By the Zespo team · Updated 26 October 2026
Saffron, or kesar, is the dried red stigma of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus). Each flower has only three stigmas, picked by hand, which is why saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world. In India it is grown mainly around Pampore in Kashmir and in Kishtwar.
What gives saffron its colour and aroma?
Crocin gives saffron its golden-red colour, picrocrocin its bitter taste and safranal its distinctive aroma.
Threads vs extract
Saffron threads are the whole dried stigmas used in cooking. A saffron extract concentrates the compounds into a powder so a capsule can deliver a measured amount, often 30 mg, sometimes standardised to safranal or crocin.
What to check before you buy
- The amount of each ingredient per serving, not just per capsule
- How many capsules make one serving and how many servings are in the pack
- Whether any ingredient sits inside an undisclosed "proprietary blend"
- An FSSAI licence number and the veg/non-veg mark on the pack
Label facts: Zespo Saffron Extract 30 mg - 120 Veg Capsules
- Concentrated Crocus sativus stigma extract, standardised on crocin and safranal
- 30 mg per capsule - the standard studied serving
- 120 capsules, a four-month supply in one bottle
- Made in India in a GMP-certified facility, FSSAI-licensed
See Zespo Saffron Extract 30 mg - 120 Veg Capsules on zespo.in · Also on Amazon.in (search "Zespo").
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Zespo products are food supplements, not medicines. This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Take supplements as directed on the label and speak to a qualified healthcare professional if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.
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