Saffron

 

Saffron is a valuable spice which comes from the stigma or thread of the saffron crocus.  It has been used and traded throughout the world for over 3,500 years as a dye, flavouring, fragrance, and medicine. Throughout its history, it has been the world's most expensive spice - more valuable weight for weight than gold. 

The key aroma ingredient in saffron is widely regarded as saffronal, which appears in other plants such as wolfberry and elderberry; though other minor active ingredients, such as lanierone, are also considered to be important, and some scientists consider that the scent may be predominantly produced by lanierone. There is some doubt as to what the actual aroma of saffron is as individuals perceive it in different ways. It is generally described as lightly spicy and floral, with leather, herb, tobacco, iodine, and metal notes.  It can be made into an essential oil, and a respected and well used synthetic - Safraleine by Givaudan. Due to its cost it is pretty much certain that (despite claims on the packet of "purely natural" or "100% natural") that a saffron incense will be using synthetics, or a blend of naturals that approximate the scent of natural saffron. 

A popular combination in Indian incense is saffron with sandalwood. 

Reviews

   

Nandita Saffron Sandal (PM)
Jan 2025 - Score: 39

Anand Saffron Sandal (M)
Oct 2024 - Score: 39

  

Om Sai Brand Vedamrut Saffron Sandal (M)
Feb 2024 - Score: 37

    

 

Gamta It Smells Like Saffron Sandal (PM)
May 2024 - Score: 31

    

Goloka Saffron Masala Incense (M)
Jan 2024 - Score: 29

   

Gamta It Smells Like Saffron Rose (PM)
May 2024 - Score: 28 

    

Heera Saffron Sandal Incense Cones (P)
Feb 2023 - Score: 20

    

Scents reviewed:  7
Top score: 39
Bottom score: 20
Average: 32

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