What are Saffron threads?
Saffron Threads Premium Quality, “1 A Coupé” refers to the quality of the threads from Orlandosidee. “1 A” is the highest quality category, and “coupe” means additionally, that only the tips of the threads (those with the highest coloring power). Saffron threads are a spice. In the fall, the purple-colored Crocus sativus produce the filigran stigmata inside their flowers. Each flower produces three threads, and they harvest them by hand. For 1 kg of this spice, you need between 80,000 and 150,000 flowers. A picker creates about 80 grams of saffron per day.
Where do Saffron threads come from ?
Saffron has its origins in West or Central Asia and has quickly found its way into the Mediterranean. Today it is grown in many regions of the world. The best quality depends on the soil procurement as well as the production technique (drying and storage). The main producer of this spice is nowadays Iran, followed by Spain and Morocco.
Quality standards of Crocus sativus
ISO 3632-2 is the quality standards for Crocus sativus. Here they specify the proper procedure on how to examine the components of the spice. Afterward, they categories its color strength through the containing crocin.
International Standard ISO 3632-2 category - Value;
- 1A> 190
- 2 = 150-190
- 3 = 110-150
- 4 = 80-110
Spanish Standard Category - Value
- Coupé = greater than 190
- La Mancha = 180-190
- Rio = 150-180
- standard = 145-150
- Sierra = less than 150
Crucial to the quality is the aroma and the degree of bitterness. Here, the minimum requirements for them in the
Spanish standard are as follows:
Aroma (Safranal) greater than 20,
bitterness (Picrocrocin) greater than 70.
Culinary use for Crocus sativus
The lightly bitter taste of Crocus sativus and its consistent aroma, coupled with its beautiful orange, yellow color, make it an exceptional Spice. Saffron is used very sparingly in the preparation of foie gras, candied lamb, and mussel gratins. I use it with Risotto Milanese. Here you can find my recipe: http://www.orlandosidee.de/rezepte/Reis/risotto-mit-safran.htm.
Fake Saffron
You need Soda for a chemical test to prove the authenticity of this Spice. If it is the real spice, the solution turns yellow. It is not the real one (possibly with turmeric stretched powder), then the solution turns red - cloudy. Pure saffron threads can be recognized by the funnel-shaped, rolled up, and notched scar legs with a length of about 2-3 cm. To make sure you buy the real spice, I recommend buying threads instead of powder, pay attention to the characteristics of the threads.
How do I conserve them?
Keep your saffron threads in the supplied screw-cap glass in a cool and dry place. Protect it from sunlight.
