Spice

Kashmiri Saffron

S tier

Kashmiri saffron (kesar) grows in the Pampore and wider Kashmir valley fields, prized for deep colour, strong aroma, and a slightly different floral-metallic balance than Iranian bulk grades. Production is smaller and often more expensive; mongra and lacha describe traditional local presentations of stigma material. It is the soul of many Indian sweets, rista-type gravies, and festive rice. Bloom in warm milk for kheer and rabri. Authenticity pressures are high—blend fraud exists—so buy known valley sources when possible. GI recognition has aimed to protect Kashmir kesar’s name.