Saffron Extract

Saffron Extract is made from the dried red stigmas of Crocus sativus, the most expensive spice in the world by weight. Each flower gives only three thin threads, and they must be picked by hand. It takes roughly 150,000 flowers to produce a single kilogram of dried saffron, which explains both its price and why a concentrated extract is so useful to manufacturers.

Arizone International supplies Saffron Extract to nutraceutical, food, beverage and cosmetic manufacturers. We offer standardised and ratio grades prepared to buyer specification.

Saffron in India

India's saffron comes from Kashmir, mainly from the karewa plateaus around Pampore, often called the saffron town of India. Kashmiri saffron received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2020, recognising its deep colour and strong aroma. Kesar, as it is called in Hindi, is used in Indian sweets, biryanis, kesar milk and religious rituals, and it appears in many classical Ayurvedic formulations.

Iran is the world's largest producer of saffron, followed by countries including India, Afghanistan, Greece and Spain.

Three Key Compounds

• CrocinA water-soluble carotenoid that gives saffron its golden-yellow colour.
• PicrocrocinResponsible for saffron's slightly bitter, honey-like taste.
• SafranalThe main aroma compound, which forms from picrocrocin as the stigmas dry.

Commercial saffron is often graded on these three compounds using the international standard ISO 3632. Extracts are usually standardised to crocin, safranal or a combination of markers.

Applications of Saffron Extract

Saffron has been studied in several human trials for mood, stress and eye health, which has brought it into the supplement market in a big way. At the same time, it remains a premium colour and flavour for food and a luxury ingredient for skin care.

• Mood, stress and emotional wellness supplements
• Sleep and relaxation formulas
• Eye-health blends
• Women's wellness products
• Premium beverages, dairy drinks and desserts
• Sweets, bakery and confectionery
• Skin-brightening creams, serums and face oils
• Ayurvedic formulations such as Kumkumadi preparations

Quality and Authenticity

Because saffron is so costly, it is one of the most adulterated foods in the world. Common fakes include safflower petals, dyed corn silk and coloured threads. We check identity carefully, test crocin and safranal levels, and screen for synthetic colours. Each batch of extract is also tested for moisture, heavy metals and microbial load.

Saffron Extract should be stored in airtight, light-proof containers in a cool, dry place. Light quickly fades crocin, and moisture affects aroma.

Tips for Buyers and Formulators

Ask for safranal and crocin content by HPLC, and check the origin papers carefully, as saffron is one of the most adulterated spices. Saffron extract is often used in mood and eye health supplements at small doses.

Why Choose Arizone International?

We understand that saffron buyers need trust as much as they need a good price. We share test reports with every batch, can arrange samples for your own lab analysis and offer bulk as well as small-volume supply. Private label capsules and blends are also available.

Send us your required specification, quantity, packaging and delivery location to receive a quotation for Saffron Extract.