Saffron Super Negin Stigmas

Saffron Super Negin Stigmas are hand-harvested Crocus sativus stigmas of the highest grade, Super Negin, meaning deep red threads trimmed of the yellow style so every gram is pure Red Gold. They are dried to a set standard for shelf stability and chemical integrity, with no moisture or floral waste, and each batch is selected so only the most active part of the flower is included. Offered in 1g, 4g, 10g and 28g.

At a glance

• Hand-harvested Crocus sativus stigmas, Super Negin grade
• Deep red threads, yellow style removed
• Defined by crocin, picrocrocin and safranal
• Warm, honeyed, faintly bitter flavor and golden color
• Sizes: 1g, 4g, 10g and 28g

The herb. Saffron is the dried stigma of Crocus sativus, a sterile autumn-flowering crocus in the Iridaceae family that cannot set seed and has been propagated by hand from corms since antiquity. Iran, Kashmir and Morocco grow most of the world's supply. Every flower gives just three stigmas, picked at dawn and separated by hand, which is why it has always been the most valuable spice by weight.

What's in it. Three compounds define a thread:

• Crocin: the carotenoid that gives the vivid golden color
• Picrocrocin: the glycoside behind the slightly bitter, hay-like flavor
• Safranal: the volatile that carries the unmistakable aroma

Super Negin grading selects for high concentrations of all three, so color, flavor and scent are more potent per thread than in lower grades.

Dosage, first time. For cooking or tea, take a small pinch of threads, crush them lightly and steep in a few spoonfuls of warm water or milk for ten minutes before adding to the dish or cup. Keep it culinary and see how you like the flavor.

Regular use. A pinch goes further than most people expect; blooming the threads in warm liquid first extracts far more color and flavor than adding them dry. Keep a consistent pinch for consistent results.

What to expect. Users describe a warm, honeyed, faintly bitter flavor and a golden color that transforms rice, broths and warm milk. It suits both the kitchen and precise botanical extraction, and it is never used by the spoonful. For a standardized form, see our Saffron Extract Powder.

Side effects. At culinary amounts saffron is well tolerated; large amounts are documented to cause nausea, dizziness, headache and dry mouth, and very large amounts are not safe. Keep to a pinch and stop if any discomfort appears.

Interactions and cautions. Consult a professional before use beyond culinary amounts if you are pregnant, nursing or take any medication, particularly blood-thinning medications or antidepressant medications.

Ingredients and storage. Saffron stigmas (Crocus sativus), Super Negin grade, nothing added. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place; light and humidity fade both color and aroma.

Common questions

• What does Super Negin mean for saffron? It is the top grade: long, all-red threads with the yellow style removed, giving the highest color and aroma per gram.
• How do I tell real Super Negin saffron from fake? Real threads are trumpet-shaped, release a slow golden color in warm water and keep their red color in the water rather than bleeding instantly.
• How long do saffron stigmas keep? Sealed and kept dark and dry, they hold their potency for a year or more.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Saffron is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.