The mithqal is an ancient unit of measurement for mass or weight that has its roots in the Arabic language. This unit has long been used in Islamic countries, including Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and India. The mithqal was used not only in measuring saffron, but also in the trade of gold and spices, and even in traditional medicine, and is still used in some traditional industries.
Before answering the main question, how many grams is a mithqal of saffron? We must first know what the definition of a mithqal is. A mithqal is a unit that is equivalent to about 4.6 grams (four grams and six tenths of a gram). Of course, depending on the type of mithqal, this amount may vary slightly.
The exact answer to the question of how many grams is a mithqal of saffron?
In response to the main question of this content, it should be said that a mithqal of saffron is equivalent to 4.608 grams. This means that if you buy a mithqal of saffron from a perfumer or saffron seller, you have actually received a little more than four and a half grams of saffron. In some markets and among sellers, for reasons of simplification, one mithqal is considered equivalent to 4.6 grams. But if we want to speak accurately and scientifically, the correct number is 4.608 grams.
Why are mithqals used instead of grams?
The question may come to mind as to why the mithqal is used instead of the gram, which is a simple and common unit? The following reasons can answer this question:
Tradition of the saffron market: Saffron has long been a common commodity in Iran, and in the past, mithqal was used to measure weight. Over time, this tradition still persists.
Ease of calculating the price: Usually, in the market, the price of saffron is determined based on mithqal, not grams, and this causes sellers and buyers to buy and sell it based on mithqal.
High value of saffron: Given the high price of saffron, using a unit such as mithqal, which has a larger number than grams, makes it easier to exchange and trade.
To convert mithqals to grams, the following simple formula is used:
Weight in grams = Number of mithqals × 4.608
For example, if you purchased 5 mithqals of saffron:
5 × 4.608 = 23.04 grams
So 5 mithqals of saffron will be equivalent to 23.04 grams of saffron.