QUALITY
About the product
Saffron is the stigma of the Crocus sativus flower — three in each flower. No other part of the plant is used.
A trustworthy organic product
Presenting quality organic saffron — the pearl of Absheron — on the world saffron market and on the Azerbaijani market; informing buyers and users about it; carrying out the educational work that helps tell natural saffron apart from fake and imitation products; and building sound commercial ethics and fair competition on the domestic market.
As RedGold Absheron, to keep the quality and to follow organic standards in growing, picking and drying saffron, we offer buyers only the crop gathered from our own fields. Fertilisers with a chemical composition must not be used to grow natural saffron. The growth of saffron depends on keeping the field clear of weeds. Herbicides are effective against weeds, but the chance of a residue remaining in the soil is high. For that reason growers of natural saffron should avoid herbicides and pesticides, and use natural fertilisers when feeding the crop
TESTING
Four ways to tell a fake at home
No laboratory needed. These four tests apply just as much to our own product — try them on us if you like.
- Colour in water
Real saffron gives up its colour in hot water slowly, over ten to fifteen minutes, and the water turns golden yellow. The thread keeps its own red. If it gives red water at once, it is dye.
- The shape of the thread
One end of the stigma is thin, the other widens like a tube. “Threads” of even width, cut straight, are usually dyed corn silk or safflower petals.
- The yellow part
If there are many yellow or white pieces in the pack, the weight has been made up with style, not stigma. We separate the yellow part and discard it.
- Smell and taste
It smells of something between dry grass and honey, and it tastes bitter — not sweet. A sweet taste means a sugar additive.