Where to buy saffon, the world's most expensive spice

[manteiv]

Hi all,

Where can I buy saffron (preferably local in Montreal if possible)? is there an online store where I can buy it? it seems 1g costs about $10

Also, I was told Spanish saffron is the best. I saw on the web that saffron from Iran and India seem to be a bit less expensive, but how about the taste? does anyone have an opinion on this?

thanks

[slowtyper]

I have recently seen saffron in Costco and loblaw brand stores. Sorry I forgot the price and don't know where they are from.

In the loblaw store, I believe it is one of those "black label" products. It was packaged in a regular sized spice jar with a much smaller container inside with the saffron.

[ippon]

got some saffron from home sense a couple of months ago.

[porphyra]

I bought the Kirkland Signature saffron at Costco last week. It is around $14 something for 1g. A little more expensive than the little transparent box saffron you see in grocery stores or in bulk barn.

The problem with Saffron, worldwide, is that since it is so expensive and relatively scare, there is a massive amount of adulteration. Unless you are absolutely sure of the source, never buy from a dubious place. The Costco saffron, while more expensive, is a LOT better than the other stuff I have been buying. It is certainly better than most other sources I have seen, except the Kashmiri stuff in India/Middle East.

Since one tends to use it sparingly, I'd suggest you get the Kirkland brand. There are vendors on the internet selling Kashimiri, Persian and Spanish saffron but I just don't know which ones are trustworthy.

There are subtle differences in the flavour/taste of the different saffrons. My personal preference: Kashmiri, followed by Spanish and Persian. However, the former (the real deal) is also the most difficult to source. I'd be wary of any prices that were too good to be true. Saffron is expensive and that is the way it is. There is no way that pure saffron can sell for much less that $8-10/gram.

[4flava]

Bought some at Winners of all places. LOL

[carolina girl]

Bulk barn carries saffron in a little container. Love saffron in risotto.

[Stryker]

I have recently seen saffron in Costco and loblaw brand stores. Sorry I forgot the price and don't know where they are from.

In the loblaw store, I believe it is one of those "black label" products. It was packaged in a regular sized spice jar with a much smaller container inside with the saffron.

Yes, it is a "black label" product at Loblaws. Found in the spice/baking section of our local store. Checked on the shelf. Saffron threads. Price 12.99 for 0.5 g. Says packed in South Africa. Nothing else that I could see on the label regarding original country of origin.

[slowtyper]

What did you all do with the saffron you purchased?

[hi-tech]

Iranian/Pakistani saffron is the best, but you'll have to go to an Iranian/Pakistani grocery store to get it.

[manteiv]

What did you all do with the saffron you purchased?

It's great for cooking certain dishes. It can be used in rice (eg. seafood paella), in couscous, stews, in seasoning of meat such as kebob, in tea and ice cream. All you need is a fraction of a teaspoon to add color and flavour to a dish.

[Keelie]

Remember, the redder in colour the higher the quality.

[ShoNuff2]

What did you all do with the saffron you purchased?

i like to make mussels in a saffron and white wine broth.

[GWK]

try using Turmeric as a substitute

[ShoNuff2]

try using Turmeric as a substitute

turmeric will only give you a similar colour. flavour is completely different.

[mohitk]

try using Turmeric as a substitute

Seriously?? Have you ever smelt/tasted saffron? While turmeric is a great spice, it can't match saffron other than in the color (That too is questionable - saffron imparts a beautiful yellow/orange shade while turmeric is a flat yellow).