FAQ
Everything buyers ask us
Authenticity, Mongra versus Lacha, dosing, storage, shipping and duties, and how the lab reports work. If your question is not here, write to us; a person in Srinagar answers within one working day.
Is this really Kashmiri saffron, not Iranian saffron repacked?
Yes. Every lot is bought directly from named growers around Pampore and tested by a NABL-accredited Indian laboratory to ISO 3632. The lot code on your vial opens the full report on our verify page, including the crocin number and the harvest dates. If an independent ISO 3632 test ever shows a lower category than printed, we refund you twice the price.
What does "Mongra" mean and why does it cost more than Persian saffron?
Mongra is stigma only: the three red tips are separated by hand from the pale yellow style, so there is no filler weight. Kashmir grows roughly 20 tonnes a year against Iran's several hundred, the Karewa plateaus sit at 1,600–1,800 m, and the hand separation is slow. Internationally, Kashmiri Mongra retails at about twice the price of a good Persian Super Negin.
How much saffron do I need?
About 15–20 threads (a small pinch) for a biryani or risotto serving four, 6–8 threads per cup of kehwa, and 25–30 threads for a milk-based dessert. A 1 g vial is roughly 150–180 threads, so 8–12 dishes. Bloom the threads in two tablespoons of warm (not boiling) water or milk for 15 minutes before adding.
What is the difference between Mongra and Lacha?
Lacha keeps part of the yellow style attached to the red stigma; Mongra is the stigma alone. Lacha is honest when labelled, and cheaper per gram, but it colours less per gram. We sell only Mongra.
Is the saffron organic?
Our growers farm without synthetic pesticides on small family plots, and each lot is tested for artificial colourants. We do not currently hold a third-party organic certificate; when we do, the certificate number will appear on the lot page.
Is saffron safe in pregnancy?
Culinary amounts (a pinch in food) are considered safe in most guidance; medicinal doses are not recommended in pregnancy. This is not medical advice; please ask your doctor.
Do I pay customs or import duty on delivery?
US, UK, UAE and Australia orders ship with duties and taxes handled by us, so the price at checkout is final. For other countries the carrier collects any duty before delivery; the amount is usually small for a vial but we show the rule for your market at checkout and never hide it.
How long does delivery take from Kashmir?
Orders leave Srinagar within two working days with full tracking. Typical transit is 3–7 days to the Gulf, 5–10 days to the US and UK, and 6–12 days to Australia and Canada. Every parcel includes its lot code and lab summary so customs can see exactly what it is.
How should I store saffron and how long does it keep?
In its sealed glass vial, away from light and heat. Kept like that, crocin strength holds for 2–3 years. Never store saffron in plastic or near the stove; both degrade aroma within months.
Can I get a lab report for my specific vial?
Yes. Type the lot code printed on the label into the verify page. You will see the laboratory, report number, ISO 3632 numbers, harvest dates, grower and village for that batch, and can download the PDF.