Where to Find Saffron – A Guide to Locating this Precious Spice

Saffron is one of the most precious spices in the world. The delicate threads from the stigma of the saffron crocus flower add a beautiful golden color and unique flavor to dishes. But where can you actually find saffron to buy? This aromatic spice is not always easy to locate in local grocery stores.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best places to find saffron – both in stores and online – so you can incorporate it into your cooking.

An Overview of Saffron

Before we dive into where to buy it. let’s look at what exactly saffron is

• Saffron comes from the dried stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. It takes around 150 flowers to produce just 1 gram of saffron threads.

• It originated in Greece and was later cultivated in Spain, France, Italy, North Africa, Iran, India and other countries.

• Saffron has a hay-like, honey-floral aroma and imparts a vibrant yellow color and unique flavor. The threads can be steeped to make saffron water.

• It is used in various cuisines, especially Iranian, Indian, Spanish, Italian and Middle Eastern dishes Well-known saffron recipes include paella, risotto milanese, bouillabaisse, and biryani

• Saffron is the world’s most expensive spice by weight due to the labor-intensive harvesting methods. High quality saffron costs $500 to $5000 per pound.

Where to Find Saffron Locally

Saffron is not carried by every regular grocery store, so you may need to visit specialty shops or markets to find it. Here are some of the best places to look for saffron locally:

• Ethnic food stores – Check Middle Eastern, Asian and Indian markets. Saffron is very popular in these cuisines so they are likely to stock it.

• Spice shops – Specialty spice shops will have a wider variety of spices like saffron. Look in the spices section or ask staff for assistance.

• Farmers markets – Vendors at farmers markets sometimes sell saffron, usually at high prices for small amounts.

• Specialty food stores – Upscale grocers like Whole Foods, Dean & DeLuca, Trader Joe’s, etc. often carry saffron in the spice aisle.

• Hispanic/Latin markets – Stores with Spanish, Portuguese and Latino products are a good place to find saffron for paella.

• Gourmet shops – Specialty food stores focused on gourmet ingredients may sell saffron in jars or tins.

When buying saffron locally, inspect the threads to ensure they have a strong color and aroma. The price will be higher than online sources but allows you to buy smaller quantities.

Purchasing Saffron Online

One of the best ways to buy high quality saffron for less is to purchase it online. Here are some reputable online sellers of saffron:

• Amazon – Carries various saffron brands and products at reasonable prices with fast shipping. Easy to compare options.

• Online spice shops – Shops like Penzeys, The Spice House, Spices Inc. and Savory Spice sell saffron.

• Etsy – Many saffron vendors on Etsy sell homemade or small batch saffron products. Provides more unique options.

• Brand websites – Purchase saffron direct from reputable brands like Epicurean Spice, OliveNation, Spice Jungle, Rumi Spice, etc.

• eBay – Individual sellers offer saffron, but be wary of adulterated products. Focus on reputable, highly-rated sellers.

The benefit of buying saffron online is the wider selection of high quality products from around the world at competitive prices. Be sure to closely inspect seller reviews and product descriptions when ordering saffron online.

What to Look for When Buying Saffron

To find authentic, high-quality saffron, keep these tips in mind:

• Look for long, thin threads with a strong red-orange color. Grayish threads are old and stale.

• The aroma should be floral, honey-like and slightly grassy. Pass on saffron with no aroma.

• Check the packaging date and expiration date. Saffron is best within a year of harvest.

• Read the label closely. It should say “saffron threads” or “saffron stigma”, not “saffron seasoning”.

• Avoid cheap powdered saffron, which is often cut with turmeric or other fillers. Purchase whole threads instead.

• Look for saffron that originates from Spain, Iran, Italy, India or other regions known for saffron farming.

• Expect to pay around $5 to $15 per gram for good quality saffron threads from a trusted seller.

Storing Saffron Properly

To retain the flavor and color of your saffron once purchased, proper storage is key:

• Keep saffron in an airtight glass jar away from light and heat. An opaque container is ideal.

• Refrigerating saffron can help extend its shelf life for up to 1 year. Freezing saffron for longer storage is also an option.

• If storing at room temperature, place the saffron jar in a cool, dark cupboard away from the stove.

• Avoid plastic containers or bags, as saffron can absorb odors. Glass spice jars work wonderfully.

• For pre-packaged saffron, leave it in the original container until opened. Transfer to a jar after opening.

• Wrap the threads loosely in a small piece of cheesecloth or muslin if transferring containers.

With proper storage conditions, ground saffron will stay fresh for 6 months, while whole threads can last up to 3 years.

Putting Saffron to Use in Your Cooking

Once you’ve located some high quality saffron threads, it’s time to put them to use! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy saffron:

• Steep the threads in hot liquid to make saffron water. Use it to brighten up rice dishes, broths, sauces, marinades and more.

• Combine saffron with milk or cream to infuse custards, puddings, ice cream and other desserts.

• Add to curries, biryani and other Indian or Middle Eastern dishes. The color and flavor pair beautifully with these cuisines.

• Use in Italian classics like risotto Milanese, seafood Stew’s and saffron buns.

• Sprinkle threads over salads, hummus, yogurt or fresh cheeses for a pop of color and flavor.

A little saffron goes a long way, so use a pinch at a time. Let the precious spice transport your dishes to new heights!

Finding authentic, high-quality saffron may take some sleuthing, but specialty stores, reputable online sellers and proper storage provide access to this incredible ingredient. With this guide’s help locating saffron, your cooking is sure to reach new levels of flavor and sophistication.