saffron is highly prized as one of the best natural food flavoring and coloring substance having general panacea properties. in kashmir, it is the legendary crop of the well drained plateau of pampore, where it is being grown since ancient times. saffron has been widely used throughout the world due to its innumerable effect on the human body. saffron is mainly used as a medicine, as a dye, as a spice, and as a perfume. the three grades of saffron available are: mongra contains top most parts of dried stigmas lacha contains part of stigma with style gucchi contains whole stigmas with style tied in bundles.