The high retail value of saffron is maintained on world markets because of labour intensive harvesting methods, which require some 200,000 saffron stigmas to be hand picked from 70,000 crocus flowers for each 1 pound (0.45 kg) of saffron product. Forty hours of labour are needed to pick 150,000 flowers.
Kashmiri saffron is recognizable by its dark maroon purple hue, making it among the world's darkest Saffron Kashmir Valley saffron is certified with a Geographical indication from the Government of India.