Table of Contents
- The Saffron Hype is Real, Okay?
- Why Does Fake Saffron Even Exist? (Spoiler: It’s Shady)
- Online Saffron Buying: The Wild, Wild West
- Key Indicators Of A Good Saffron Seller (and the ones that’s bad.. Duh?)
- Trusted Online Saffron Retailers That I Vouched For (based on 0 expiriance, only opinions of people with the same name as mine online, its trustable )
- Beware of These Red Flags! Seriously… Like Super Important to know it
- The Price of Saffron and If You Are Getting A good price or nahhh?
- Storage Tips That My Uncle Showed Me ( and also youtube..)
- Cooking With Saffron Like A PRO (well.. Almost pro)
- My ( Slightly Chaotic ) Final Thoughts and Personal Story Time About saffron and my bad expierience when I made mistake on buying online saffron.
- Let’s talk about you’re expierince with online buying.
1. The Saffron Hype is Real, Okay?
Okay listen up people. Saffron, I though it’s just something from history books or like old cartoons. But my entire perception changed when i try that damn amazing, life changing, tasty basmati rice by my cousion’s wife . Now I am one of “them”, The one obsessed. Like seriously. People call it “red gold” or “ the most expensive spice in the world”, and am not talking “the guy at the street corner trying to sell me an extra discount, like he can offer discount, really? who would give you discount of gold anyway???”. And they are not lie, Not Even A little bit . That magical flavour? It’s floral, earthy, and slightly sweet and the smell when the threads soak up like… a perfurme when your mom uses one at nigh. I honestly can see the why now, why they treat like a royalty since for like a couple thousand yeara. The coloring? Just a touch and BAM your rice ( or tea) transform to an unbelievable, sunshine yellow . It’s not just a spice its an experience ok ? and an experiencem Im trying to achieve it on everyday life! its like this warm hug from within, or somesort of spiritual feeling idk maybe it’s because I spent a night awake all this saffron topic…Anyway… I really want to feel again this experince. but then the question. where did that gold threads even come from? the saffron seller, did he went on his quest with his bag like indiana jones and just handpick this magical item ? and in my research.. Oh booooyyyyy. this entire situation with it become like.. not-funny joke kind of. its complicated but good things comes with price I guessed
2. Why Does Fake Saffron Even Exist? (Spoiler: It’s Shady)
Right, let’s get down to brass tacks here and you have to be serious with this one!. The price tag on real saffron isn’t like ordering burger at macdonald. Its… it can be high! . like “make your pocket cry”, high. Now, some (and not good for you ones) people get ideas to “take advantages”. Because the price so high , there are “imitation game”. Its easy to sell the cheap stuffs disguised with “saffron threads”, and sell like you hit jackpot. Stuff like dyed corn silk, safflower petals (which ironically its another plant ), or even, and here comes, they would mixed real saffron with these… fake stuffs to increase the volume and the money they got and not the customer benefit , This stuff get a very bad reputation from what I know now . you see, even if you try this product one time you are just going to notice when the real saffron will hit on you and these are fake stuff won’t do anything besides looking red. Also I readed once that, there even are like a synthetic saffron with a flavour which does sound teribble honestly I wouldn’t touch that with my shoe . so yeah its messy out there! The temptation to make a quick buck from gullible online buyer like ME in my fist times I wanted to get saffron, its insane and it exists and all this stuff makes this a VERY VERY dangerous zone for us innocent spice-lover’s folk. I’ve felt on these type of tricks on online shops and let me tell you , it not fun so we better stay sharp because the guys out there just wont to empty our wallet from some useless thread. This is some serious scam zone! Be warned.
3. Online Saffron Buying: The Wild, Wild West
Okay so hear me out: buying Saffron Online Is A chaotic thing to get involve. Its like dating website where all people put all that shiny filters and the real ones are in shadow and try not be noticed until u found them . In real life when buying food is simple when its about fruits. u see a fruit. good look? perfect color? its yours!. but saffron???! its a thread? and the worst its expensive thread! this create very un-balanced relationship between you the buyers and the online stores that are waiting to pick any victim. When I was first trying it was scary, The wild west comparison felt quite adequate I’ll admit. Every other website or so , just looked like trying to get into your bank acc and suck it out. it a dark and full of scam kinda situation online, honestly and nobody would stop you before u spend some money. No real people helping, only fake comment or bots from god knows who behind them!. I even have tried a very badly online shops which were so confusing when navigating, they all looks like they created during my grandmother’s time . it felt wrong, and like entering a trap where the website layout never make a logic to a sane human person. They don’t let u read reviews from the “buyers”. Which you know? something is fishy if u hide it. It felt Like those days when my parents would lie about the Santa and the magic… it’s kinda wrong if I look back honestly! Finding that legit seller feels almost as improbable and as those days of a “magical being”. but, It’s out there, I think… hope?. It just take the right tools and the patient and luck and the knowledge so you do not loose a dime of your pocket ( or bank accounts ) ,
4. Key Indicators of a Good Saffron Seller (and the ones that’s bad.. Duh?)
Alright people listen! this one is critical to your pocket wellbeing. Lets talk about “red flags”! What do i mean by this term? is simple thing when the “saffron” vendor shows you signs on what you might encounter. Think of this a check list before buying online, we need to be ready like spartan before his next war… its just not funny out here with these sellers and they ready for us. Here’s what a good ( and honest ) seller usually displays, and what some very bad seller tries to keep for himself.
What You SHOULD Be Seeing :
- Clear Origins and the Grading. A honest vendor or seller always shows you exactly where this saffron comes from, not “far away land of mystery”, Its clear country and usually an exact place inside of that country. it should also show u a proper grading ( such as sargol, or pushgal). When its vague be alarmed immediately and step backward from this danger. like immediately and maybe blocked their entire business . I am super serious guys.
- Lab Tests Results and Reports?: Seriously, lab test report for Saffron exists?! (yes, the lab nerds check things very precisely! ) I wasn’t expect it, so its a big PLUS. Legit companies aren’t afraid of letting a certified lab test to “look over them”. And when the lab confirms the qualities they all be proud to show on their website!. If they’re hesitant and do not want to let u look over the reports that’s a BIG BAD. that smells the worst scam ever. If it exist? good to use as trusted factor when selecting a good vendor online .
- Reviews. What are other buyers saying? and is the websites reviews like “super fast” review from “super great customer with very very very good english”. I think some sellers using bots to praise and make look like great rating on shops but remember guys! do not fully trusted when reviewing a store!. Try to look more in other webs so you may encounter a honest response . it must have REAL genuine peoples comment. Because when those are missing? it means they don’t give an F and maybe are in some trouble selling. Be aware!.
- Detailed Information The more Information you can get? the best for you because it means less room for lying or cover up! so always seek more, because it might show on their policies like payment , return options or even the date on which it packaged on which helps for our purpose.. .A reliable website give u the best informations . simple!. And ofc it means you can “invest” your trust and know where u get the saffron and be able to reorder!
- High-Quality Images or Videos: No more hiding it! Good companies knows what you, our customer’s eyes want!. So when they hiding things that shows signs, a clear signal that something they dont show us.. like how the “saffron” threads look so you get a better idea of if its good one and high quality pictures do wonders.. some website put a zoomed-in image which show me what Im going to receive when I’m getting them… if their photo pixelated? I’m not buying…period
What You NEED To Avoid Like the Plague :
- Extremely Cheap prices? : If a deal sound “too good to be true”. ITS LIKELY IS!. So use that thing called common sense before jumping from those super cheap vendor’s.. they likely give you some cheap trash disguised on “high quality”. When dealing saffron there are a basic price, remember always that,
- Generic Packaging : if they package their products without the logo, without specific info and use simple bag?. Is likely, its fake or poorly mixed stuffs to give you for low price… its something very similar when they try to sale fake bag of designer stuffs!. Pay attention always to all the little details and keep a eagle eye!
- Vague promises and very exaggerated claims: Phrases like “the world’s best saffron!”, or like “ the golden secret!”. is kinda corny if u asked me and they all say the same thing over again so its not convincing… remember most of it its false information from what you are buying and that should be a NO. . If their site is very exaggerated when describing the benefits. Run immediately and hide before it will find you and empting your wallet!.
5. Trusted Online Saffron Retailers That I Vouched For (based on 0 expiriance, only opinions of people with the same name as mine online, its trustable )
Okay, disclaimer time: I’ve not personally ordered from every single one of these ( sadly for me). However, all based in research from “my tribe” the one who had same names online (yeah kinda strange coincidence), these companies seems trustworthy and based on people that share a name, you know it, this sounds like trustworthy thing in my point. And by trustworthy they were clear of the criteria above :
- Rastag ( Persian Saffron ) : A family biz (like the restaurant i usually visit to my grandmother’s house). the family tradition sounds like authentic one, They also sell the finest persian Saffron I can tell with amazing pictures in site and amazing clear history, with full description . All around seem very clear to where the product came. from.. Also the labs reports on the site where pretty cool if u ask me..
- Zaffrus they source their stuffs straight from farms and have tons of transparency information!. so yeah. If its what their website claim about, that will makes it a winner on my pocket’s books. I need to give them try someday maybe I write to them!. also seem very good seller. I really like the “About us “ part its so much different when a bot writing it… they shows images of real human person so maybe is a big deal? IDK.. what are your toughts people?
- Saffron Story ( Iranian ). I found some video with review on the youtube ( from guys I subscribed with some few million subscribers ) they looks and seem great quality Saffron, And if my big boy influencer are using it it is for sure must be great right? Right?!, they have this family stories so sounds super good and also a nice grading system I understand with good videos on website to be seen for us! also very transparent information from website as usual so its something you have to look to before making your choice!.
Okay so, now hear me out. This is important part : Always remember to double-check on your end! even If its listed from mine or other person’s review! do you home works before making those decisions people!, the internet has its up and down! so stay safe out there before investing those dime into those stores! do the double checks so you will safe your precious gold!.
6. Beware of These Red Flags! Seriously… Like Super Important to know it
Okay now pay attention! These are no-go signals when on the wild west of the online world. These is what usually a not good company hide when selling online. So be sure and put it all under your personal book to learn:
- Hidden contact info? Seriously?! . If the seller plays a “hide and seek game”. be suspicious. I always say it: what they want to hide its very obvious that is not a trust thing to consider to be trustful!. Any legit store will happily displays an phone numbers or an actual email and will not hesitate answering question, . Because “good company always good relationship with customer”,
- No return policies or guarantee of your money: Listen very carefully! The return option is MUST on anything in this world if you want it or not, specially the saffron!. Any seller that not give you these simple return? avoid them with any chance to come nearby!. We, as the buyers need to protect ourselves!.
- Generic Description, very lazy site structure: When reading a text I always see through their laziness if it very generic!. “Super saffron threads!, get yours!”. or even if their store website is very ugly and from the stone age era?. just skip them immediately. It also smells a suspicious act or trying to get our attention just for profit reasons and those we not allow, .
- Weird Payment Option only: any place that’s push you a unknown methods, from god know’s places… please avoid those!. Be safe at all costs when your personal money on stake!. Usually the standard with debit card ,credit cards , google and paypal options. If its other, then… please do not trust these!. Its just obvious why this shouldn’t get you buy from them, okay?
- Pressure selling like the sale man with those door to door sales?. yeah this exist also in internet with saffron shops. Usually any trustable website will just offer you and it would give you space on make you’re decission, its always better those websites, than those trying to do it immediately for no particular reasons . do the research guys… always! before opening a purchase form . and any of this you see? just leave the tab right there.
7. The Price of Saffron and If You Are Getting A good price or nahhh?
Okay now here’s comes one of the more tricky topics out of these… price . Now be attentive guys!. Saffron price varies widely depends on “everything!”. Such as its quality or grade and from the original seller, is not the same when a very unknown website just giving a number to just do that in a click and from big company with reputation on quality standards for many year! that are giving a different numbers than small guys.. the price varys according. As rough guide but in a VERY rough way of calculation: if you are seeing it for like under $10 USD per gram then please.. BE AWARE, It might be something suspicious for our standards.. real, legit high-quality saffron cost quite a penny, it a intance!. you are in safe when you look from the average of $15 to 20 + USD, (remember also based on the website itself. ). if those small business with reputation with 20 dollar on price it does sound logic with low production price ( small fam business like the local butcher shop ). also if you get it very very low ( for our current numbers). its 99% fake!. There you go I told you the numbers I’ve gathered . Now when a large quantities will discount ofcourse.. if its a fair seller so the better!. Always always remember guys : Compare the price from multiple place from internet!. that you know for real its from legitimate website ( using this guide and be safe always!. )
8. Storage Tips That My Uncle Showed Me ( and also youtube..)
Listen to your uncle people!. My uncle told me and youtube told me too… how to store our precious red gold . it’s essential to ensure it keep the good flavor and that good colors when you need it and all those benefits you already know ! . Here are few tips that would benefit you after purchase your saffron!:
- Airtight Container it’s a Must Have. Always get one. Preferably if it its a dark colored one, It always the best option, to preserve the properties of the thread of saffron for long life cycle on storage ( my uncle gave me a metal can where his candies used to stored back when he was kid so its also a good tip for not wasting resource )
- Keep it Cool, Dark, and Dry! : Keep from direct sunshine, moisture ( no places near of the oven and the sinks!). and ofcourse the high temperature . like inside cupboard in kitchen or on other room is just great!.
- Do not freeze ( seriously!) It may alter some flavour ( according to videos from youtube gurus!).. dont freeze your product. I also dont recomend put in refridge .. you know?. better keep always room tempeture
- Shelf life its also limited, Usually from year or two when good stored it has high level of benefits. So if its been there longer you have less potent flavour.. remember it, so avoid keeping there on the cupboard for five year unless its you personal vintage!
- Only buy enough to your consumption, only buying what you know to spend. it’s like shopping at a groceries, do you purchase what you can use during some week or just what you see that looks good?, So use the logic before buying in bulk. It won’t get spoil , but lose its potency and might taste and flavor not what you have in mind for your food!.
9. Cooking With Saffron Like A PRO (well.. Almost pro)
Okay, so I’m no chef ( let’s face it!), but after research online I learned that saffron should be soaked and it seems like it’s very key important point in this. So hear it me here
- “Steeping the thread to life!”. Before cooking you have to release their flavour by just adding hot water, for like, twenty minutes or so , this will makes that yellow magical color when using on cooking. it would look just like in cooking show!, but with home made quality style ( if that sounds as a cool option for ya!)
- **Use sparingly!: ** saffron is high potency flavor.. use very tiny portions.. I also say: less its more.. try on little and see.. and If needed then you can increase to that point where it taste what you have been envision. Also not “cheap” that we dont waste all threads at once . its a “do it by portions”, type of spice!. Remember that
- Adding saffron on early step! The idea to adds the infused saffron at begining stages on food or soups? makes the colour all around your cooking process rather than put at last for no other use . the color will be throughout your food . ( also on some video where the saffron has not get a flavor or not soaking proper).
- Pair it well: saffron shines in rice (the one i tried.. ohooh!). on fish. chicken or all sort of stew like Paella is perfect for that kind of flavours!, there its not something it would taste wrong when properly using!, is versatile and amazing! try some youtube recipes. ( this what I always did anyway ) and it make the flavour and colors on my dish even better!, it become like that professional touch.
- **Always trust the recipe!. **if you first use!. or you have zero experiance in kitchen . it always helps. The youtube chefs makes look easier that what it looks for the first timers but dont get discouraged!. when it the results makes you happy. it what only matters!. keep on practing and get better with cooking process!, even with saffron threads!, also use our tips that we showed. Its free. You get good free stuff.. isn’t life a miracle?
10. My ( Slightly Chaotic ) Final Thoughts and Personal Story Time About saffron and my bad expierience when I made mistake on buying online saffron.
Ok, listen up here cause this stuff really happens guys: Finding real saffron is not like clicking “order” in some restaurant website for pizza . it a tricky. you really have to check this guides.. . It’s a mission, yes, like in a video games when going to uncharted territory. but the reward at end of it. OH MY GOD. it worth the effort . When that beautiful golden yellow touch will go on your recipes, or tea, or what your taste have craving?. it’s always an special occasion, it doesn’t compare to turmeric ( for people like me when first encountered )
and you have to get all these experience before being like an old grandpa just giving random advices of spice ( that not work on younger generation but who cares? I do). Because here we just want to help.. ( like all other grandfathers at end.. LOL) And to all you beautiful people on internet i really hopes this stuff has gave u some light on buying and I wanna share something very embarrasing, Ok? before ending this post. Okay so the embarrasing stuffs. When first time that I ordered saffron ,I felt “I was king”, like an expert now i know where the stuff come.. lol!. Turns out I purchased those cheap website on internet.. because It was a big big mistake with me not reading some user comment . So when I try to cook the same amazing rice of my cousin. IT DIDN’T TASTE anything like it . Even my grandmother told me when first I bring that spice: “boy! that’s no good!.” and yeah it taste nothing good when trying… It was such a bummer at end so i felt… cheated .. and angry.. I feel.. how to explain? stupid… So you get a very bitter feeling after a small excitement, that bad company stole your joy and your money so that’s the main point, all the extra efforts you put its only one to help with this goal to get that “golden threads”. SO please make no same mistake and pay attention all we learn . okay?. ( now let’s keep going)
The big finale!: In summary the real Saffron buying its about doing your homework first! dont skip parts . I say be careful with the price , be more curious before opening that buy option on the shop, and always look what the people are saying before doing those buys!. If a websites look sketchy? is sketchyyyy . Just move on to a new page. There is million out there.. find the correct one so your time will get some value!.
And now with all this research and some bad experienced by mine?. and what this blog entry about… is more like a quest that have not end because each day I just discover some new amazing fact or way to enjoy.. now with you too!, The quest its started!. Remember to read what your family say, listen what grandmas and youtube chefs tell and do your double check. and it means all about not to repeat my own personal dumb actions haha.. ( it sounds less embarrassing if say out loud right?). Because.. I say: Saffron its pure magic but not in a sense of the word that’s fool, But that is also because the real saffron quality. if its fake , you are missing some amazing and true magical moments!. Okay thats enough time on topic here
11. Let’s talk about you’re expierince with online buying.
And now I open the table. Now we talked!. It your time.
Where is your expercience on online saffron and other online purchase you have gone thru it? I just wants to know ( And I am serius here! please dont try to fool me, lol )
Let’s help and connect ourselves with those stories . The internet could use also real comment from normal peoples!, . Have you any suggestion or recommendations of Saffron or places in our big universe?. Just give it me and let us know what are you thougth guys!. We really would love to read it. because your opinion are VERY important here! and would add also other tips or thoughts on this matter . Please put in those comment! I want to really read those .