Saffron is a highly sought-after spice known for its exquisite flavor, vibrant color, and numerous health benefits. However, especially in Australia where the import of foreign saffron is unregulated, the market can be rife with counterfeit or low-quality products that can leave you feeling cheated, and wondering why your dish has no flavour! To ensure you're getting the real deal, here are some tips on how to recognize quality saffron.
Check for the Right Color: Quality saffron should have deep red threads with a slightly lighter orange-red tip. Avoid saffron that appears too dark, as it may be old or dyed to mimic freshness. The threads should be uniformly colored without any white or yellow sections or spots.
Smell the Aroma: Genuine saffron emits a unique and distinct aroma that is often described as floral, slightly sweet, and earthy. If the saffron lacks this characteristic fragrance or smells musty or pungent, it may not be of high quality.
Examine the Thread Appearance: Quality saffron threads are long and slender, with a slight "trumpeted" curve at the tip. Inferior saffron may consist of broken or short threads, which can indicate a lower grade or subpar handling.
Feel the Texture: When you gently rub saffron threads between your fingers, they should feel dry and crisp. Lower-quality saffron may feel more moist, sticky, or oily, which suggests it might have been adulterated or improperly stored.
Conduct the Water Test: Place a few threads of saffron in a small bowl of lukewarm water and allow them to steep for 15-20 minutes. High-quality saffron will release its color and aroma into the water, turning it into a beautiful golden-yellow or orange hue. If the water doesn't change color significantly, the saffron might be of poor quality.
Buy direct from the producer, or reputable sources: It's crucial to purchase saffron from trusted suppliers, whether online or in physical stores. Producers, or reputable vendors are more likely to provide high-quality saffron and may offer information about the saffron's origin and processing methods.
Consider the Price: While price alone is not a guarantee of quality, extremely cheap saffron is often a red flag. High-quality saffron is labor-intensive to produce, making it relatively expensive compared to its weight. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
Store Properly: Once you have quality saffron, store it in an airtight container away from light, heat, and humidity. This will help preserve its flavor, aroma, and color.
Recognizing quality saffron requires a keen eye and a bit of knowledge. However, by following these tips and being a discerning shopper, you can enjoy the rich flavors and vibrant colors that authentic saffron brings to your culinary creations. Don't settle for subpar saffron when you can savor the true essence of this precious spice.