Premium saffron threads from Morocco - Highest quality from Iznaguen, laboratory tested & pesticide-free
Why choose premium saffron from VitaSpice?
Our premium saffron from the highlands of Morocco in Iznaguen comes from a sustainable cooperative that operates without pesticides. Its exceptional purity and quality are confirmed by precise laboratory analyses: Crocin (coloring power) 256, Safranal (aroma) 42, and Picrocrocin (flavor) 111 – far exceeding the highest quality standards!
Advantages at a glance:
- ✓ Premium quality from Morocco (Iznaguen)
- ✓ Laboratory tested: Crocin 256, Safranal 42, Picrocrocin 111
- ✓ Well above ISO category I (highest level)
- ✓ 100% pesticide-free and sustainable
- ✓ From a sustainable cooperative
- ✓ Intense golden-yellow coloring power
- ✓ Distinctive, refined aroma
- ✓ Fine, characteristic bitterness
- ✓ Hand-picked and carefully processed
- ✓ The most expensive spice in the world
Who is premium saffron suitable for?
Ideal for gourmets, ambitious home cooks, and professional chefs, for French, Italian, Persian, Spanish, and Mediterranean cuisine, for baking, or for special occasions. Especially recommended for paella, risotto, bouillabaisse, and oriental dishes.
What makes our saffron so special?
Laboratory-tested premium quality:
-
Crocin 256: Staining power (ISO I: >200) - 28% above standard!
-
Safranal 42: Aroma (ISO I: >20) - 110% above standard!
-
Picrocrocin 111: Taste (ISO I: >70) - 59% above standard!
- All values far above the highest ISO category I
- Guaranteed highest quality
Origin: Iznaguen, Morocco
- High altitudes of Morocco (ideal for saffron cultivation)
- Traditional cultivation for centuries
- Optimal climate for highest quality
- From a sustainable cooperative
- Fair working conditions
100% Pesticide-Free & Sustainable:
- Without the use of pesticides
- Natural, traditional cultivation
- environmentally friendly
- Sustainable agriculture
- Pure and unadulterated
What is saffron?
Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world and is obtained from the stigmas of the saffron crocus flower (Crocus sativus). Each flower has only three stigmas, which must be picked by hand. Approximately 150-200 flowers are needed for one gram of saffron – hence the high price!
Why is saffron so expensive?
- Each flower has only 3 tiny stigmas.
- 150-200 flowers for 1 gram of saffron
- Completely hand-picked (no machines possible)
- Flowering period only 2 weeks per year
- Harvesting must take place on the same day.
- Labor-intensive and time-consuming
- Therefore: The most expensive spice in the world
The three quality characteristics:
1. Crocin (coloring power) - 256:
- Responsible for intense golden yellow color
- The higher the number, the stronger the dyeing power.
- ISO Category I: >200 (our saffron: 256!)
- 28% above the highest standard
- Intense, vibrant color guaranteed
2. Safranal (Aroma) - 42:
- Responsible for characteristic aroma
- The higher the altitude, the more intense the fragrance.
- ISO Category I: >20 (our saffron: 42!)
- 110% above the highest standard
- Distinctive, refined aroma
3. Picrocrocin (taste) - 111:
- Responsible for subtle bitterness
- The higher the number, the more intense the flavor.
- ISO Category I: >70 (our saffron: 111!)
- 59% above the highest standard
- Characteristic, subtle bitterness
Use in the kitchen:
Classic dishes:
-
Paella: Spanish rice dish (classic)
-
Risotto alla Milanese: Italian saffron risotto
-
Bouillabaisse: French fish soup
-
Persian rice: Tahdig with saffron
-
Biryani: Indian rice dish
Other uses:
- Saffron cakes and pastries
- Saffron ice cream and desserts
- Saffron tea and drinks
- Sauces and soups
- Fish and seafood dishes
Proper preparation:
- Soak saffron threads in warm liquid (10-30 min.)
- Or cook it directly in the dish.
- A few threads are sufficient (very productive!)
- Do not heat too much (aroma will be lost)
- Add at the end of the cooking time for best flavor.
Dosage:
- Per person: 3-5 saffron threads
- For 4 people: approx. 0.1g (approx. 15-20 threads)
- Very economical - a little goes a long way!
- Use sparingly and season to taste.
Health benefits:
Saffron is also traditionally used for health purposes:
-
Mood: Can help with mild depression
-
Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants
-
Memory: Can support cognitive function
-
Eyes: Can support eyesight
-
PMS: Can alleviate symptoms
Storage:
- Store in a cool, dry and dark place
- sealed airtight
- Protect from light (otherwise it will lose color)
- Shelf life: 2-3 years when stored correctly
- The aroma is retained for a long time.
Identify quality characteristics:
Real premium saffron can be recognized by:
- Deep red color of the threads
- slightly trumpet-shaped ends
- Intense, characteristic aroma
- No yellow or white parts
- Dry, but not brittle threads
- Laboratory analysis with high values
Why saffron threads instead of powder?
- Guaranteed pure and unadulterated
- Powder is often diluted or counterfeit.
- Threads prove authenticity
- Longer shelf life
- More intense aroma
- Better quality control possible
Sustainability & Fairness:
- From a sustainable cooperative in Morocco
- Fair payment for farmers
- Traditional cultivation methods
- Without pesticides
- environmentally friendly
- Support local communities
The most expensive spice in the world:
- Saffron costs €3,000-30,000 per kilo
- More expensive than gold (per gram)
- Reason: Labor-intensive cultivation
- Only 2 weeks of harvest time per year
- Completely handmade
- Our premium saffron: Excellent value for money
Country of origin:
Morocco (Iznaguen, highlands)
Storage instructions:
Store in a cool, dry place away from light. Seal airtight.
A notice:
Saffron should be used sparingly. Overdosing (over 5g) can be toxic – normal kitchen amounts are completely safe.
