Saffron

Do you have a favorite spice? My all-time favorite is cinnamon. It is very affordable in almost every region of the world. I use it liberally in so many things, baking, yogurt, and sprinkled on apples. As much as cinnamon is my daily favorite – the one that I savor and appreciate for its subtle, yet distinct aromatic taste is saffron. Substitutes do not even come close to mimicking the distinctive flavor infused into the foods calling for saffron in recipes. It transforms the simplest of favorites; bread, rice, and yogurt into gourmet delights. The simple stigma of the saffron flower is soaked to release color and flavor before being added in the process of meal preparation. A little goes a very long way.

Have you ever priced saffron at your local market – it is so very expensive. However, for really ever so rare and very occasional treats, saffron is a must. To understand why it is so expensive I found a short clip on how it is grown and harvested. The major producer is found in the dry and arid plains of Iran. After viewing the short documentary, I can imagine how saffron makes its way from the growers all the way to my including it in cooking or baking. Quite a journey!

Here’s the link for you to join in my imaginary saffron purchasing expedition … enjoy the journey!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfUrLteNu8E

#saffron