Saffron Crocin Grades
How saffron is graded on crocin, picrocrocin and safranal, why Kashmir saffron ranks high in crocin, and the air-freight order size.
Saffron baseline table
Saffron quality is set by three compounds: crocin (colour), picrocrocin (bitterness and flavour) and safranal (aroma), the framework used in the international saffron standard. Crocin, the colour strength, is the headline grade. The firm, sourceable points for a buyer are the origin benchmark and the way saffron ships.
| Item | Value | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Kashmir saffron | Among the world highest crocin | GI / origin benchmark |
| Air-freight order | From about 100 kg | Trade practice |
| Salmonella | Absent in 25 g | EU limit |
| Ethylene oxide | 0.1 mg/kg (banned pesticide) | EU limit |
How saffron is graded
- Crocin: the colouring strength, measured by absorbance; higher crocin means deeper colour and higher price.
- Picrocrocin: the bitter, flavour-bearing compound.
- Safranal: the volatile compound behind saffron aroma.
- Kashmir saffron is recognised as a Geographical Indication and ranks among the world highest in crocin, which is why it commands a premium.
Buyer note
Saffron is high-value and light, so it usually moves by air from around 100 kg rather than by container. Buy on a lab crocin (colouring strength) figure and screen for adulteration; specify the crocin category you need on the contract.
Frequently asked
How is saffron graded?
On crocin (colour strength), picrocrocin (bitterness/flavour) and safranal (aroma). Crocin is the headline grade. Kashmir saffron ranks among the world highest in crocin.
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Start a sourcing enquiry →What this page does not tell you
- ISO 3632 category thresholds
- The numeric crocin, picrocrocin and safranal thresholds that define saffron categories are not in our verified set, so no figures are printed.
- Kashmir crocin value
- A specific crocin absorbance number for Kashmir saffron is not in our verified set; only its relative ranking is stated.
Reviewed 16 July 2026.
Sources
- Geographical Indications Registry, India — Registered GIs· Tier 1, retrieved 2026-07-16
- CBI — Entering the European market for spices and herbs· Tier 2, retrieved 2026-07-16
- Reg. (EU) 2023/915 — maximum levels for certain contaminants· Tier 1, retrieved 2026-07-16