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?
ISO 3632 testing of our current lot is underway, and we will publish the full certificate here — laboratory, batch number and date — as soon as it lands. 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 source of most of Afghanistan's saffron exports. 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
Where can I find recipe-specific quantities?
Use the measurements in the specific recipe you are preparing. Our recipe collection provides tested quantities and methods.
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. How long a gram lasts depends on the recipes you prepare. Use the measured quantities in each recipe and keep the bottle sealed between uses.
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?
Returns are accepted within 14 days for sealed, unopened items. Email us first for return instructions.
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.