Questions, answered honestly
Grade, proof, dosage, storage, gifting and shipping — including the answers that are less flattering to us.
The saffron itself
Grade, proof and provenance
How do I know your saffron is real?
Every batch is independently tested at harvest time to ISO 3632 Category I and we publish the certificate. Then try the bloom test at home: real saffron turns water gold slowly while the threads stay red. If yours doesn't, we refund you.
What does "Super Negin" mean?
It's the highest commercial grade of saffron: only the all-red tips of the stigma, long unbroken threads, no yellow parts, maximum colouring strength.
Where exactly does it come from?
Herat Province, Afghanistan — where 95% of Afghan saffron grows, and the origin the International Taste Institute has ranked the world's best for ten consecutive years. Single origin, always: we do not blend Afghan saffron with Spanish or anything else.
Is it legal to import saffron from Afghanistan?
Yes. Afghan agricultural trade is authorised under U.S. law, and we handle all import compliance so you just enjoy the saffron.
Is your saffron halal?
Saffron is a pure plant product and inherently halal — nothing is added to ours at any stage.
Threads or powder?
Threads, only ever. Powder is where adulteration hides — you cannot see what's in it. If a brand sells you powdered saffron cheaply, that is the reason.
Using it
How much, how to brew, how to keep it
How much saffron do I use?
3–5 threads for tea. A generous pinch (15–20 threads) steeped in 2 tbsp of warm water for a family rice dish. One gram is 60+ cups of tea or about 20 dishes.
How should I store it?
In its sealed bottle, in a cool dark cupboard. Never the fridge — humidity is the enemy. Kept well, saffron holds peak aroma for 2+ years, but check your harvest date and enjoy it fresh.
How long will one bottle last me?
Honestly: a long time. A gram is around 60 cups of tea. That is the awkward truth about saffron and the reason we built the brand around gifting and a daily ritual rather than pretending you'll reorder monthly.
Can I cook with it, or is this only for tea?
Both. Qabuli pulao, sholeh zard, sheer yakh, risotto, paella, kheer — bloom it in warm water first, then add the liquid and the threads together.
Gifting & orders
Wrapping, shipping and getting it there on time
Do you gift wrap?
Yes — choose "Give as a Gift" on any product for wrap and a handwritten card. There is no charge for the card.
Will it arrive in time for Eid / Nowruz / Diwali?
We post order-by dates for every occasion on the Harvest List and on the homepage calendar before each one. If you're close to a deadline, email us and we'll tell you honestly whether it will make it.
How does shipping work?
Free U.S. shipping on orders over $50; a flat rate below that, calculated at checkout. Orders ship with tracking, typically within one business day.
What if something is wrong with my order?
Email us within 30 days and we'll refund or replace it — no return required for opened saffron. Sealed, unopened items can be returned within 14 days.
Do you do wedding favours or corporate Eid gifting?
Yes — custom quantities, custom labels and chef pricing. Tell us what you're planning on the wholesale & events page.