Few flavors compare to that one given by the one of the most expensive spices in the world... Saffron. This spice comes from the styles and stigmas of a type of crocus that grows in certain regions of Spain, Italy, Greece, Kashmir and Iran where the weather is more arid with rainy springs and very dry summers.
Saffron can be used in savory and sweet dishes ranging from rices dishes like risotto and paella to ice creams and puddings. It has so many uses because unlike other spices it has color, where in certain cuisines is used to give that bright yellow to dishes}; it has aroma, in hot dishes it is felt more strongly; and it has taste, which is one of its most important qualities.
When buying this precious spice look for well known brands that sell products like these as there are many low grade versions of the spice. Also, look for one that has not been on the shelves for long as it may have lost its smell and flavor.
When cooking with risotto the best thing is to make it one o the main ingredients of the dish. Pair it with vegetables or seafood to get the most of the flavor or use it on its own to enjoy the full experience. Also, it is said that this spice is a good aphrodisiac... ha!
Have a delicious day!
I'm a big fan of saffron in cooking paella and risotto. The last image makes me want to reach into the image and grab a bowl. I find purchasing a bit tricky and you're absolutely right, it's better to stick to known brands.
ReplyDeleteI adore saffron and saffron risotto is one of my favourite dishes - I first tried it in Paris years ago and kept cooking myself since. :)
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Love Saffron....it's also my oldest daughter's name...so she was very excited about your post, haha! She always finds it in the supermarket when we go :) Lovely x
ReplyDeleteseafood risotto = MY FAVE ... soon as i see it on the menu, i'm done deciding! - YUMMMM
ReplyDeleteYou've reminded me that I have to use my saffron!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living
Oh golly! I'm so hungry now :)
ReplyDeleteI've had saffron risotto...yummy!
ReplyDeleteI'm embarrassed to admit that I'm not sure I have had saffron before . . .
ReplyDeletealways, koru kate
Always something interesting going on here! I don't think I've had saffron in ages.
ReplyDeleteWe just got saffron the other day and now I can't wait to start cooking with it. Happy day, sweetie.
ReplyDeleteIn Sweden we mostly bake with saffron during Christmas time, very seasonal use!
ReplyDeleteSaffron ice cream? Now this I must find (and try). :)
ReplyDelete-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
I have never cooked with it, but whenever a restaurant has saffron in a dish, I always order it. The flavor is unlike any other.
ReplyDeletei usually enjoy saffron on savory items, but would really like to try it on some sweet items.
ReplyDeleteIn Morocco we bought 2g of saffron for $10. Being used to inexpensive items in Morocco I thought "oh that's expensive I'll only buy $10 worth". I'm a fool. We still have tons as you only need a bit but man, 2g goes a long way, and that same amount is about 3x the price here!
ReplyDeleteI need to go back to Morocco..
You know, I don't think that I have ever had LEGIT saffron before. Maybe it's time to seek some out
ReplyDeletePerfect post for me today! I manage business training programs at Thunderbird School of Global Management here in Phoenix. We bring women entrepreneurs from emerging economies (Afghanistan, Haiti, Guatemala etc) to Thunderbird for 2 weeks of business training (full scholarship). My last group of women were from Afghanistan. One of my women was a SAFFRON farmer!!! She brought these HUGE bags of saffron threads and gave them to me. I seriously have a large ziplock bag full of saffron from her farm. It's amazing quality.... But I just don't know what to do with it all!! Anyone with good recipe ideas???? Feel free to email me! :) Thanks for the ice cream idea. Never thought about that!
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