When it comes to premium saffron, no country matches the heritage, purity, and global reputation of Iran. Known as the "Red Gold," Iranian saffron dominates world markets and is valued not only for its aroma and coloring strength but also for its unique grading system. Buyers looking to import bulk saffron often ask: What’s the difference between Negin, Super Negin, Sargol, and Pushal saffron?

At Tamila Agrifood Company, we specialize in guiding wholesalers, distributors, and institutional buyers through these differences, ensuring they select the right variety for their target market. Let’s explore the four main types of Iranian saffron.

Super Negin Saffron; The Pinnacle of Luxury

•    Description: Super Negin is the highest grade of Iranian saffron, known for its long, thick, deep red stigmas with no yellow or white parts. It is carefully harvested and processed to maintain its intense aroma and strong coloring power.

•    Best For: Luxury food brands, high-end restaurants, premium retail packaging, and international exhibitions.

•    Market Advantage: Since it has the highest Crocin, Picrocrocin, and Safranal levels, Super Negin commands the highest prices in global markets.

Negin Saffron; Premium Choice for Export

•    Description: Slightly below Super Negin, Negin saffron still has long red threads with a beautiful appearance. The main difference is that its strands may be a little thinner or shorter.

•    Best For: Exporters who want top-quality saffron at a more competitive price compared to Super Negin.

•    Market Advantage: Highly popular in Europe, the Gulf region, and East Asia, where buyers demand excellent quality with reliable supply volumes.

Sargol Saffron; Pure Red Stigmas

•    Description: Sargol (meaning “top of the flower” in Persian) is made from broken red stigmas only, without the style (yellow part). It has a strong coloring power but appears in shorter, cut strands compared to Negin or Super Negin.

•    Best For: Food manufacturers, spice companies, and restaurants seeking authentic Iranian saffron at affordable bulk pricing.

•    Market Advantage: Because Sargol is pure and unblended, it is trusted for consistent flavor and coloring strength, making it a popular choice in bulk catering services.

Pushal Saffron; Traditional and Affordable

•    Description: Pushal contains red stigmas along with part of the yellow style. It is less intense than Sargol or Negin but is often considered more authentic-looking, since it preserves the natural saffron appearance.

•    Best For: Buyers targeting Middle Eastern and Asian markets, where consumers often prefer saffron with visible yellow parts as a sign of authenticity.

•    Market Advantage: Pushal saffron is more affordable, making it ideal for large-scale institutional use in school feeding programs, catering, and national reserves.

Choosing the Right Variety for Your Market

•    Luxury Retail → Super Negin

•    Premium Export Markets → Negin

•    Food Production & Catering → Sargol

•    Mass Consumption & Affordability → Pushal

Understanding these differences is essential when planning your procurement strategy, as the right saffron variety can impact pricing, brand positioning, and customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

Each saffron variety, Super Negin, Negin, Sargol, and Pushal, offers unique advantages depending on the target market and application. While Super Negin represents the pinnacle of luxury, Pushal provides affordability without compromising authenticity.

At Tamila Agrifood Company, we supply all major varieties of Iranian saffron in bulk, with full export documentation and certifications, ensuring quality, traceability, and reliability for buyers worldwide.

Email:  tamilaagrifood@gmail.com

Call / WhatsApp for Quotations:  +989141858935