What Is White Saffron?
White Saffron is not a different type of saffron flower, but rather a specific part of the same saffron thread that is separated from the red stigmas. It is essentially a byproduct of the production of high-grade, all-red saffron like Negin or Coupe. While it originates from the same valuable plant, its chemical composition and applications are distinctly different from its red counterparts.
Definition & Harvest Process
White Saffron is the yellow-white style of the Crocus sativus thread. In a complete saffron thread, the red stigmas (the most valuable part) transition into a yellow style, which then connects to a white base.
During the processing of premium grades, these stigmas are meticulously trimmed to isolate the red parts. The leftover yellow and white style portions, when collected, are what constitute "White Saffron." This separation is a crucial step in creating the purity and high value of grades like Negin and Coupe.
Traditional Names
In the Persian saffron trade, White Saffron is most commonly known by its traditional name, Konj (sometimes spelled Koj). It is also referred to simply as Saffron Style. Understanding these names is important as they are frequently used in the wholesale and export markets to differentiate this product from the red stigmas.
Visual, Chemical & Organoleptic Profile
The characteristics of White Saffron are defined by what it lacks compared to the red stigmas.
- Visual Profile: Its appearance is exactly as the name suggests—a collection of pale, yellowish-white threads. They have the same shape as saffron filaments but are completely devoid of the characteristic red color.
- Chemical Profile: This is the most critical distinction. Lab analysis shows that White Saffron contains:
- Negligible Crocin: Crocin is the compound that produces saffron's vibrant color. White Saffron has virtually zero crocin, and therefore no coloring power.
- No Picrocrocin: Picrocrocin is responsible for saffron's characteristic bitter taste. This compound is also absent, meaning White Saffron has no flavor.
- Trace Safranal: While much lower than in the red stigmas, the style does contain trace amounts of safranal, the compound responsible for aroma.
- Organoleptic Profile (Taste & Smell): Due to its chemical makeup, White Saffron has a very mild, subtle saffron aroma but no discernible flavor or coloring ability. It is sometimes perceived as having a stronger smell simply because it often retains more moisture than the perfectly dried red stigmas, which helps release its faint aroma.
Unique Applications of White Saffron
Though it is a byproduct of producing premium all-red saffron, White Saffron (Konj) is not a waste product. Its value lies in its subtle aroma and the presence of certain beneficial compounds, making it a useful ingredient in specific traditional, culinary, and cosmetic contexts where color and strong taste are not required.
Traditional Persian & Ayurvedic Medicine
Historically, the entire saffron thread—both red and white parts—was used in traditional remedies. While the red stigmas were prized for their potency, the white style was also valued for its own properties.
- Soothing & Calming Brews: In traditional Persian households, White Saffron is often brewed into a tea or infusion. It is believed to have calming and sedative properties, used to soothe nerves, aid digestion, and reduce stress.
- Ayurvedic Practices: In Ayurveda, different parts of a plant are often used for different purposes. The white style is sometimes included in herbal preparations for its subtle aromatic qualities and perceived health benefits, often as a more economical alternative to the expensive red stigmas for certain formulations.
Novelty Culinary Uses
While it will not color or flavor a dish like red saffron, White Saffron has specific culinary uses where its subtle aroma is the desired characteristic.
- Aromatic Infusions: The white style can be steeped in warm water, milk, or syrups to create a liquid with a delicate, pure saffron aroma. This aromatic water can then be used in desserts, pastries, or beverages where a hint of saffron scent is wanted without the bright yellow color. It’s a way to add a layer of fragrance without altering the visual appearance of the dish.
- Garnish: For some chefs and culinary artists, a few threads of White Saffron can be used as a novel and contrasting garnish against a dark-colored dish. It provides the shape and story of saffron without imparting color, creating a unique aesthetic.
Cosmetic & Skincare Formulations
This is a growing and significant market for White Saffron. Cosmetic formulators are interested in the bioactive compounds present throughout the plant, not just the pigments.
- Aromatic Properties: White Saffron is used to impart a natural, subtle, and luxurious fragrance to creams, lotions, and soaps without staining the product or skin yellow.
- Potential for Active Compounds: While it lacks crocin, the white style still contains other beneficial compounds and polysaccharides. It is incorporated into formulations for its perceived moisturizing, soothing, and antioxidant properties. As it is significantly more cost-effective than red saffron, manufacturers can use it to create "saffron-infused" product lines at a more accessible price point.
Of course. For a wholesale buyer, particularly in the cosmetic or pharmaceutical industries, having a clear technical specification sheet for every ingredient is essential for quality control and formulation consistency. While White Saffron (Konj) is not graded in the same way as red saffron, it is still subject to important quality and safety standards.
Here is a breakdown of the key specifications for White Saffron.
White Saffron Specifications
While White Saffron (Konj) is part of the same valuable plant as our premium red stigmas, its specifications are defined differently. The focus shifts from color and flavor potency to purity, safety, and origin. At Agroota, we ensure that even our byproducts meet rigorous quality control standards.
ISO 3232 Relevance
This is a critical point of distinction. The main categories of the ISO 3232 standard (Category I, II, III) are based on measuring the concentration of Crocin (color), Picrocrocin (flavor), and Safranal (aroma). Since White Saffron contains negligible to zero levels of these compounds, particularly crocin and picrocrocin, it cannot be graded under this classification system.
- What this means for buyers: A supplier cannot claim that their White Saffron is "Category I." Instead, quality is assured through other important metrics, such as purity, moisture content, and microbial safety, which are detailed in a product's Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Moisture & Microbial Limits
For any botanical ingredient, safety and stability are paramount. We conduct tests to ensure our White Saffron is safe for use in cosmetic and culinary applications.
- Moisture Content: This is a key indicator of shelf life and stability. Our White Saffron is professionally dried to achieve a moisture content of less than 10%. This low level prevents the growth of mold and bacteria, ensuring the product remains stable during storage and transport.
- Microbial Limits: Our product undergoes standard microbial testing to ensure it is safe for its intended use. This includes testing for:
- Total Plate Count (TPC): Measures the overall number of viable bacteria.
- Yeast & Mold: Ensures levels are within safe food and cosmetic industry limits.
- Pathogens: Certified to be free from harmful pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella.
Harvest Region & Seasonality
The origin and harvest time of White Saffron are directly linked to that of our premium red saffron, which is a guarantee of its authenticity.
- Harvest Region: Our White Saffron is sourced exclusively from the same crocus fields as our premium saffron in the Khorasan province of Iran, the world's most renowned region for high-quality saffron cultivation.
- Seasonality: White Saffron is not harvested separately; it is a direct byproduct of the main saffron harvest. The crocus flowers are picked during a short window from late October to mid-November. The white styles are separated during the trimming process that produces our Negin and Coupe grades. Therefore, the fresh supply of White Saffron becomes available from late November onwards each year.
Bulk Packaging & Private-Label Options
Whether you require large quantities for in-house formulation or are looking to launch your own branded product, we have the capabilities to meet your needs. We offer a range of packaging solutions and a streamlined private-label workflow to bring your vision to life while ensuring full regulatory compliance.
Sachets, Glass Vials & Bulk Vacuum Bags
We offer versatile packaging solutions tailored to different business applications, ensuring product integrity and suiting your specific go-to-market strategy.
- Bulk Vacuum Bags: For large-scale industrial use in cosmetics or food manufacturing, our standard packaging is in 1kg to 5kg multi-layered, vacuum-sealed foil bags. This method offers the best protection against moisture and air, preserving the product's subtle aroma and ensuring maximum stability for your inventory.
- Glass Vials: Ideal for brands creating high-end consumer products, such as novelty culinary items or sample packs for cosmetic kits. We can package White Saffron in small, elegant glass vials (e.g., 5g or 10g) with cork or screw-top lids, perfect for retail presentation.
- Sachets: For single-use applications, such as herbal tea blends or single-dose cosmetic treatments, we can package the product in sealed, food-grade sachets. This is a cost-effective and convenient option for many consumer-facing products.
OEM / White-Label Design Workflow
For clients who wish to sell White Saffron under their own brand, we offer a full Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) / White-Label service. Our collaborative workflow is designed to be simple and efficient.
- Consultation & Strategy: We start with a detailed discussion to understand your brand identity, target market, and desired packaging format (e.g., vials, sachets).
- Design & Mockup: You provide us with your brand assets (logo, brand colors, text). Our team then works with you to create a digital mockup of your final product packaging for your review and approval.
- Regulatory Review: We ensure the proposed label design meets the regulatory requirements for your target market (see below).
- Production & Packaging: Upon your final approval, we move to production, carefully packaging the White Saffron into your custom-branded containers.
- Final Delivery: Your finished, retail-ready products are professionally packed and shipped to your designated location.
Regulatory Labeling (EU, FDA)
Proper labeling is a legal requirement. Our team ensures that your private-label products are compliant with the regulations of your target market. While final legal responsibility rests with the brand owner, we provide expert guidance.
- For the European Union (EU): Labels must comply with EU regulations. This typically includes:
- INCI Name (for cosmetics): Crocus Sativus Stigma Extract
- Product Identity: "Saffron Style" or "White Saffron"
- Net Quantity of Contents
- Batch Number for traceability
- Country of Origin: "Product of Iran"
- Supplier's Name and Address
- For the United States (USA): Labels must comply with FDA regulations under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA). Key requirements include:
- Statement of Identity: "Saffron Style"
- Net Quantity of Contents (in both metric and US customary units)
- Name and Place of Business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor.
- Country of Origin
Request Price Sheet / Samples
Wholesale Pricing & MOQs
The commercial terms for White Saffron (Konj) are distinct from our red stigma grades, reflecting its different applications and production process. As a byproduct of premium saffron processing, it offers an exceptional value proposition for specific uses in the cosmetic, traditional medicine, and novelty culinary industries.
Tiered Pricing
Our pricing for White Saffron (Konj) is structured to be highly competitive and to provide significant cost advantages for volume purchases. As of Q3 2025, our tiered pricing is as follows:
- Order Quantity: 1 kg - 9.9 kg
- Price: Approximately $350 - $450 USD per kg.
- Best Suited For: Artisanal cosmetic makers, small-batch herbal tea producers, and businesses conducting initial product development (R&D).
- Order Quantity: 10 kg - 49.9 kg
- Price: Approximately $250 - $350 USD per kg.
- Best Suited For: Mid-sized cosmetic manufacturers and nutraceutical companies with established production lines.
- Order Quantity: 50 kg+
- Price: We provide a custom quote for this tier.
- Best Suited For: Large-scale industrial manufacturers, international distributors, and brands requiring a significant, regular supply.
Please note these prices are indicative. We provide a firm, formal quote upon receiving a detailed inquiry.
Incoterms, Payment Options, Currency
We offer flexible and standard international trade terms to ensure a smooth transaction.
- Incoterms® 2020: Our standard terms are EXW (Ex Works) and FOB (Free on Board), giving you control over your shipment. However, we are fully capable of providing quotes and managing logistics for CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) or DAP (Delivered at Place) to your specified port or facility. We will work with you to determine the most suitable Incoterm for your business needs.
- Payment Options: For international wholesale orders, our standard and most secure payment method is a Bank-to-Bank Wire Transfer (Telegraphic Transfer - TT). For long-term partners with established trade history, other options such as Letters of Credit (L/C) may be considered.
- Currency: Our primary currency for international transactions is the US Dollar (USD). We can also provide quotes and accept payments in Euros (EUR) upon request.
Spot-Rate Updates & Hedging
The agricultural commodity market is dynamic. We are committed to providing our partners with stability and transparency in this environment.
- Spot-Rate Updates: The prices quoted in our formal proposals are held firm for a specified period (e.g., 15-30 days) to protect you from immediate market fluctuations. For orders placed outside this window, the price may be subject to adjustment based on current spot rates, which are influenced by the latest harvest outlook and market demand.
- Hedging & Forward Contracts: For our large-volume, long-term partners, we understand the need for budget certainty. We are open to discussing forward contracts that allow you to lock in a fixed price for future deliveries over a specified period (e.g., 6-12 months). This strategy helps you hedge against potential price increases and allows for precise financial planning. Please discuss this option with your dedicated Agroota wholesale specialist.
Global Shipping & Export Logistics
At Agroota, we manage the entire export process to provide our wholesale partners with a seamless and predictable supply chain. Our logistics for White Saffron are optimized for cost-effectiveness and product stability, ensuring your bulk order reaches you ready for formulation or packaging.
Preferred Routes & Transit Times
Given that White Saffron is a stable, non-perishable product and is often purchased in larger volumes where cost-efficiency is key, we offer flexible shipping options tailored to your budget and timeline.
- Express Air Freight: This remains our preferred and standard method for its speed and security, ideal for orders up to 50-100 kg. Partnering with global couriers like DHL and FedEx, typical transit times are:
- GCC Region: 2-4 business days
- European Union: 4-7 business days
- USA & Canada: 5-8 business days
- Asia-Pacific: 6-10 business days
- Standard Air Freight: For larger orders (over 100 kg), standard air freight via commercial airlines offers a more cost-effective solution than express courier services, with only slightly longer transit times.
- Sea Freight (for very large orders): For multi-ton orders where lead time is not a critical factor, we can arrange for sea freight to major international ports. This offers the most significant cost savings but involves much longer transit times (e.g., 30-45 days). We will work with you to determine if this is a viable option for your supply chain.
Customs Documentation Pack
To ensure a smooth and compliant customs clearance process in your country, every wholesale shipment of White Saffron is accompanied by a comprehensive documentation pack. This includes:
- Commercial Invoice & Packing List: Detailing the product, quantity, value, and packaging details.
- Certificate of Origin: Verifying its authentic origin from Iran.
- Certificate of Analysis (COA): Providing key quality metrics such as moisture content and microbial limits.
- Phytosanitary Certificate: A standard requirement for agricultural products, certifying that the shipment is free from pests and diseases.
- Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Air Waybill (for air freight): The official contract of carriage for the shipment.
Temperature & Humidity Controls
While White Saffron is more stable than the red stigmas, protecting it from extreme environmental conditions during transit is crucial for maintaining its quality and safety.
- Moisture Control: The primary risk during shipping is moisture absorption. To combat this, your product is first sealed in multi-layered, non-porous foil bags. We then place food-grade desiccant packets inside the outer cartons. These packets absorb any ambient moisture within the packaging, ensuring the product's low moisture level is maintained throughout its journey.
- Temperature Stability: While it doesn't require refrigeration, we ensure the product is shielded from extreme heat. For shipments traveling through or to very hot climates, we can utilize insulated thermal pallet covers during transit. This practice helps to moderate temperature fluctuations and protect the product's integrity.
- Packaging Integrity: All bulk shipments are palletized and securely shrink-wrapped to ensure the cartons remain stable, dry, and protected from the elements during loading, transit, and unloading.
White Saffron vs. Red Saffron Grades
Comparing White Saffron to red saffron grades like Negin or Coupe is like comparing a high-quality wood pulp to a finished piece of lumber. Both originate from the same tree, but they are processed differently and serve entirely different purposes in the market. A successful business strategy requires knowing when and why to use each one.
Color & Aroma Differences
This is the most striking and important distinction, rooted in the chemical composition of each part of the saffron thread.
- Red Saffron Grades (Negin, Coupe, etc.):
- Color: Their deep red color comes from a high concentration of Crocin, a powerful carotenoid pigment. This allows them to impart a brilliant golden-yellow hue to food and other products. This coloring ability is their primary and most valuable attribute.
- Aroma: They possess a strong, complex, and potent aroma due to a high concentration of Safranal. The scent is rich, floral, and earthy.
- White Saffron (Konj):
- Color: It has zero coloring power. Lacking the compound crocin, it is a pale, yellowish-white and cannot be used as a colorant.
- Aroma: It contains only trace amounts of safranal. The aroma is therefore very mild and subtle. While it has a faint saffron scent, it is nowhere near as powerful or complex as the red stigmas.
Cost Comparison
The price difference between White and Red Saffron is immense and is a direct reflection of the labor involved and the concentration of valuable compounds.
- Red Saffron Grades:
- Cost: These are among the most expensive spices in the world. As of mid-2025, wholesale prices for premium red grades like Negin can range from $2,500 to $3,100 USD per kilogram. This high cost is due to the labor-intensive harvesting and the high demand for their potent properties.
- White Saffron (Konj):
- Cost: As a byproduct of processing red saffron, its price is dramatically lower. Wholesale prices typically range from $250 to $450 USD per kilogram. This makes it an accessible ingredient for specific applications where the properties of red saffron are not needed.
Market Demand & Margins
The target markets and profit potential for each product are completely different.
- Red Saffron Grades:
- Market Demand: Demand is driven by the gourmet food, luxury, and high-end restaurant industries. The primary value is in its powerful flavor and color, which justifies a premium price for the end product.
- Margins: For businesses that repackage and retail red saffron, the profit margins can be very high, often exceeding 100% ROI. The high value and strong consumer demand support significant markups.
- White Saffron (Konj):
- Market Demand: Demand is driven by niche markets, primarily the cosmetic, traditional medicine, and herbal tea industries. Buyers are looking for a cost-effective way to add a subtle aroma or leverage the "saffron" name and its associated health halo without the high cost.
- Margins: The profit margins for White Saffron are generally lower and based on volume. It is a B2B industrial ingredient rather than a high-margin retail product. Its value is in providing a cost-effective solution for specific formulation needs.
In Conclusion: Two Products, Two Strategies
Choosing between White and Red Saffron is not a matter of which is "better," but which is "right" for your specific application. Red saffron is a high-value, high-impact ingredient for premium food and luxury products. White saffron is a cost-effective, specialty ingredient for formulations where subtle aroma and the "saffron" story are more important than color and flavor. Understanding this distinction is the key to leveraging each product effectively.
Step-by-Step Ordering Process With Agroota
Our wholesale process is structured into six key phases to ensure clarity, quality assurance, and a seamless partnership. We handle the complexities of international trade so you can focus on your business.
Inquiry ➜ Sample ➜ Contract ➜ Payment ➜ Shipment ➜ After-Sales
1. Inquiry & Consultation:
This is our starting point. You can initiate the process by filling out the wholesale inquiry form on our website or contacting our sales team directly. Please provide your company details, the desired saffron grade, and the estimated quantity. A dedicated account specialist will then contact you to discuss your needs, answer initial questions, and provide expert guidance on the best product for your specific application.
2. Sample & Custom Proposal:
Following the consultation, we provide a detailed, no-obligation proposal outlining the price per kilogram, volume discounts, and estimated shipping costs. For new partners, we highly recommend sample approval. We will send a sample of your chosen grade for you to test and verify, ensuring you have complete confidence in the product's quality before committing to a larger order.
3. Contract & Proforma Invoice:
Once you are satisfied and ready to proceed, we formalize the agreement. We will issue a Proforma Invoice, a crucial document in international trade that serves as a preliminary bill and outlines all terms of the sale, including product specifications, total price, and banking details. For larger or long-term partnerships, we can also execute a formal supply contract that defines all terms of our business relationship.
4. Secure Payment:
Upon your approval of the Proforma Invoice, payment can be made securely. Our standard method for international wholesale transactions is a Bank-to-Bank Wire Transfer (TT). This method is secure, verifiable, and standard practice for B2B trade. Once payment is received, your order is officially confirmed and activated in our system for processing.
5. Shipment & Logistics:
Our expert logistics team takes over to ensure a swift and safe dispatch. Your order is meticulously packaged in appropriate airtight, protective containers. We manage all necessary export documentation, including the Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate, and the ISO 3232-compliant lab report (COA). Your order is shipped via Express Air Freight, and you will receive a tracking number the moment it leaves our facility, allowing you to monitor its journey in real-time.
6. After-Sales Support:
Our partnership does not end upon delivery. We are committed to your long-term success. After you receive your order, your account specialist will follow up to ensure your complete satisfaction. We remain available to provide ongoing support, market insights, and assistance with future orders. We believe in building lasting relationships, and our after-sales support is a testament to that commitment.
FAQ
1. What is white saffron?
White saffron—also called saffron style or konj—is the pale yellow-white portion of the Crocus sativus thread that remains after the red stigma tips (culinary saffron) are removed.
2. Is white saffron real saffron or a fake product?
Yes, it’s a genuine part of the same flower; it simply lacks the crocin pigment that turns red stigmas crimson.
3. White saffron vs. red saffron—what’s the difference?
Red saffron provides intense color and aroma, while white saffron contains minimal crocin and safranal, making it virtually colorless and mild in taste.
4. What is white saffron used for?
It’s popular in traditional Persian and Ayurvedic remedies, wellness teas, skin-care infusions, and as a novelty culinary garnish.
5. Does white saffron have health benefits?
Although lower in crocin, it still carries antioxidants and trace bioactive compounds and is valued for its soothing properties in herbal medicine.
6. How much does white saffron cost per kilogram in 2025?
Wholesale EXW Iran prices range from US $190 – $260 per kg, roughly one-sixth the cost of top-grade red saffron.
7. Where can I buy white saffron in bulk?
Agroota supplies lab-tested white saffron in 1 kg to 50 kg lots with global shipping and optional private-label packaging.
8. Is white saffron safe to eat?
Yes—when sourced from food-grade suppliers like Agroota, white saffron passes the same microbial and heavy-metal tests as red saffron.
9. Does white saffron add color or flavor to food?
It adds almost no color and only a faint floral note, making it suitable for clear infusions and products where vivid color is not desired.
10. How should I store bulk white saffron?
Keep it in airtight, light-proof containers at 5 – 20 °C with < 60 % relative humidity; properly stored, it retains quality for up to two years.
