SAFFRON QUALITY
Scientific Studies show that only Premium Grade 1 Saffron is suitable for health applications. Please note: there is no such grade as "Pharmaceutical Grade Saffron"
International ISO Standards - Wynyard Estate Saffron
Grade 1 - Certified
Safranal ( Aroma) , Picrocrocin (Flavour) . Crocin (Colour)
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ORGANISATION
Not all Saffron is created equal and like wine it can take a trained eye, nose and pallet to know the difference. Saffron ranges from Grade I to Grade III and grades are determined by the Colour, Flavour and Aroma of the Saffron. Crocin needs to score above 200 to be Premium Grade 1, Picrocrocin needs to score 70 plus and the Safranal across all levels is 20-50.
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Category I / Extra Class: Crocin reading greater than 200 (or >230 for extra strict grading). Highest quality. (We are well above this standard)
We know what happens with our Wynyard Estate NZ Saffron from the time it flowers to the time it's packaged. Since 2015 up to 2023, we have had our Saffron tested (by the University of Otago) against the stringent international standards for Saffron quality (ISO 3632:2). Latest test 2026 Saffron harvest.
Results showed that Wynyard Estate Saffron grown here in New Zealand is Premium Grade 1, meaning it -
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Is superior in colour, taste and aroma than other quality Saffron
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Is Super Negin Saffron with no floral waste (meaning it is pure Saffron and nothing else)
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Is 100% Guaranteed Premium Grade 1 as set by the International Standards for Saffron quality
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Not blended with any other Saffron
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Packaged to high standards
SAFFRON CORMS
If you are thinking about growing Saffron yourself whether it is for fun and home cooking or on a larger scale, we have got you covered. Every year looking after the health of our Saffron corms is a top priority along with the size of the corms being sold to you. Our packs are a mixed grade, however they are all of flowering size. We do not send diseased or damaged corms to our customers, and our corms are essentially "pre-primed" for flowering for the first season for you if planted when and how advised.
Firstly we offer garden Saffron corm packs ranging from 10 to 500 corms. These packs come with a full planting and care guide so that you can grow your own for home use and have some fun with this beautiful spice and those gorgeous flowers.
All of our Corm packs are ready to go in December each year. Please note - Our Saffron Corms are sent out Monday and Tuesdays only due to postal delays.
Commercial Corm orders for the 2026 season are now sold out. Contact wendy@wynyardestatesaffron.com to pre book yours for the 2027 season!
After 14 years of commercial saffron production, we're opening up a limited opportunity for growers looking to start with proven genetics, proven systems, and direct support.
We're looking to work with growers who are genuinely interested in understanding the science behind the crop and building a successful saffron enterprise.
If you would like to know more about this contact us and find out more info. Please go to the contact page and send us a message, or call. We are happy to help and talk Saffron!
Please note: this is for NZ purchases only. We do not send our corms overseas.
Sold out for the 2026 season
- Saffron Garden Corm Packs will be available from December -
you are welcome to pre-order these.
SAFFRON TYPES
WARNING - yellow and orange parts on your saffron product is not saffron - it's left on there to increase the weight.
We use only Super Negin Saffron
image source:londonslarder
FOOD SAFETY -
NATIONAL PROGRAMME 3 (NP 3)
NP 3 is the food health & safety programme set by the Food Health & Safety Authority in NZ. All Saffron growers must hold this verification. Wynyard Estate volunteered to implement the programme immediately and NP 3 status was granted in 2016.
This is a public register and you can check by going to the Ministry Primary Industries website.
NON-GMO
Our Saffron corms were originally sourced from 2-Paddocks in Central Otago. Corms are propagated using standard techniques. We follow strict plant husbandry protocols to ensure our plants are healthy and well cared for.
