What Do Saffron Petals Do? Petals vs Threads Explained

Saffron petals are the purple outer petals of the saffron crocus flower. They are a harvest byproduct: the valuable part is the 3 red threads inside each flower. Petals carry far less crocin and safranal than saffron threads, taste mild and floral, and are mostly used as a gentle tea or natural dye.

Are saffron petals the same as saffron?

No. When people say saffron they mean the red stigma, the thread. About 70,000 flowers make one pound of threads, and the petals left behind are often thrown away. See every form in our saffron collection.

What do saffron petals do?

Traditionally petals were steeped as a light tea and used for color. Researchers have also studied petal extract on its own. A small 2007 pilot trial compared petal extract with a standard medication over 8 weeks in 40 adults (Basti et al., 2007, Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry). It was small and early, so it is a reason for curiosity, not a conclusion.

Petals vs threads: quick facts

• Color compounds: threads are rich in crocin, petals have little.
• Aroma: threads hold safranal (hay and honey smell), petals barely smell.
• Price: petals are cheap, threads are the priciest spice by weight.
• Best use: petals for mild tea, threads for tea and cooking, saffron extract powder for measured servings.

How do you make saffron petal tea?

Steep 1 to 2 grams of dried petals in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. For a stronger cup, add 5 to 10 threads. Most of the research on saffron and mood used the stigma, not petals, as reviewed in a 2013 meta-analysis (Hausenblas et al., 2013, J Integr Med (PMID 24299602)).

Should you pick petals or threads?

If you want the traditional saffron experience, go with threads or an extract. For a concentrated option, our saffron extract resin is verified at 17-20% actives.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. For adults 21+.