This batch of Afghan saffron is from 2010 crop year and it is 100% pure. The threads are small, all red and fragile which makes it ideal saffron for grinding. When you open this saffron package and smell the saffron there is a faint aroma. However, when you use this saffron in cooking or simply pour some boiling water over a pinch of it in a cup and wait about 10 minutes, this is when the genie comes out of the lamp. This saffron has strong coloring power and awesome flavor. The aroma is compatible with other good quality saffron.