What is Saffron: How to Use this Unique Spice

Saffron is a unique spice many have heard about, but few understand. The expensive product is in dishes for its color and special flavor, but it can be tricky to determine how to use this one-of-a-kind spice properly. What are some of the best ways to access saffron and put its flavors and color to work in a practical recipe?

There are ample spices to cook with, and saffron is one of the most desired in the world of cuisine. The spice was originally cultivated in Greece but has since traveled worldwide and found its way into kitchens everywhere. Read on to learn more about what saffron is, the top uses for saffron, what makes the ingredient unique, and more.

What is Saffron?

Saffron is a spice ingredient that is believed to have been discovered in Bronze Age Greece, providing a gorgeous red color to a variety of foods and textiles. The name derives from the plant it comes from, the saffron crocus. Each flower brings only a few of the precious pieces of saffron, which is why it’s such an expensive spice to purchase.

In the modern world, most saffron production comes from Iran, Morocco, Greece, India, Afghanistan, and other locations in the middle east and Mediterranean. Saffron is just as precious as ever, and several developing countries are working to increase saffron production and exportation. 

7 Best Recipes to Use Saffron

Saffron is a unique spice. However, many may find it tricky to determine how to use the product.

We’ve compiled seven of the best recipes to use saffron in. Whether you want something savory or sweet, there’s something here for you. 

Italian Bouillabaisse

Italian Bouillabaisse is a one-of-a-kind French dish. It combines ingredients like tomato-wine broth and seafood with saffron to form unforgettable flavors for you and your family to enjoy at the dinner table. 

Saffron Rice

Saffron Rice is fluffy, fragrant, and unforgettable in any meal. It’s vibrant and flavorful and pairs well with Mediterranean or Middle Eastern dishes.

Saffron Chicken Tagine

Saffron Chicken Tagine is an excellent combination of dark and light meat pieces marinated in unforgettable spices. Saffron is vital to drawing out all the flavors in this recipe, and it won’t taste the same without it.

Caviar and Saffron

Caviar and saffron together make a luxurious flavor meant for a king. They complement each other very well, very delicate in the best way. This is an excellent use for saffron for those who want to enjoy the flavor without cooking. 

Bastani Irani

Bastania Irani, or Rosewater-and-Saffron ice cream, is a delicious treat on a sweltering day. It’s incredible by itself or pressed between two smaller wafers for a layer of crunch. 

Saffron Butter Pasta

A tiny bit of saffron brings this Saffron Butter Pasta to life. It has an earthy-sweet sauce and adopts a unique color profile thanks to the saffron addition. 

Roasted Chicken, Corn, and Saffron Soup

Finally, consider Roasted Chicken, Corn, and Saffron Soup. It’s a simple, hearty soup, and the saffron adds significant perfuming for an enhanced eating experience.  

What Makes Saffron Unique?

One of the core reasons why saffron is so unique is because it comes from the saffron crocus flower. There are only a few pieces of the official saffron spice per plant, which means it is quite scarce. This alone makes saffron a unique and special ingredient. 

Many kinds of saffron are hand-picked and found in far away countries, which adds to the price in terms of shipping cost. The bright and colorful crimson also helps saffron stand out and create a one-of-a-kind experience.

Who Should Not Use Saffron?

Shockingly, there are a few people who should not use saffron. In some individuals, it can have adverse impacts thanks to the various effects of the spice. It’s an antioxidant and a supplement, but the overall effects of saffron on the human body are still being studied.

The following people should not use saffron:

• Pregnant women (1st trimester)
• Breastfeeding women
• Bipolar individuals

Saffron can be dangerous for these people. It’s also possible saffron can have interactions with specific blood thinners and blood pressure medicine. It’s always ideal to speak to your doctor before combining the two.

Are Turmeric and Saffron the Same?

Turmeric and saffron are similar in many ways. They’re both earthy in color and flavor, providing a power-packed bang in the kitchen. Although they seem very similar, turmeric and saffron are not the same. They are separate spices coming from different plants.

Turmeric comes from a root, which makes it a rhizome. Alternatively, saffron comes from the flower of a plant. These growing spots impact each product, as saffron tends to be floral and light, while turmeric is deep, earthy, and rooty. 

Can You Eat Saffron Directly?

The colorful threads of saffron are enticing for many, offering a gorgeous sight for the eyes and a welcome addition to any kitchen. Maybe you’re hypnotized by the spice and want to try some raw before cooking with it. It’s possible to eat saffron directly, but there are some specific precautions we must take to keep everyone involved safe. 

If you consume raw saffron, never eat more than 2-3 strands at a time. There are medical benefits to saffron, and they can prove dangerous if the spice is eaten in excess. Generally, we’d recommend ingesting the product in other ways, such as prepared meals in your kitchen. 

Where Can You Find High-Quality Saffron?

Since saffron is a rare commodity, it can be tricky to determine where to invest in a high-quality saffron. Your local grocery store could have it, but it might be fake or incorrectly packaged. Luckily, there’s one location that offers high-quality saffron every time.