How To Use Saffron: A Complete Guide

One of the most expensive spices in the world, saffron is celebrated for its vibrant aroma and flavor.

Because of its special characteristics and great health benefits, it is cherished in cuisines across the globe. 

It improves the overall taste and adds richness to both savory and sweet dishes. From traditional curries to desserts and refreshing beverages, you name it saffron usage is everywhere.

But you can’t achieve all these amazing results without getting the highest-grade saffron in your kitchen.

But beyond quality alone, multiple factors like storage to preparation methods impact the true essence of your saffron.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into everything you need to know about using saffron to get the most out of this golden spice.

Getting The Best Saffron

If you want to get the most out of saffron, the first step is to make sure you’re using the best quality.

Although finding premium saffron can be daunting, it's easier for you. At Pahadi Amrut, we offer some of the finest saffron (kesar) which is sourced straight from the beautiful valley of Kashmir.

From Pampore Kashmir Kesar to Kistwar Gucchi Kesar, each of the saffron varieties offered at Pahadi Amrut is known for its deep red threads and rich aroma.

We provide unparalleled support to the local farmers in Jammu and Kashmir and ensure they follow the traditional methods to cultivate saffron.

Each batch goes through careful testing to ensure it’s pure and packed with the full taste and color that saffron lovers expect.

We provide whole kesar strands packed in airtight containers. Also, each kesar strand is handpicked and sun-dried to ensure maximum potency for you.

Using top-quality saffron can make a big difference in your cooking and even in wellness recipes.

Once you bring home the Red Gold to your kitchen, it’s your responsibility to store it properly to avoid any hindrance to its quality. 

Also Read: How To Test If The Saffron Is Pure?

How to Store Saffron?

If your saffron faces a slight discomfort of direct sunlight, moisture, or heat, it will lose its potency. You must keep saffron in an airtight metal or glass container. We don’t recommend you to use plastic containers as they may decrease the quality of your saffron.

For ideal Saffron usage, it's best to place the container in a cool, dark spot, away from light and heat to increase the shelf life of saffron (Kesar). If you follow the suggested approach, your saffron can stay at its best quality for about 2-3 years.

A cupboard is a good place for saffron, but avoid metal cupboards, as metal absorbs heat, which can weaken saffron’s taste and scent. Wooden cupboards are the best choice. Also, make sure the cupboard is not too close to the stove to keep saffron away from heat.

If you decide to store saffron in the refrigerator, remember two things: First, the fridge will only keep saffron fresh for up to two weeks. Second, when you take it out, quickly take what you need and return it to the fridge right away to prevent moisture from getting in.

For the best results, keep saffron in a place with a temperature below 68°F (20°C).

Once you retain the quality of your saffron, you can use Saffron in cooking effectively. 

Also Read: Shelf Life of Saffron

Culinary Uses of Saffron

Saffron offers multiple culinary uses. It adds a luxurious touch to both food and drinks, making them look and taste special. Let’s explore how to use saffron in different dishes and beverages.

Cooking Dishes Using Saffron

Saffron brings color, flavor, and a bit of elegance to many dishes. Here are some popular ways to use it in cooking:

• Rice Dishes: Adding saffron to rice dishes like biryani or paella gives them a bright yellow color and a warm taste. It’s a key ingredient in Indian and Mediterranean cuisines that turns rice into a delicious dish.

• Baked Goods: Saffron is also used in baking to add a hint of flavor and a yellow tint to treats like cakes, breads, and cookies. For example, saffron-infused bread or pastries can offer a delightful twist and add a bit of sophistication to your baking.

• Desserts: Saffron is a great addition to desserts like rice puddings, ice creams, halwa, gulab jamun, and custards. In desserts, it adds a subtle floral flavor and a beautiful color.

• Honey Infusions: You can use Pahadi Honey with saffron for a sweet touch that is pitch-perfect for yogurt, pancakes, or toast. Saffron honey also works well in salad dressings or as a sweetener in tea, adding a unique flavor.

• Risotto alla Milanese: It is an Italian dish that uses saffron to infuse creamy risotto with a rich, golden hue and a luxurious taste.

• Arroz con Perdiz: It is a special Spanish dish that combines saffron rice with tender partridge. It creates a flavorful and aromatic experience.

• Tahdig: In Persian cuisine, tahdig is known for its crispy, golden crust. To make it, mix saffron-infused water with a little yogurt and oil, then spread this mixture at the bottom of the pot before adding the rice. Cook as usual, and you’ll have a deliciously crispy layer at the bottom.

• Stews: Saffron can also enhance the flavor of stews. Just crush a few saffron threads, soak them in hot water, and add the liquid near the end of cooking. This helps retain saffron’s delicate taste, adding depth to your stew. For example, Bourride which is a French fish stew from Provence uses saffron in its broth which gives it a comforting taste.

Beverages

Saffron’s delicate flavor and color make it a wonderful ingredient for various drinks. Here’s how it can be used:

• Tea: Saffron tea is soothing and aromatic. Just steep a few threads of saffron in hot water, and you’ll get a warm, golden tea with a subtle flavor. You can enjoy it plain or add honey for a bit of sweetness.

• Milk: Saffron milk, also known as “Kesar Doodh,” is a popular drink in India. It is made by adding saffron strands to warm milk with a touch of sugar. It’s a comforting drink often enjoyed before bed.

• Cocktails: Bartenders use saffron to create unique cocktails. Saffron-infused syrups add a touch of luxury to cocktails, pairing well with ingredients like gin or champagne for a memorable drink.

Apart from culinary, saffron usage is renowned in the non-culinary field.

Non-Culinary Uses of Saffron

Saffron is also considered one of the versatile spices that you can come across. That’s why it’s important to purchase only the highest grade, authentic saffron. Its unique properties open gates for its usage in non-culinary fields like health, beauty, and perfumery.

Health Benefits of Saffron

Saffron is renowned for its potential health benefits like:

• Mood Enhancement: Studies suggest that saffron may help alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression and anxiety, possibly by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
  

• Antioxidant Properties: Rich in antioxidants like crocin and safranal, saffron helps combat oxidative stress, which is linked to various chronic diseases.
  

• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Relief: Research indicates that saffron may reduce PMS symptoms, including mood swings and discomfort. 

Saffron Uses In Beauty and Skincare

It’s uses extend to beauty and skincare:

• Skin Brightening: Saffron is known to promote a natural glow and even out skin tone, making it a popular choice for achieving a flawless complexion.
  

• Anti-Aging: The antioxidants in saffron combat free radicals, reducing signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
  

• Acne Treatment: Saffron's antibacterial properties can help in treating acne and blemishes, promoting clearer skin.
  

• Hair Care: Using saffron into hair treatments can strengthen hair follicles, reduce hair loss, and enhance overall hair health. 

Saffron Uses In Perfumery

It’s unique aroma makes it a valuable component in the fragrance industry:

• Fragrance Note: Saffron imparts a warm, exotic scent, often used in high-end perfumes to add depth and richness.
  

• Aromatic Blends: Its unique fragrance blends well with other spices, florals, and woods, creating complex and captivating scents.

Saffron usage can range from vertical to another, but it’s up to you to make a conscious decision about purchasing the highest-grade saffron straight from the Himalayas.

But with adulteration at its peak, which brand to trust?

Get Authentic Saffron From Pahadi Amrut

At Pahadi Amrut, we take quality seriously. Our Kashmiri saffron goes through strict testing to ensure it meets Grade 1 quality standards. So, when you choose us, you can trust that you're getting pure, high-quality saffron.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your cooking, boost your wellness routine, or explore its beauty benefits, Pahadi Amrut’s saffron will deliver the full experience of this precious spice.

We’re proud to support local farmers who follow traditional methods. They handpick each saffron thread and carefully sun-dry them to preserve their quality.

So, bring home the goodness mother nature has to offer to your kitchen and wellness routines with authentic saffron from Pahadi Amrut.