How much does saffron cost per gram?
In 2026, authentic saffron typically retails in the Czech market for roughly 150 to 360 CZK per gram — depending on grade, origin and pack size.
How much does saffron cost per gram?
In 2026, authentic saffron typically retails in the Czech market for roughly 150 to 360 CZK per gram — the price depends on grade, origin and pack size. Authentic premium Persian saffron sits in the upper part of that range. At Saffy, our Bahraman Persian saffron costs about 284–318 CZK per gram (approx. €12–13/g).
As of August 2026 — prices may change.
Why saffron is so expensive
Saffron has always been one of the world’s most expensive foods, and the reason is simple. Every stigma is picked and sorted by hand.
- It takes on the order of 150,000 flowers of the crocus (Crocus sativus) to make 1 kg of dried saffron.
- Each flower holds only three red stigmas.
- The flowers are picked by hand, one by one, over just a few autumn weeks, and must be processed the same day.
- The stigmas are then hand-sorted and dried.
The price per gram isn’t a markup, then. It’s the flower count, the hours of hand-sorting, and the plain fact that one flower gives you three threads.
What sets the per-gram price
- Grade. Based on the share of pure red stigma, you’ll see grades such as Sargol (stigma tips only), Negin and Super Negin (longer, strong, whole threads). Higher grades cost more.
- Origin. Persian (Iranian) and Kashmiri saffron are among the most prized.
- Colouring strength. Saffron’s strength (crocin, picrocrocin and safranal) is described by the ISO 3632-2 method — an industry quality-grading method, not a Saffy certification. Higher colouring strength means you need less.
- Whole threads vs. powder. Whole stigmas can be checked by eye; powder carries the highest risk of adulteration.
Beware a suspiciously low price
When saffron is far cheaper than the authentic range, there’s usually a reason:
- Additives and dyes — added colouring, or bulking with cheaper material such as safflower.
- Low stigma content — yellow and white parts of the flower added for weight, with no colouring power.
- Old or over-powdered material sold as top grade.
The rule: with saffron, your per-gram price should buy red stigmas, not filler weight.
What saffron costs at Saffy
We sell our Bahraman Persian saffron transparently, by the gram — red stigmas only.
| Product | Pack | Price | Price per gram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sargol | 1 g | 284 CZK | ~284 CZK/g |
| Negin (Gem) | 1 g | 304 CZK | ~304 CZK/g |
| Golgoon (Super Negin) | 6 g box | 1,905 CZK | ~318 CZK/g |
Gross prices incl. 12% VAT, as of August 2026. Prices may change.