Pushal Grade A

Herati Saffron SVG for header

Pushal Grade A Saffron — Detailed Guide

Pushal Grade A is a mid-range saffron grade that includes red stigmas with a small portion of the yellow style attached. It offers good authenticity, solid flavor, and strong visual proof of purity, making it popular among practical buyers.

1. What “Pushal Grade A” Means

  • Pushal saffron contains:
    • Red threads (stigma)
    • A small attached yellow or orange part (style)
  • Grade A indicates a higher-quality selection within Pushal:
    • More red content
    • Better cleanliness
    • Fewer broken pieces

Compared to Negin:

  • Less refined
  • Contains some yellow parts
  • Lower overall strength

2. Physical Characteristics

Pushal Grade A is easy to recognize:

  • Color: Mix of red with visible yellow/orange ends
  • Length: Medium threads
  • Thickness: Medium
  • Shape: Natural, slightly irregular
  • Uniformity: Moderate to low
  • Cleanliness: Some style attached (normal for this grade)

The presence of yellow parts is not a defect — it confirms the saffron is less processed and more natural.

3. Chemical Quality (ISO Standards)

Measured using ISO 3632:

  • Crocin (color strength):
    • Typically 170 to 200
  • Safranal (aroma):
    • Mild to moderate
  • Picrocrocin (taste):
    • Noticeable but lighter

Usually falls in Category II or III, depending on quality.

4. Aroma, Flavor, and Performance

  • Aroma: Mild, slightly floral
  • Taste: Light bitterness
  • Coloring power: Moderate
    • Produces a lighter golden color compared to higher grades

Because of the yellow style, more saffron is needed to achieve strong color.

5. Harvesting and Processing

Less strict selection compared to Negin grades:

  1. Flowers are handpicked
  2. Stigmas separated with part of the style attached
  3. Minimal trimming (to retain natural form)
  4. Dried and sorted
  5. Basic grading into A, B, etc.

This simpler process increases yield and lowers cost.

6. Uses

Best suited for:

  • Daily cooking in larger quantities
  • Traditional dishes
  • Tea and infusions
  • Budget-conscious households

Also preferred by some buyers who want visible authenticity.

7. Price and Market Position

  • More affordable than Negin
  • Widely available
  • Good entry point into real saffron

Often used where cost control is more important than appearance.

8. How to Identify Authentic Pushal Grade A

Check for:

  • Red threads with small yellow tips
  • Natural variation in size and shape
  • No excessive powder or artificial color
  • Gradual color release in water

Avoid products with too much yellow (lower grade Pushal).

9. Updated Comparison (Pushal vs Negin Grades)

Feature Pushal Grade A Negin Super Negin Extra Super Negin
Quality Level Medium High Very High Highest
Color Red + Yellow Fully Red Fully Red Fully Red
Thread Length Medium Medium–Long Long Very Long
Thickness Medium Medium Thick Very Thick
Uniformity Moderate–Low Moderate High Nearly Perfect
Strength (Crocin) 170–200 200–220 220–250 250+
Aroma Mild Good Strong Very Strong
Appearance Natural Clean Premium Luxury
Price Lower Medium High Very High

10. Key Advantage Summary

Pushal Grade A stands out because it offers:

  • Affordable real saffron
  • Natural appearance (less processed)
  • Good for large usage
  • Wider accessibility

Strategic Insight

Pushal Grade A serves a different market layer:

  • Choose Pushal for budget and volume
  • Choose Negin for clean quality
  • Choose Super Negin for premium balance
  • Choose Extra Super Negin for luxury positioning

It is not about better or worse — it is about matching the product to the customer’s purpose.