Everything about the quality and price of saffron.

Perhaps you have encountered this question also. Who determines the price of saffron? And on what basis do they set the price of saffron? Is there a center where you can find out about the price of saffron? What units are used to buy and sell saffron? The price of saffron in the world markets is not constant due to the fluctuations in the market of saffron and there are various factors affecting the price of saffron such as the quality of the saffron, the type of saffron and the place of harvest, etc. In this article we are going to give a full description of how saffron is priced.

The relationship between the quality, price of saffron and its status

In order to talk about the quality and price of saffron, we first need to know what the saffron is and what its value and then consider its price based on its value. Going back to the Middle Ages, at that time, spices had a very strong and high status, and without them doctors and cooks might have had great problems. You might not even believe that a kilo of saffron was more expensive than a kilo of gold at that time! It’s also interesting to note that saffron made in Iran is on the list of the most valuable natural foods in the world as price of saffron costs a thousand dollars.

The quality of saffron and factors affecting the price of saffron

The quality of saffron and other main factors affecting the price of saffron

If you are a consumer of saffron you know that the market has this gourmet spice with different qualities and varieties, but the point to know is whether these saffron are original or not, to determine the price of saffron.

• The quality of saffron

The main criterion for determining the price and value of saffron is its quality. The best way to measure the quality of saffron is to test it. Saffron is a compound which quality is determined by its use. Crocin, colorant, picrocrocin, flavor and safranal, are the most important constituents of saffron. The higher the purity of these compounds, the higher the price and quality of the saffron. The high price of saffron does not indicate the high quality of the saffron, but the low price of the saffron indicates its poor quality.

• Various types of saffron based on its quality

Saffron has several types available in the market. When we talk about different types of saffron, we mean different models of saffron that are available in the market. Sargol Saffron – Super Negin Saffron – Pseudo Negin Saffron – Negin Saffron – straw saffron – bunches of saffron doxtar pich (fastened by girls)- Saffron Petal – Saffron Root – Saffron corn. Each of these models is priced according to their quality and features. For example, Super Negin saffron has a higher grade and is used more for saffron export. So it is more expensive than other types of saffron.

• Quality of saffron depends on saffron harvesting place

Another factor affecting the price of saffron and quality is the location of saffron harvesting place. Saffron is a plant that is cultivated in susceptible parts of Iran, but the climatic conditions of the area also have a great influence on the quality of saffron.

Saffron is a very cold-loving plant. The colder the area where the saffron is planted, the higher the saffron grade. For example, saffron cultivated in Hamadan province is much better quality than tropical cities such as Mashhad and others.

• The fluctuating rate of foreign currencies affects the price of saffron

Eighty percent of Iran’s saffron production is exported overseas, so it is clear that the fluctuating rate of foreign currencies affects tariffs for saffron importers in the country, and the often over-the-air transportation costs, etc. are also very effective regarding the price of saffron. According to research, the main variable in the price of saffron export is the fluctuating rate of foreign currencies.

Weather conditions affect the price of saffron

• Weather conditions affect the price of saffron

Saffron corns as the sensitive spots in this plant should be protected from the cold and, if frozen, depending on the degree of damage, naturally the supply of saffron also reduces and finally, the price of saffron goes up and becomes more expensive. Drought is also a threat, but less risky because the plant does not need much water and, as you know, watering is only necessary at the beginning of November and December. It can also make a difference in the process of buying saffron onions because the saffron onions themselves have a good market.

• Prices of agricultural inputs affect the price of saffron

The price of agricultural inputs is also effective in the price of saffron. For example, the price of chemical or natural fertilizer used in the field, field labor, materials used to control and eliminate pests can have a direct effect on the price of saffron.

Prices of agricultural inputs affect the price of saffron

• Export competitiveness regarding the price of saffron

It is true that the world saffron market is almost in Iran’s hands, but Iran’s competitors are not idle and have invested heavily in gaining more market share, which in addition to threatening Iran’s position in the world market, also changes the price of saffron.

Saffron export is one of the most important economic issues in the country and needs to be properly planned, especially as saffron is considered a luxury product on the world market today, so in the case of crisis and problems in the commercial and financial sectors and weakening the purchasing power of foreign customers, export of saffron also faces problems in our country.