How to Preserve Saffron’s Flavor
People love saffron pretty much. Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of crocus sativus, commonly know as the “saffron crocus”. The vivid crimson stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried for use mainly as a seasoning and colouring agent in food. Saffron have medicinal and health benefits. It contains crocin and safranal, which may help with mood enhancement, eye health, PMS and menstrual discomfort relief, digestive aid, aphrodisiac and anti-inflammatory.
In addition, it can be used for textiles and religious robes, perfumery which adds a luxurious note to fragrances.
Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world with 1 pund(450 grams) costing between $500 and $5000 and its weight pretty low. Therefore saffron is usually packaged in small container for distribution and sale. Iran is currently the world’s largest producer of saffron, accounting for more than 90% of the world’s total production, followed by Spain. As the global trading development, people can easily buy saffron and use them.
How to recognize saffron quality?
Real saffron have deep red threads with slight orange tips and release a golden-yellow color in warm water(not immediate), and has a sweet, floral aroma(not metallic or bitter).
Fake saffron may contain dyed corn silk, safflower, or paper strips; bleeds color too quickly in water(often artificial dye)
Here we list different quality grade saffron for read saffron comparison:
| Premium saffron | Regular negin saffron | Old Negin saffron | Low-grade saffron | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color Strength(Crocin) | 303+ | 280+ | 260+ | 260 |
| Flavor Strength | Robust & Complex (Picrocrocin 127+) | Moderate (Picrocrocin 101) | Mild | Very weak(Picrocrocin 60) |
| Aroma Strength | Robust & Complex(Safranal 40+) | Moderate(Safranal 35) | Mild | Very weak (Safranal 20) |
| Threads/Strands | All red, long & pressed | All red, curled/pressed | Curled/pressed | Short & Curled with yellow tips |
| Dissolves | Slowly | Slow | Fast | Fast |
| Lasts Up to | 14+hrs | 8+hrs | 4+hrs | Less than 1hr |
| No. Of threads per 1oz of water | 4 | 7 | 12 | 12 |
Explore the versatility of saffrons
Why is so important to store saffron in correct way?
Preserving saffron properly is essential to maintain its vibrant color, potent aroma, and delicate flavor. The best way to keep saffron is to store saffrons in an airtight, light-proof container at a cool, dry place but not in fridge or freezer.
Keep the saffron container airtight
Store saffron in an airtight glass jar or metal tin can to prevent exposure to moisture and air which can degrade its quality; avoid plastic bags as they may trap humidity
Protect from light
Saffron is sensitive to light which can fade its color and weaken its flavor. Use an opaque or dark-colored container or store it in a dark cupboard.
Store in a cool, dry place
Keep saffron away from heat and humidity (avoid storing near stoves or sinks). A pantry or spice cabinet is idea. The refrigerator is unnecessary unless you live a very humid climate then use a sealed container to avoid moisture. By the way, freezing is not recommended as it can introduce moisture and damage the delicate threads.
Saffron Tin Container
What’s the best packaging for Saffron?
A good container for saffron should be food grade, durable, airtight and light-proof. Saffron is one of the most expensive spice in the world and it should be well packaged in a premium box. We usually see different saffron packaging in retail market such as plastic box, glass jar and aluminum tin containers.
Saffron Packaging Materials Comparison
| Property | Tin Containers | Aluminum Containers | Glass Jars | Plastic Boxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food-Grade Safety | ✅ Tinplate + FDA lacquer | ✅ Anodized/Aluminum alloy | ✅ Borosilicate glass | ❌ Potential chemical leaching |
| Airtight Seal | ✅ Screw/hinged lid | ✅ Press-fit or threaded lid | ✅ Rubber-sealed lid | ❌ Weak friction closure |
| Light Protection | ✅ Opaque metal | ✅ Opaque (natural property) | ❌ Needs external wrap | ❌ Transparent/translucent |
| Durability | ✅ Crush-resistant | ✅ Durable but dents easily | ❌ Fragile | ✅ Flexible, scratches |
| Moisture Resistance | ✅ 100% barrier | ✅ 100% barrier | ✅ 100% barrier | ❌ Permeable over time |
| Shelf Life Impact | 2-3 years | 1.5-2 years | 1-2 years (dark glass) | 6-12 months |
| Eco-Friendliness | ✅ 100% recyclable | ✅ 100% recyclable | ✅ Recyclable (high energy) | ❌ Microplastic pollution |
| Printing Flexibility | High (emboss/deboss) | Medium (laser engraving) | Label-only | Medium (screen print) |
| Premium Perception | ✅ Luxurious metallic finish | ✅ Modern minimalist look | ✅ Classic appeal | ❌ Cheap appearance |
| Cost (10k units) | 0.35-0.8/unit | 0.7-1.0/unit | 1.5-2.5/unit | 0.3-0.6/unit |
“For high-grade saffron (Crocin 280+), pair 1oz screw-top tins (50x18mm) with oxygen-absorber packets to extend aroma strength beyond 14 hours.”
Further Reading: Is It Safe To Store Food In Tin Containers?
What’s saffron tin can made of?
A saffron tin container is made of thin metal and this metal is tin-plated steel. The tin coating stopped the contents from rusting the steel and food grade. It is applicable for distribution or storage of goods.
Types of saffron tins
In saffron retail market, saffrons regularly are packaged in small and premium containers as it’s price pretty high.
Screw top tin container
Tin container with screw top to keep saffron airtight. For 1gram saffron, we shall recommend 1oz tin size dia50x18mm. For 2gram to 5 gram, 2 oz tin size dia62x21mm would be perfect. For 5 gram to 10 gram, 4 oz tin size dia80x28mm is the option. These tins are easy to carry in your pocket or bag and never worry spill out.
rectangular hinged lid box
Large volume saffron for gifting choose hinged lid tin box. You would never worry lid loosing. Tin container with tight fitting lid keep your saffron flavor and aroma.
Slip lid tin with window
Round seamless tin with window, buyer can see saffron from the clear window easily without opening the lid. These tin usually is in palm-size as a gift and the raised bottom make the saffron box looks large volume but less saffron filled in.
In conclusion
Saffron is easy to preserve and the only thing you need to know is to keep them in a proper container. Saffron tin box is obviously the great option considering its food grade, durable, value added, affordable, eco-friendly, recyclable and customizable advantages. Tinspkg offers OEM tin packaging service for saffron. Here you can find available mold to customize and create your unique and precious saffron packaging.
Related Blog
Tin vs Aluminum Packaging-Which is Better?
How Long Can Food Stay In Tin Contanier
Differences between tinplate cans and aluminum cans
How To Print On Metal Packaging
