The Gathering of Saffron (0.07 Ounce (Pack of 1)) Pure Spanish Saffron 140 Plus year old brand well respected brand all around world

Description

Saffron is known as "the king of spices," and as the world's most expensive spice. Saffron is made from the dried stigmas of the flower species crocus. Each flower of the crocus sativus has only three pistils, and these must be picked by hand. Over 70,000 flowers are required to yield 1 pound of saffron. It has been used since classical times as a flavoring in food and wine. It is an effective stimulant and digestive, increasing the flow of saliva and digestive juices. The very best saffron is grown in Valencia, Spain. Unlike some saffron, ours is made from the full stems and not ground-up pieces that can easily be adulterated. The price of saffron is dependent on its coloring power (graded categories i to iv with i being the strongest). The select is category 1 and the sierra is category ii. Review: Good quality saffron - I’ve used saffron for years & know this is the real thing. Will buy again. Review: I have had saffron in the past as added to tea and some food dishes and I liked it for the flavor, but this is my first time buying saffron. Since I got this for the various claimed benefits, I was very concerned about authenticity, and I'm glad to find that this one passed all the tests. I also looked into the brand, and it has a good rep from what I found. The product came nicely packaged in a small round tin that I keep in the door of the fridge. That's perfect because saffron is said to keep best in metal, keeping out light and humidity. Thankfully, even though the tin container is small, the lid is easier to open and close without losing any of the precious saffron. PROS: + The tin edge was sealed with plastic & the tin was also sealed in a baggie + The saffron passed all the tests I heard about for authenticity: - Colored the water, but the threads did not lose their color - Threads had the right (bugle-ended shape) - There was a slightly bitter taste to the dry threads - The dry threads left an orange color when I rubbed between my fingers - The soaked threads remained intact when rubbed between my fingers + The tin (around the outer edge) was stamped with a "best before" date, a lot number, and a packed date CON: - There were some very pales strands in the tin. I don't know what that is - cornsilk, old saffron, or what. (I am contacting the seller to ask what those are.) I find that the easiest way to use it (for me) without being wasteful is to add a few strands to water or broth, then putting the liquid into dishes. I also like adding a couple of strands right into my daily tea beverage. It does not take a lot, I've heard, to get the benefits. I mainly keep a jar of water in the fridge with some saffron added to steep. I drink a little every day and add more saffron as needed. I have been enjoying the product enough that I have started a subscription. It's pricey but, for the benefits, I think of it as I do vitamins, sunscreen, and water - necessary.