Few simple and genuine tests which you can do at home while buying saffron to the test purity of saffron:

1. It contains the Crocus compound (i.e. Crocin) which makes it taste bitter. You can take 1 or 2 strands in between your teeth and taste for bitterness and hence serves an active agent to maintain body temperature. Adulterated saffron may be sweet in taste.

2. It once mixed with hot milk or water shall not leave its original (reddish color) color but should give a golden color. Adulterated saffron threads will turn white and give more color.

3. It should have low moisture and should not be dried and crisp. Excessive dried and crispy threads indicate matured and aged saffron which had lost moisture due to improper storage.

Place it into an airtight box (Prefer Plastic container) and keep it in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from sunlight. It helps strand to retain Crocus compound for longer use.