During Advent, saffron consumption skyrockets. But the small bag is not exactly cheap. Saffron is one of the most expensive spices available. The small pistil that comes from the crocus flower must be picked by hand and it takes between 100,000-150,000 crocuses to extract one kilo of saffron. This of course explains the high price. But do we really always get value for money? The consumer guide Råd & Rön has tested saffron in the trade – and the results show large differences in quality.
– The color, taste and smell of saffron can be measured in a lab – and we have done that, says Ronny Karlsson, head of testing at Råd & Rön.
Food giants’ saffron worst in test
– On this one it was a double fault! For one thing, there was a gram too little in the bag, we are deceived about the amount of saffron and it is serious. Even more serious was that the quality of the saffron was very low, says Ronny about one of the brands.
The test shows that several of the food giants’ saffron end up on the list of worst in tests. But the test also shows which saffron you should bet on.
– It’s an incredible difference! These are so good that there is talk of introducing a super class, says Ronny.