Saffron Threads - Persian (gram)

Saffron, pronounced [SAF-ruhn], is considered the world’s most expensive spice and is obtained from the stigmas of the flower of Crocus Sativus Linnaeus (a genus in the family Iridaceae). How much top quality saffron can be obtained from the flowers? The numbers are a little staggering. With only 3 stigmas per saffron flower it takes over 4,600 flowers (or 14,000 stigmas) to produce just one ounce of top grade saffron. Top grade saffron possesses a deep red color, is dry to the touch and the stigmas will be 3/8” to 1/2” in length. Our Saffron is the highest rated Category I and grades at 190+ on Coloring Strength. Our Category I Saffron has as an unmistakable aroma that is sharp and floral. The taste is light, cutting, warm, bitter and it then slowly dissipates from your palette. Most great chefs believe saffron is more about the aroma than the taste and if you can taste the saffron in a dish, you've added too much. A good rule of thumb is to use about three strands a person which is a little more than half a teaspoon. There are approximately 463 threads (3/8" to ½" in length) per gram of saffron so 1 gram would yield approximately 150 servings.