Kashmiri Saffron Grades: Quick Answer
Kashmiri saffron grades come down to three main ones, plus a low grade called Zarda. The more red in the thread, the more colour, aroma and price.
- Mongra: red tips only, the strongest
- Lacha: red with a little yellow, the best everyday value
- Guchhi: whole threads tied in a bunch, the traditional form
- Zarda: mostly yellow, weak colour
Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Kashmiri saffron grades compared
| Grade | What it is | Looks like | Price/g (checked Nov 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mongra | Red tips only | Deep red, no yellow | ₹600–900 |
| Lacha | Red + some yellow | Red with a yellow base | ₹400–600 |
| Guchhi | Whole threads in a bunch | Small red-yellow bundle | Similar to Lacha |
| Zarda | Mostly yellow style | Pale threads | Lowest |
- Full price table: saffron price per gram
Mongra
Only the deep-red tips, so you need fewer threads per dish. Price, uses and how to spot real Mongra: Mongra saffron guide.
Lacha
Lacha keeps the red thread joined to a short piece of yellow style. The yellow adds weight but little colour, so it costs less per gram.
- Use a few more threads than Mongra
- Ideal for daily kahwa, kesar chai, rice and curries
I personally prefer Mongra. Its fragrance and flavour feel denser, so a few strands go a long way.
Guchhi
Guchhi means “bunch”. Whole threads, red and yellow together, are tied into a small bundle, the way many Kashmiri families have kept saffron for generations.
- It is more about form than grade
- Not to be confused with gucchi mushrooms (morels). Same name, different thing
Zarda
Zarda is mostly the yellow style left after the red tips are removed. It has very little colour or aroma.
- Some sellers mix it into cheaper packs
- If threads look mostly yellow, do not pay a premium
Which grade for which dish
| Dish or occasion | Grade |
|---|---|
| Kesar doodh, phirni, Diwali mithai | Mongra |
| Wedding biryani, Eid dawat | Mongra or Lacha |
| Daily kahwa, kesar chai | Lacha |
| Face pack | Lacha |
| Gifting | Mongra in a glass jar |
- Whatever the grade, check the GI tag and harvest date: buying checklist
- Not sure it is real? 7 home tests
Kashmiri Saffron Grades FAQs
Which is the best grade of Kashmiri saffron?
Mongra, because it has only the deep-red tips and the strongest colour and aroma.
What is the difference between Mongra and Lacha?
Mongra has only red tips. Lacha keeps a little yellow style, so it is slightly weaker per gram but cheaper.
What is Guchhi saffron?
Whole saffron threads tied into a small bunch, a traditional Kashmiri form.
Is Lacha real Kashmiri saffron?
Yes. It is a genuine grade that simply includes some yellow style.
How do grades affect how much I use?
With Mongra, 4–5 threads per glass of milk is enough. With Lacha, add 2–3 more.
Source: S.S. Rana & Co. on the Kashmir saffron GI tag.
