How to Pick the Finest Afghan Saffron

 Many professional chefs choose Afghan saffron threads because they are easy to count, easy to judge for consistency at a glance, and can look very beautiful in the finished dish.

Saffron powder, on the other side, does not require pre-steeping and takes up less room, making it common among home chefs. However, if you’re looking for finesse and an enhanced taste, you should know how to pick the finest Afghan Saffron. Follow the steps below to learn more. 

Where Do You Get Your Saffron?

Usually Afghani and Spanish saffron are the most widely valued in the world. If you're choosing between two saffrons of similar quality, it's mostly a matter of personal choice. You can also consider ordering saffron online from Mira Farms. 

How to Analyse Saffron Quality

Most people imagine saffron as a pretty small glass or plastic vessel with a few red and yellow threads in it. The ironic part is, that is not how pure saffron appears. The yellow bits are known as "styles" and, despite the fact that they are derived from the very same crocus flower, they are not saffron. The dark orange/red perception of saffron is what you want.

Due to the high price per gram of saffron and the additional work needed to eliminate it, many (if not most) saffron suppliers do not extract the long yellow design that trails just below the red stigma. The style adds little culinary benefit to the saffron but can increase its weight by up to 50%.

Identifying Good Afghan Saffron

As a general rule, you want to search for saffron that is as red as possible. In reality, saffron traders, die-hard fans, and chefs who often cook with it insist on hard “colour potency” numbers (from a spectrophotometer, no less) to determine the quality of the saffron they're being given.

Although even the finest saffron would almost certainly have a few yellow styles, you wouldn't want to see too many.

Great Saffron

This Afghan saffron is graded as “short-sargol”, the finest saffron which has shown evidence that the saffron hasn’t been dyed by any unethical producers. 

So, when it is time to prepare with your saffron, the darker color sure pays off. Since higher quality saffron is more effective, you don't need as much of it in your foods to get the delicious taste and essence of Afghan saffron. 

If you’re looking for high-quality Afghan saffron or dry fruits and nuts to enhance the taste of your meals, consider visiting Mira Farms today!