Your essential guide to understanding everything there is to know about Saffron, the Mediterranean spice that adds a golden hue and floral notes to your favorite dishes. What is saffron? What does saffron taste like? How do you use saffron? And why is saffron so expensive? You have questions; we have answers! Saffron is used in cuisines from across the Mediterranean, the Middle East and Asia. You can find it in modern recipes like this Whole Roasted Cauliflower, in traditional Persian recipes like Fesenjan or Spanish Paella, among others. With a spice that's hard to find and costly (it's considered the most expensive spice in the world), you should know how to get the most out of your investment. Thankfully a little goes a long way, so that jar of tiny red threads should last you a while. And, this guide will help you learn how to buy it; how to use it; and how to store this luxurious spice. Table of ContentsWhat is Saffron?Saffron is a spice obtained by drying out the stigmas from the Crocus Sativus flower, also called the âSaffron Crocus," which is a perennial plant. Its flowering period occurs over the course of three weeks between October and November, after which it is intensely harvested. The stigmas look like tiny bright, red threads. They're used to add both flavor and a golden-hued color to dishes. The stigmas are sold by weight usually in 1, 5, or 10-gram sizes. This spice is synonymous with Persian cuisine, which is not surprising as many believe it originated in Iran. However, Mesopotamia and Greece have also been suggested as possible places of origin. Today, Iran remains the biggest producer and exporter of saffron in the world, although there are emerging markets in many other countries including the U.S. This delicate spice is used across a variety of cuisines and dishes, from paella in Spain to risotto alla Milanese in Italy, to traditional recipes in Morocco like Chermoula, India and beyond. In Persian cuisines it's very recognizable in rice dishes like Tahdig or the aptly named Saffron Rice, among others. What Does Saffron Taste Like?Saffron has an earthy taste with subtle floral and fruity notes. Only small amounts are needed to provide both flavor and color. Otherwise, the powerful spice will overwhelm a dish and result in a bitter taste. You can try to emulate the spice's amber yellow dye by using a pinch of turmeric or paprika. But, you cannot substitute its flavor. If a recipe calls for saffron, itâs usually the main flavor component of the dish. Itâs worth buying the spice rather than trying to substitute. Why is Saffron Expensive?Saffron is expensive due to a low crop yield and labor-intensive harvesting methods. The stigmas (threads) require hand harvesting due to their delicate nature, and each flower only produces three stigmas per harvest. The threads must be plucked shortly after the flowers have bloomed or they wilt and become unusable. Growers will work 19-hour days to harvest the stigmas during this short window. It takes 75,000 flowers yielding 225,000 stigmas to create a single pound of saffron! A Note About QualityNot all saffron is equal! The high cost of the spice has attracted fraudsters seeking to sell imitations, impure or low quality threads at high prices. To protect consumers, there are gradings and categorizations. The International Organization for Standardization (the âISOâ) has a laboratory-based grading system by reference to the spice's flavor, color, and aroma. I recommend opting for Sargol or Coupé-classified saffron. They're a very high quality at a more reasonable price point. If you live in the US, go for a high quality Spanish varietal like Coupé. Iranian saffron is not available in the States. In addition to ISO standards, there are grading systems set by individual countries that indicate quality.
Both Iran and Spain have grading systems for the spice based on the amounts of red stigmas and yellow styles contained from their harvests. Quick Buying GuideTrying to decipher between grades and different classification systems can be overwhelming. Here are some quick tips for how to buy the best saffron.
Where to Buy Saffron?Saffron is now available in major supermarkets but it may not be the highest quality. Go for Middle Eastern supermarkets as theyâre more likely to stock higher quality saffron. You can also buy it online, which means you can fully research and ensure you are buying the best available. I always advise people to buy either Iranian or Spanish saffron (Sargol or Coupé). The quality produced by these countries tends to be higher. While Negin and La Mancha boast the highest grades, their flavor does not, in my view, justify their price point. I recommend Sargol and Coupé which are both excellent quality saffron. How to Use SaffronSaffron is usually sold in thin strands which have been plucked from the crocus flower and then dried. Using saffron strands, though, is wasteful and does not get the best out of the spice. Make the most of your saffron, capturing the maximum flavor and color, with a two-step process:
How to Store SaffronKeep saffron in an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry and dark place such as your pantry or spice cupboard. Saffron, like other spices, does not spoil. Rather, it loses its flavor and vibrancy in color within 6 months if not stored properly. Properly stored saffron can last up to 2 years. Dishes Where this Spice ShinesIn my home country of Iran, saffron infuses khoresh (stews) like Fesenjan, kababs (kebabs), rice dishes like Tahdig, and more. It even flavors desserts like Bastani Soltani, a saffron and rose water ice cream with pistachios. Sholeh Zard, a rice pudding with a rich and complex flavor profile, is another delicious sweet saffron dish. In other parts of the world, saffron is used to infuse the classic Spanish dish paella with flavor and color. Whereas, in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, Risotto alla Milanese is a classic dish made with saffron resulting in a golden and rich tasting risotto. Try Saffron in These RecipesBrowse all Mediterranean recipes. Visit Our Shop. The post What is Saffron? An Essential Guide appeared first on The Mediterranean Dish. via The Mediterranean Dish https://www.themediterraneandish.com/what-is-saffron/
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ABOUT MEHi, I am Daniel Jones from Overland Park, MO. I am a chef by profession, & also publish my recipe tips online on blogs and social media. Archives
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