The Saffron

Colour, aroma and flavour in a single thread.

What saffron brings to food, and how the world’s kitchens use it. Saffron is a food: we make no health claims.

Saffron rice, saffron milk and a braided saffron bun on a dark table

What it is used for

A staple of Persian, Indian, Spanish and Italian kitchens, and present in traditional medicine for millennia. We recommend it for cooking; we make no health claims.

  • Risotto, pilaf, paella
  • Fish soup and shellfish
  • Saffron milk and tea
  • Buns, pastry, ice cream
  • Marinades, sauces, butter
  • Festive table, gifts

What it brings to food

Three things no other spice does at once. The laboratory measures all three, according to ISO 3632.

  • Colour

    A deep golden colour for rice, dough and sauces, with no artificial colouring. Crocin is responsible for it.

  • Aroma

    Honeyed, hay-like, softly floral. It comes from safranal, and steeping brings it out.

  • Flavour

    Gently bitter and long on the palate. It comes from picrocrocin; a pinch is enough, more is not better.