Difference between revisions of "Choose Saffron"
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#*[[Prepare Saffron|Saffron]] tips; and | #*[[Prepare Saffron|Saffron]] tips; and | ||
#*Saffron powder. | #*Saffron powder. | ||
| − | #Check the colour of the saffron. High quality saffron threads will appear dark red - the redder, the better. There should be no colour variation. If the yellow style can be viewed, it means that it hasn't been removed and while it has no [[Become a Chef|culinary]] benefit, it certainly adds to the weight.<ref>Marxfoods, How to choose the best saffron, http://marxfood.com/how-to-choose-the-best-saffron/</ref> However, few producers will go to that extra effort, so it's probably best to get used to it. | + | #Check the colour of the saffron. High quality saffron threads will appear dark red - the redder, the better. There should be no colour variation. If the yellow style can be viewed, it means that it hasn't been removed and while it has no [[Become a Chef|culinary]] benefit, it certainly adds to the weight.<ref name="rf1">Marxfoods, How to choose the best saffron, http://marxfood.com/how-to-choose-the-best-saffron/</ref> However, few producers will go to that extra effort, so it's probably best to get used to it. |
#*Powdered saffron is harder to discern with colour and it is the easiest form of saffron to adulterate. It will look a little lighter in colour than the saffron threads or tips. If it comes from a reputable brand or merchant, it should be fine. | #*Powdered saffron is harder to discern with colour and it is the easiest form of saffron to adulterate. It will look a little lighter in colour than the saffron threads or tips. If it comes from a reputable brand or merchant, it should be fine. | ||
#Smell the saffron. It should smell sweet, with a [[Make a Floral Bow|floral]]-type aroma. | #Smell the saffron. It should smell sweet, with a [[Make a Floral Bow|floral]]-type aroma. | ||
#Decide between threads and powder. There are different ways of using these, so the choice will really depend on your own preference, and you may even like to have both available in your pantry. | #Decide between threads and powder. There are different ways of using these, so the choice will really depend on your own preference, and you may even like to have both available in your pantry. | ||
| − | #*Threads: These can be separated out one by one and used decoratively. [[Date a Chef|Chefs]] like the fact that you can tell it's a saffron thread on a dish.<ref | + | #*Threads: These can be separated out one by one and used decoratively. [[Date a Chef|Chefs]] like the fact that you can tell it's a saffron thread on a dish.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*Saffron powder: This doesn't require steeping and is easy to add with a pinch. | #*Saffron powder: This doesn't require steeping and is easy to add with a pinch. | ||
#Store saffron properly. Place it into a [[Make Gifts out of Glass Jars|glass jar]] and keep it in a cool, dark, and dry place. | #Store saffron properly. Place it into a [[Make Gifts out of Glass Jars|glass jar]] and keep it in a cool, dark, and dry place. | ||
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
| − | *Saffron comes in grades if you're super keen to know what to choose. The best are termed as follows:<ref | + | *Saffron comes in grades if you're super keen to know what to choose. The best are termed as follows:<ref name="rf1" /> |
**Iranian saffron (often without styles): Short-sargol | **Iranian saffron (often without styles): Short-sargol | ||
**Spanish saffron: Superior/selected. | **Spanish saffron: Superior/selected. | ||
