Find different types of Saffron
Original price was: 429,00 AED.389,00 AEDCurrent price is: 389,00 AED.
How to Eat Saffron
You don’t eat spices on their own, right? Well, saffron is no exception.
The quesion is: How to eat saffron? Known as the king of spices, saffron has a delightful taste, aroma, and color, and it imparts a heavenly flavor to food and desserts. But how do we eat saffron? Preparing saffron for consumption involves specific methods and traditions. In this article, we’ll start by discussing the flavor of saffron, then explain how to obtain saffron in Dubai. We’ll cover grinding and brewing techniques, talk about the recommended daily intake of saffron, and finally, highlight several delicious saffron-flavored dishes and desserts.
The Flavor of Saffron
Have you ever thought about the taste of saffron? You might think it’s bitter, sweet, or a mix of both. Scientifically, saffron itself has a bitter taste due to a β-D-glucoside of hydroxysafranal, picrocrocin. Since saffron is commonly used in sweet dishes and desserts, many people assume it tastes sweet. What really enhances saffron’s flavor is its aroma. The compound responsible for saffron’s fragrance is Safranal (C10H14O). Our perception of taste is closely tied to our sense of smell, which can evoke notes of leather, earth, grass, and rose, making it different for everyone. For people in the East, saffron’s flavor often brings a sense of nostalgia and a feeling of well-being.
Buying Saffron
Where should you buy saffron? The first place that comes to mind is Iranian stores. Iranian saffron is the best in the world, with over 80% of it exported globally from Iran. If you live in the United Arab Emirates, the best place to find Super Negin saffron is the Deira Spice Souk. Many well-known brands have stores there, and Badiee Saffron also has several branches in Deira, Dubai.
After you’ve bought the saffron, the next step is to grind it.
Grinding Saffron
Previously, we talked about the different types of saffron. Which part you use depends on your preference. Many farmers prefer using long, whole saffron threads, known as “dokhtar pich,” to enjoy the full benefits of the saffron strands.
Whether you choose to use Saffron Negin or its threads, the first step is to grind them. Grinding saffron releases its compounds more efficiently, allowing you to get the most out of its properties.
There are several methods for grinding saffron:
- Mortar and Pestle: This traditional method is still widely used and isn’t difficult. It’s best to use a stone or wooden mortar for grinding saffron. Place the saffron threads in the mortar and crush them with the pestle until they are completely powdered.
2. Grinding with Sugar: This method is less common, but if needed, you can use a sugar cube to grind the saffron threads. Place the sugar cube and saffron threads in the mortar and crush them together. This method will change the color of the saffron powder from orange to yellow.
3. Grinder: Nowadays, various electric and mechanical grinders are available. The sharp blades in these grinders can powder saffron threads in no time.
A crucial point to keep in mind is to ensure that the grinding tools are dry and the environment is not humid. For example, if the kitchen is filled with steam from cooking, it’s better to grind saffron outside the kitchen.
Once the saffron powder is ready, store it in a tightly sealed jar (preferably a dark-colored one) to preserve its aroma.
To use saffron, for every teaspoon of saffron powder, you need a cup of hot water or ten small ice cubes.
Infusing Saffron: Boiling Water vs. Ice
There are two common methods for infusing saffron: with boiling water or with ice.
With Boiling Water: For a quicker infusion and a rich color, use boiling water. Add one teaspoon of saffron powder to a cup of boiling water to get a deep, vibrant color. If you use more boiling water, the color will shift from orange to yellow.
With Ice: Place ten small ice cubes in a bowl and sprinkle a teaspoon of saffron powder over them. As the ice melts, it will release the saffron color, creating a thick, orange liquid.
Daily Saffron Consumption
The daily consumption of saffron should not exceed 1.5 grams. Studies have shown that a safe daily amount ranges between 20 and 400 milligrams. Consuming more than 3 grams per day significantly increases the risk of toxicity.
If you want to drink saffron milk daily, 5 saffron threads per glass are sufficient.
For saffron supplements, a weekly dose of 400 milligrams is enough.
Saffron Cooking Recommendations
Most dishes made with saffron come from the Middle Eastern and Far Eastern regions. However, some European countries like Spain and Italy also have their own saffron-flavored dishes. If we were to list all the foods and desserts made with saffron, it would be quite extensive. Below, we’ll introduce a few saffron dishes and desserts from different countries.
Iran
- Zereshk Polo: Saffron rice with barberries and chicken.
- Sholeh Zard: Saffron rice pudding.
- Tahchin: Saffron rice cake with chicken or lamb.
- Bastani Sonnati: Traditional saffron ice cream with pistachios.
Afghanistan
- Kabuli Pulao: Saffron rice with raisins, carrots, and lamb.
- Sheer Khurma: Saffron vermicelli pudding with dates and nuts.
India
- Kesar Pista Kulfi: Saffron and pistachio-flavored ice cream.
- Biryani: Saffron rice with meat and spices.
- Kheer: Saffron rice pudding.
- Gulab Jamun: Saffron-infused syrup for the deep-fried milk balls.
Saudi Arabia
- Saffron Rice: Often served with various meat dishes.
- Saffron Coffee: Traditional Arabic coffee with saffron.
Turkey
- Zerde: Saffron rice pudding with dried fruits.
- Saffron Tea: Infused tea often served in traditional Turkish settings.
Spain
- Paella: Traditional saffron rice dish with seafood or meat.
- Arroz con Leche: Saffron rice pudding.
Italy
- Risotto alla Milanese: Saffron-infused risotto.
- Saffron Gelato: Saffron-flavored Italian ice cream.
Poland
- Saffron Bread: Traditional sweet bread often made during holidays.
- Saffron-Infused Vodka: Specialty drink with saffron.
Denmark
- Lussekatter: Saffron-flavored buns traditionally made for St. Lucia’s Day.
- Saffron Cake: A dessert cake flavored with saffron.
USA
- Saffron Risotto: Saffron-infused risotto often served in fine dining.
- Saffron Ice Cream: A gourmet dessert option.
- Saffron Cake: Various interpretations of saffron-infused cakes.
Argentina
- Saffron Empanadas: Saffron used in the filling or dough for a unique flavor.
- Saffron-infused Arroz con Leche: A twist on the traditional rice pudding.
Portugal
- Arroz de Pato: Duck rice often seasoned with saffron.
- Saffron-flavored Pastries: Various pastries infused with saffron.
China
- Saffron Tea: Herbal tea made with saffron.
- Saffron Congee: Rice porridge flavored with saffron.
In Conclusion
To make the most of the red gold spice and understand how to eat saffron, you need to know which type of saffron to grind, how to infuse it and extract its color, the recommended daily amount, and how to incorporate it into various dishes and desserts. We’ve provided some useful tips on how to use saffron effectively.
For high-quality Iranian Super Negin saffron, we recommend Badiee Saffron.
