How to Check Kesar (Saffron) Before Buying

By the Rajput Farms team · Updated 10 October 2026 · 2 min read

Quick answer

Real kesar threads are deep red with a lighter orange-yellow tip, feel dry and brittle, smell sweet and hay-like, and release a golden-yellow colour slowly in warm water over several minutes. Threads that are uniformly red, bleed bright red instantly or leave colour on your fingers are likely dyed or fake.

Quick checklist

Deep red threads with a lighter orange-yellow tip, not uniformly red
In warm water, colour spreads slowly over several minutes; instant, bright colour is a red flag
A sweet, hay-like aroma, not a harsh or chemical smell
Threads feel dry and brittle, not soft or waxy
No clumping and no colour residue left on your fingers

The warm-water test, step by step

Drop two or three threads into a small cup of warm (not boiling) water. Real saffron slowly turns the water golden-yellow over 5 to 15 minutes, and the threads keep their red colour and shape. Fake or dyed saffron bleeds red colour almost immediately, and the threads may fade, break up or turn pale.

Common fakes

Saffron is the most adulterated spice because it is so expensive. Common fakes include dyed corn silk, safflower petals, coconut fibre and saffron mixed with the yellow style (the part below the red stigma), which adds weight but little flavour. Unusually low prices are the biggest warning sign.

How to store kesar

Keep saffron in a small airtight container, away from light and moisture. It does not need refrigeration. Stored well, it keeps its aroma for a long time, but use it within a year for the best flavour.

How Rajput Farms checks kesar

Kesar sold by Rajput Farms is checked for thread colour, aroma and the warm-water colour release under the Alpha Grade standard before packing.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if kesar is real?

Put a few threads in warm water. Real kesar releases golden-yellow colour slowly over several minutes and the threads stay red. Instant bright red colour suggests dye.

Why is real saffron so expensive?

Each flower gives only three red stigmas, which are hand-picked and dried, so a very large number of flowers is needed for a small quantity.

How much kesar should I use?

Very little. A few threads soaked in warm milk or water are enough for one dish or one glass of milk.

More guides

Ask Rajput Farms on WhatsApp