Saffron
Background
With a wonderful aroma, subtle flavour, and vibrant colour, saffron adds its
characteristic flavour and colour to any dish. Sold by the gram, saffron is the most costly spice in existence.
Saffron is a native of Southern Europe and cultivated in Mediterranean
countries, particularly in Spain, Austria, France, Greece, England, Turkey and
Iran. The total world saffron production (2004 figures) shows that Iran produces
over 90% of the world's crop. Annual production in 2004 was roughly 197 metric
tonnes, broken up as follows: Iran 185 tonnes, Greece 5.7 tns., Morocco 2.3 tns.,
Kashmir 2.3 tns., Spain 1 tns. and Italy 0.1 Tns. Much saffron is re-exported
and Spain is a large importer and then exporter of Iranian saffron.
Producing saffron is labour intensive, hence the high price. In a good crop, each
plant typically produces several flowers. The stigma or female part of the
flower is the actual source of saffron and is carefully picked by hand. Then the
stigmas are dried and transformed into pure saffron.
The stamen is the masculine part of the crocus and is half the size of the
stigmas. When dried the stamens are yellow, and this colour in the spice is a
giveaway that the saffron is of poor quality and has been padded - the lighter
the colour, the more "filler" there is. True saffron however has a rich red
colour.
A "blend" of stamens and stigmas is often found in both the thread and powdered
forms of saffron. Not only is there little culinary value in this padding, but
they can dilute the flavour and colour of a recipe.
Friend & Burrell Iranian Sargol Saffron
We import the finest saffron available anywhere in the world, Iranian Sargol,
which is 100% pure saffron. It is made up of the red stigmas which have been cut
and separated prior to drying. Stigmas cut this way provide maximum flavor,
aroma and natural dye in cooking and baking.
There are three features that one must look for in quality saffron:
- Saffron threads (Stigmas) are all red (no gold or yellow).
- Saffron threads should be dry and brittle. Moisture shortens the shelf
life and quality.
- Saffron aroma is fresh, fragrant and strong. Not musty.
Available in 15gm tins -
contact us for prices |
