Kashmiri Kehwah vs Kesar Kehwah: Which Saffron Tea?

Kashmiri Kehwah and Kesar Kehwah share saffron, cardamom, cinnamon and almond. The main difference is the base: Kashmiri Kehwah contains green tea; Kesar Kehwah has no tea leaf. That changes the flavour, caffeine content and brewing time. Here is how to choose between the two.

The difference at a glance

• Kashmiri Kehwah: saffron and warm spices with green tea; contains caffeine; steep for 2–3 minutes.
• Kesar Kehwah: saffron, cardamom, cinnamon and almond without tea leaf; caffeine-free; steep for 4–6 minutes.
• Both: 20 individually wrapped plant-based pyramid tea bags per carton. Use one bag with 120 ml water.

What does Kashmiri Kehwah taste like?

Our Kashmiri Kehwah is the house blend: saffron warmth, cardamom fragrance, cinnamon and almond carried by green tea. It makes a useful first choice if you enjoy green tea and want to explore a spiced saffron cup.

Try the first cup without milk or sugar. Notice the aroma before you sip, then the balance of tea and spice. Almond gives the blend a softer finish. It is an ingredient in the recipe, so check the pack carefully if you avoid tree nuts.

What does Kesar Kehwah taste like?

Kesar Kehwah keeps the same four ingredients—cardamom, almond, cinnamon and saffron—without the green-tea base. The result puts the saffron and spices at the centre of the cup. Choose it if you want those flavours in a caffeine-free blend.

The longer steep gives this botanical blend time to infuse. Start at four minutes, taste, and let it steep a little longer if you prefer a fuller cup. Removing the bag at the same time on each brew helps you compare the results.

Which one should you choose?

If you are buying your first Kehwah and already enjoy green tea, start with Kashmiri. If avoiding caffeine is part of your choice, start with Kesar. If you are choosing for guests, check their ingredient preferences too: both blends contain almond, and neither is suitable for someone avoiding that ingredient.

You can also compare both in equal-sized cups. Use 120 ml water for each, follow their separate steeping times, and taste them without additions. Keeping the water measure the same makes the difference in their bases easier to notice.

Where does Rose Kehwah fit?

Rose Kehwah adds rose to the green-tea, saffron and spice family. It contains green tea and caffeine. Choose it when a floral note appeals to you; choose Kesar when you specifically want no tea leaf.

Common questions

Is saffron tea always caffeine-free?

Check the full ingredient list. In our range, Kesar Kehwah is caffeine-free, while Kashmiri and Rose Kehwah contain green tea. Saffron in the name does not identify the base of a blend.

Do I need a teapot or strainer?

These blends come in plant-based pyramid tea bags, so you can brew directly in a cup. Measure the water, add one bag, and follow the time on the pack.

Compare the three Heritage blends, or use our brewing guide to adjust your next cup.