinctive slightly bitter and complex taste that develops when genuine saffron is properly used.
Safranal — Aroma
Safranal is a major volatile compound associated with saffron's characteristic aroma. Its presence helps characterize the fragrance profile of the spice.
Why Laboratory Testing Matters
Beautiful saffron threads are only part of the story. Laboratory analysis provides measurable information about important quality characteristics.
Color Isn't Everything
The visual appearance of saffron can tell you something about the threads, but it cannot by itself quantify coloring strength. Analytical testing provides a measurable result for this characteristic.
Aroma Has a Chemical Signature
Safranal is one of the compounds analyzed when evaluating saffron's aroma characteristics. This gives laboratory analysis a way to examine aroma strength beyond simply smelling the threads.
Flavor Can Be Measured
Picrocrocin is associated with saffron's characteristic flavor. Its analytical measurement helps characterize the quality of the spice.
Transparency Matters
We provide our laboratory information because we want customers to understand the product they're purchasing rather than relying solely on words such as "premium" or "high quality."
Pure Saffron. Measurable Quality.
Our philosophy is simple: show the work behind the product. From careful selection of whole Negin threads to laboratory analysis, we believe quality deserves transparency.