pushal saffron

pushal saffron, one of the most popular types of saffron in the Iranian market, is derived from the saffron flower. Known for its exceptional aroma, flavor, and coloring properties, it is widely used in cooking, food industries, and even medicinal applications.

pushal saffron consists of the red stigma of the saffron flower, harvested with 1 to 3 millimeters of the yellow or orange style attached. This type of saffron is directly collected from farms and dried without fully separating the style. The presence of the yellow style at the end of the strands is a sign of authenticity. Its coloring strength ranges from 170 to 250 units. This saffron is produced in regions such as Qaenat, Khorasan, and Torbat-e Heydarieh, with Iran supplying over 90% of the world’s saffron production.

Benefits and Properties of pushal saffron

Like other types of saffron, Pushal is rich in active compounds such as crocin (for coloring), picrocrocin (for its bitter, beneficial taste), and safranal (for its aroma). It has a warm and dry nature and, according to traditional medicine, is beneficial for strengthening the body and improving mood. Key benefits include:

• Physical Health: Its powerful antioxidants, such as carotenoids, help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and boost the immune system. It may also lower the risk of prostate cancer and enhance heart health.
• Mental Health: pushal saffron acts as a mood enhancer and can alleviate mild depression. Studies show regular consumption increases energy and promotes vitality.
• Beauty and Medicinal Uses: It benefits the skin (reducing blemishes and acne) and is used in herbal teas to improve sleep and reduce stress. For children, it aids digestion and strengthens bones.
• Difference from Sargo: Due to the presence of the style, Pushal retains more of the saffron flower’s properties but has less coloring strength than Sargol (which lacks the style). Sargol is better suited for export, while Pushal is more cost-effective for domestic use.

Note: Consuming more than 5 grams per day may cause side effects like nausea or headaches, especially for pregnant women.

Applications of pushal saffron

Due to its excellent coloring and affordable price, pushal saffron is used in:

Cooking: Adding color and aroma to dishes like zereshk polo, tahchin, sholeh zard, grilled chicken, and traditional stews.
Food Industry: Producing gaz, sohan, saffron rock candy, ice cream, faloodeh, and pastries.
Household and Medicinal Uses: Herbal tea for relaxation, face masks for beauty, or adding to tea for an energy boost.
Export and Gifting: Especially the Qalamdar type, used as a souvenir or export product.

Tips for Buying Authentic pushal saffron

To purchase high-quality pushal saffron, consider the following:

• Appearance: Strands should be coarse, deep red with a light yellow end, free from breakage or impurities.
• Aroma and Taste: A floral aroma and mild bitter taste; an unpleasant smell or sweet taste indicates it’s fake.
• Detecting Fakes: The presence of the style makes fraud difficult, but to be sure, dissolve saffron in warm water: a uniform red color without sediment indicates authenticity.

Price of pushal saffron

Several factors affect the price of pushal saffron. Its quality depends on color, aroma, and taste; saffron with bright red, uniform strands commands a higher price. Additionally, the cultivation region and climatic conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and soil, impact product quality. The harvesting and drying process is also crucial; careful drying at the right time preserves its aroma and properties. Moreover, market demand, currency fluctuations, and transportation costs can influence the price of pushal saffron.