Controlled origin
Saffron from Herat, sourced through direct cooperation along a clearly defined supply chain.
Origin · Special Grade · Transparency
Why Saffrona?
Quality saffron starts with a controlled origin, careful processing and verifiable test results.
Current quality evidence: Batch L2025-01 was independently analysed and classified as Special Grade, the highest quality category under ISO 3632-1:2025.
Four good reasons
Quality we can explain
Saffrona connects the work in Herat with business responsibility in Germany and documented quality testing for each named batch.
Direct sourcing
Fewer trading intermediaries bring us closer to cultivation, processing and quality.
Measurable quality
Laboratory results apply to a specific batch rather than to the brand as a whole.
Knowledge beyond labels
We explain standards, test results, origin and the limits of each claim in clear language.
Herat, Afghanistan
From the field to an identified batch
Our family farms form the core of the supply chain. Saffrona also works with a coordinated network of women-led saffron farms in Herat. Shared requirements for harvesting, sorting and drying help control quality at its source.
Understanding the evidence:Controlled practices across the farm network support consistent quality. They do not replace analytical evidence: ISO classification is assessed for each named batch using laboratory results.
Cultivation in HeratCoordinated production requirements
Harvesting & sortingCareful selection of saffron threads
Controlled dryingEssential for colour, flavour and aroma
Master batchUnique lot and batch identification
Laboratory analysisIndependent measurement of quality parameters
Traceable productsLinking packed units to their batch
Current highest quality category
Batch L2025-01 achieves Special Grade
The sample was analysed using the test methods in ISO 3632-2:2010 and assessed against the specification in ISO 3632-1:2025. The updated test report classifies the batch as Special Grade.
This statement applies to L2025-01 and to retail units whose internal traceability confirms that they were packed from this batch.
| Parameter | Measured value | Special Grade | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crocin / colouring strength | 279 ± 7 | min. 230 | Meets requirements |
| Picrocrocin / flavour | 104 ± 3 | min. 80 | Meets requirements |
| Safranal / aroma | 30 ± 3 | 20–50 | Meets requirements |
| Moisture | 7.5 ± 1.2% | max. 12% | Meets requirements |
Measurement uncertainties are shown as stated in the test report; the classification was assigned by the testing laboratory. ISO itself does not test or certify products.
Additional testing
Quality goes beyond colouring strength
Additional food safety tests were commissioned for the batch alongside the ISO quality parameters.
Pesticides
0.024± 0.012 mg/kg DEET
The other pesticides tested within the commissioned scope were below their respective reporting limits.
Heavy metals
- Arsenic: 0.11 ± 0.08 mg/kg
- Lead: 0.067 ± 0.042 mg/kg
- Cadmium: 0.024 ± 0.009 mg/kg
The laboratory report assessed the tested levels as unremarkable or as giving no grounds for objection.
These statements apply only to the documented testing scope and the tested sample from batch L2025-01.
Afghan origin · German responsibility
A supply chain with clear responsibilities
Saffrona is a brand of RUMI Saffron UG (haftungsbeschränkt), a company registered in Germany. The company is responsible for importing, packaging, marketing, traceability and commissioning independent tests for the European market.
Direct sourcing reduces the number of trading intermediaries. This enables focused investment in product protection, laboratory testing, documentation and controlled marketing.
OriginHerat, Afghanistan
Brand operatorRUMI Saffron UG (haftungsbeschränkt)
Quality systemBatch identification, traceability and external analysis
A guide to buying saffron
How to recognise verifiable quality
A reliable quality claim rests on the combination of origin, batch identification, testing standards and specific measurements.
1Clearly identified origin
The country and region should be clearly named.
2Identified batch
Laboratory results must be clearly linked to an identified lot.
3Current standard edition
When assessing classification, distinguish ISO 3632-1:2025 from earlier editions.
4Measurements beyond marketing terms
Crocin, picrocrocin, safranal and moisture measurements make the assessment verifiable.
5Accurate wording
“Laboratory tested and classified” is accurate; “ISO-certified saffron” is not.
Learn more
Knowledge for consumers and businesses
Understanding Special Grade
What changed with ISO 3632-1:2025 and how to interpret the measurements.
Read the full explanation →Saffron Academy
Practical guidance on choosing, storing, measuring and using saffron.
Explore the Academy →For foodservice & artisan producers
Batch-specific information, larger packs and personal advice for business applications.
Send a business enquiry →
Frequently asked questions
Clear, concise answers
How does Saffrona differ from a traditional saffron trader?
Saffrona works through a direct, controlled supply chain with family farms and a coordinated network of women-led farms in Herat. In Germany, RUMI Saffron UG takes responsibility for importing, packaging, traceability and external laboratory testing.
Where does Saffrona saffron come from?
The saffron comes from Herat, Afghanistan. Origin and production are linked through identified batches to the corresponding quality documentation.
Is Category I still the highest ISO category for saffron?
No. Category I was the highest category in ISO 3632-1:2011. ISO 3632-1:2025 introduced Special Grade above it as the new highest quality category.
What does Special Grade mean for batch L2025-01?
The updated independent test report classifies the tested sample from L2025-01 as Special Grade under ISO 3632-1:2025. The measured values are 279 ± 7 for crocin, 104 ± 3 for picrocrocin, 30 ± 3 for safranal and 7.5 ± 1.2% moisture.
Does the classification apply to different pack sizes?
Yes, provided the retail unit can be shown to have been packed from the tested master batch L2025-01. Documented batch allocation is the deciding factor, rather than pack size.
Does Special Grade automatically apply to every future harvest?
No. Controlled production processes support consistency but do not replace testing of each batch. Claims about future harvests are made only after the relevant analysis.
Is Saffrona “ISO-certified”?
No, that wording would be inaccurate. ISO publishes standards but does not test individual products. The accurate statement is that the named batch was analysed by an independent laboratory and classified under ISO 3632-1:2025.
Were pesticides and heavy metals also tested?
Yes. Additional test results are available for the documented sample. Each statement on this page is limited to the commissioned testing scope and the results stated in the report.
Why does Saffrona publish specific laboratory results?
Terms such as “Premium” or “Super Negin” alone do not allow an analytical assessment of quality. Measurements linked to a clearly identified batch make the claim transparent and verifiable.
Documentation & sources
The evidence behind our statements
The quality claims are limited to a specific batch and its corresponding reports.
- Quality testing and classificationEurofins WEJ Contaminants GmbH, test report AR-733-2025-00206306-02 for batch L2025-01, dated 24 August 2026; replaces AR-733-2025-00206306-01.
- Additional residue and heavy metal testingLaboratory reports for batch L2025-01 within the commissioned testing scope.
- ISO 3632-1:2025 – SpecificationOfficial ISO overview of the current classification
- ISO 3632-2:2010 – Test methodsOfficial ISO overview of the test methods
Transparency statement: The testing laboratory is named solely to identify the source transparently. This publication does not represent an endorsement or advertising partnership with the laboratory. ISO itself has certified neither Saffrona nor the product.
Choose saffron with a traceable origin
Explore the pack sizes currently available or talk to us about a business application.