WHAT IS
“NEGIN SARGOL” GRADE?
The term “Sargol” (“flower top”) refers to the upper part of the pistil, the richest in pigments and aroma.
The “Negin” grade represents an even finer selection: only the longest, reddest, and most uniform filaments are kept, with no yellow style residues (the part connecting the pistil to the flower base).
The Quality of Saffron — A Bit of Technical Insight
Saffron is one of the world’s best-known spices, yet few people truly understand the criteria used to assess its quality.The ISO 3632 standard classifies saffron according to the concentration of three key components, analyzed through UV/Vis spectrophotometry:
- Crocin → Crocin is the key carotenoid that defines saffron’s grade. A high crocin index reflects exceptional purity, potency, and freshness — the signature of premium saffron.
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Picrocrocin → Measures flavor purity.
It gives saffron its characteristic subtle bitterness.
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Safranal → Measures aromatic strength. It’s responsible for the honeyed, hay-like, and floral notes typical of fine saffron.
Together, these three indicators determine saffron’s classification into four quality grades.
