United States Saffron

Specifications: Saffron The yellow-orange stigmas from the crocus sativus, a small purple crocus, is considered the worlds most expensive spice. Saffron colors range from dark yellow to deep red. Each stigma has up to three shades of these colors.

Saffron is grown in a number of countries, though the spanish saffron mancha first quality is considered the cream of the crop. That region of spain seems to have just the right temperature; soil and moisture needed to grow the delicate flower. Iranian saffron is also first quality with exactly the same properties as spanish saffron.

Iran is the worlds leading producer of saffron with over 200 tons per year. Always buy saffron whole because most ground product has been cut with turmeric to produce the desired color.

Beware of bastard saffron which is really just safflower stigmas, they have very similar appearance but have none of the flavors or produce the rich golden colors when used in cooking. You can see the difference when you examine the stigmas; they are attatched together in groups of four or more at the base of the stigmas.

True saffron has only three stigmas per flower. When saffron is sold in bulk they sometimes are pressed together so examine them carefully. Saffron does not need to be ground before it is used, let it soak in a few tablespoons of warm water for 10 minutes or more, then use as desired.

Silk Road Spice and Tea Company\'\'s saffron is deep red/orange whole stigmas. Silk Road Spice and Tea Company buys Iranian saffron directly from the producers in Iran and distributes the saffron to the end user. The cost savings is passed on to you the customer.