Spice
Coupé
S tier
Coupé (or coupe) is a Spanish/international trade grade for saffron composed of pure red stigmas with yellow styles removed—high colouring strength and clean presentation. The name means “cut,” reflecting the trim. It parallels Iranian sargol in intent: maximum red, minimum floral waste. Aroma is full and bitter-floral when fresh. Preferred for professional kitchens calculating colour units. Steep before adding to pale sauces where flecks of yellow style would look untidy. Grade names vary by standard; always pair “coupé” with a trusted origin.
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Characteristics
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Grading systems
Grades are placed along a shared scale so systems can be compared side by side.
History
Spanish trade used coupé to denote pure red cut saffron for export quality.
International spice commerce adopted coupe/coupé language in European grading.
Quality schemes aligned coupé-type products with measurable colouring strength.
Chefs treated coupé as a reliable high-purity thread specification.