ISO 3632 is the international standard that defines how saffron is classified and tested. It turns quality from a matter of opinion into numbers that buyers in different countries can compare.
The three measurements
- Crocin (color): measured by absorbance at 440 nm, it shows coloring strength
- Picrocrocin (flavor): measured at 257 nm, it shows the bitter taste of saffron
- Safranal (aroma): measured at 330 nm, it shows the characteristic scent
Categories I, II and III
The standard groups saffron into three categories, and Category I has the highest minimum coloring strength. Many premium exporters report values well above the Category I minimum.
Other checks
A full report also covers moisture and volatile matter, total ash, acid-insoluble ash and foreign matter. Low moisture protects aroma and shelf life.
How to read a report
Check that the report names the lot or batch, the laboratory, the test date and the method, and that the numbers match the grade you were quoted. A report for a different batch tells you very little about your shipment.
At Golden Saffron, every export lot is tested against ISO 3632 and the certificate of analysis is shared before shipment. Request a sample with its lab data to see the numbers yourself.