About Saffron:
Saffron is one of the few things that truly is worth its weight in gold. This product of the crocus flower adds not only pungent and aromatic flavor to foods, but also a beautiful golden color. It is native to Asia Minor, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years to be used in medicines, perfumes, dyes, and as a wonderful flavoring for foods and beverages.
Botanical Name:
Crocus sativus
Common and Other Names:
saffron, safran, azafran, zafferano
Saffron Availability:
Saffron is readily available in most large grocery stores and specialty markets. Due to its value, it may be stocked in a locked or secured area. So if you don't see any on the shelf, ask the manager.
Saffron Selection:
Choose saffron threads or powder from a reputable distributor. Saffron should be packaged in foil to protect from air and light. Bulk saffron is often sold from small wooden boxes.
Saffron Forms:
Available in threads (whole stigmas) and ground, your best bet is to go with the threads. Not only will they retain their flavor longer, but you will also be assured you have purchased pure saffron. Powdered saffron is not as strong, tends to lose flavor, and is also easily adulterated with fillers and imitations. Since so little is needed, you will find ground saffron sold in packets of about 1/16 of a teaspoon, and threads equaling about 1/4 gram or 1/2 of a teaspoon.
Saffron Storage:
Store saffron in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to six months for maximum flavor. Saffron, like other herbs and spices, is sensitive to light, so wrap the packet in foil to protect it further. It will not spoil, but it will lose increasingly more and more of its flavor with age.
Miscellaneous Saffron Information:
It is estimated that it takes some 14,000 stigmas to produce only one ounce of saffron threads. The labor-intensive process makes the cost of these bright red threads upwards of $50 per quarter-ounce. Luckily, a little bit goes a long way, and you can buy enough for a number of meals for under $10.
Turmeric is often substituted for saffron, at a great loss of flavor.
In-depth Saffron Information:
Saffron Cooking Information. Learn about how to cook with saffron.
Sample Saffron Recipes:
