Saffron. The name itself sounds decadent, exotic, alluring. Red strands tinged with yellow; a fiery beauty which humans have found irresistible for millennia. Most people know that saffron is rare and expensive, but many have never had the chance to experience its subtle, sophisticated charms for themselves. For those people, we hope a little history and description of this most prized of all spices will help convince you to take the plunge.

What Is Saffron

Saffron is harvested from Crocus sativus, a flower better known as the “saffron crocus.” Each bloom from this crocus produces three yellow styles, each of which ends with a crimson-red stigma. The combination of golden style and crimson stigma constitute what we know as a saffron thread. These threads are plucked by hand and dried, resulting in a fragrant, beautiful spice that is prized the world over.