You’ve probably heard about saffron in passing when you were a kid enjoying the beloved Disney Pixar movie Ratatouille. While we were all impressed and ashamed (to some degree) that Remy – a rat born and raised in Paris – was more capable of incorporating saffron into a dish than we could ever hope to do as seven-year old kids at the time, this probably inspired a whole generation to develop a love for the culinary arts and an interest in the extensive array of spices. However, there is more to the luxurious saffron than meets the eye.
What is Saffron?
Considered as the most expensive spice in the world and the national spice of Iran, Saffron indeed lives up to its name as the Prima Donna of spices. The spice itself comes from the flower called Crocus sativus – commonly known as “saffron crocus” – which only blooms during the fall and lasts one week each year. The reason why saffron is so expensive is because of how labour-intensive it is when it comes to cultivating and harvesting saffron threads. Each flower contains three threads of saffron, and these must be harvested by hand in the mid-morning when the flowers are still closed to keep the delicate threads (stigmas) safe. An ounce of saffron requires 1000 flowers to be harvested and extra care is exercised to produce the best quality saffron.
While it is widely believed that saffron was originally cultivated in Greece, today it is grown in Iran, Greece, Morocco, and India. Most of the saffron found in other countries are imported from these places.
What does Saffron taste like?
This red gold spice has a subtle honey-like sweetness and slight bitterness. It also gives a potent aroma with hints of floral, citrus, and honey which elevates the flavour of the food. It can be tricky to nail down what saffron tastes like, but once you have, it would be difficult to miss.
How can I spice things up with Saffron?
Saffron can be used in a multitude of recipes, be it main dishes, beverages, or desserts. It comes in two forms: powdered or ground saffron and saffron threads. Saffron powder is typically used in rice, broths and stews, tea, or oil. Meanwhile, saffron threads can be also incorporated in rice and drinks and imbues a stronger aroma and a vibrant pop to your creations. Saffron & More offers Grade-A, 100% organic saffron powder and saffron threads to enhance the aroma and flavour of your dishes.
Here are four ways to spice up your creations with our world-class saffron:
- Mango Lassi with Saffron
Blend 1 ½ cup of fresh mango, 1 cup of natural plain yoghurt, a pinch of ground cardamom, 6 ice cubes, and 6 saffron threads until smooth. You can opt to add more saffron threads to each serving as well. Enjoy chilled!
Check out this easy recipe here.
- Flourless Citrus Saffron Cake
Combine saffron threads or saffron powder with the hot juices extracted from the microwaved citruses. Mix together the saffron, butter, citrus puree, and batter and bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes. Serve with a citrus honey glaze poured on top and let it soak.
Check out this recipe here.
- Trout with Orange Saffron Sauce
Create the perfect sauce for a perfectly seared trout by combining white wine, orange juice, saffron, sugar, and shallots. Bring to a strong simmer for 5 minutes then turn off the heat. Puree the sauce in a blender and eventually return it to the pot and turn the heat to low to keep the sauce warm.
Check out this recipe here.
- Honey and Saffron Liquor
Combine honey, water, vanilla bean, cinnamon stick, peppercorns, nutmeg, and saffron in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Quickly reduce the hit and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside and add lemon zest and let it infuse for 20 minutes. Heat once again until simmering and then cool completely. Stir in with vodka and carefully pour into a sterilised airtight bottle and allow to steep for a week. Enjoy chilled or slightly warmed.
Check out this recipe here.
Whether you’re a professional chef or a curious home cook trying to experiment, the subtle sweetness yet intense aroma of saffron will add a certain richness to your creations. Its versatility and warmth allow you freedom in incorporating it to main dishes, desserts, and beverages. Saffron & More offers top-quality saffron powders and threads that will grace your delicious feast. Check out our range of best quality saffron products for your recipes!
