saffron

Spicy Family

General Note

Saffron, a luxurious and exotic spice, adds a warm, leathery, and slightly metallic nuance to fragrances.

Intensity

strong

Longevity

long

Popularity

13 fragrances

Family

Spicy

About saffron

Saffron, often referred to as 'red gold' due to its high value and vibrant color, is a highly coveted spice in both culinary and perfumery worlds. Its olfactory profile is complex and multifaceted, characterized by a warm, rich, and leathery aroma with subtle hints of metallic and sweet floral notes. This unique combination makes saffron a versatile and intriguing note in fragrance compositions, capable of adding depth, warmth, and an exotic flair. In perfumery, saffron is used to impart a luxurious and sophisticated character to fragrances, often serving as a bridge between floral, woody, and spicy notes, thereby enhancing the overall sensory experience of the perfume.

Natural Sources

•Steam distillation of dried stigmas
•Solvent extraction to produce an absolute

Synthetic Alternatives

Safranal, Picrocrocin, Crocin

Perfumer's Tips

Due to its potency and cost, saffron is used sparingly in perfumery. It is best utilized as an accent note to add warmth and complexity to the heart or base of a fragrance. Its leathery and floral nuances can elevate oriental, spicy, and woody compositions, making it a valuable ingredient for creating luxurious and sophisticated scents.