Everything you need to know
From our fields in Armenia to your kitchen — here are the answers to the questions we hear most often about our saffron, our farm, and how to order.
Saffron is the dried stigma of the Crocus sativus flower — the world's most precious spice. Each flower produces only three tiny threads, all hand-harvested before sunrise. It takes around 170,000 flowers to produce just one kilogram of saffron. This extraordinary labor, combined with a very short annual harvest window, makes genuine saffron rare and valuable.
The best way to use saffron is to steep the threads in warm (not boiling) water, milk, or broth for 10–20 minutes before adding to your dish. This releases the full color, aroma, and flavor. Use approximately 0.1–0.2 grams — a small pinch — per serving. Saffron is wonderful in risotto, paella, soups, sauces, teas, desserts, and fine pastries.
Genuine saffron threads are deep red with slightly orange tips. When steeped in warm water, they slowly release a golden-yellow color — not instantly red. Real saffron has a complex aroma: floral, earthy, and slightly honeyed. If saffron turns the water red immediately or tastes sweet, it has likely been adulterated. Our saffron comes directly from our own fields with full traceability.
Store saffron in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. A cool dark cupboard is ideal. Properly stored saffron retains its potency for up to 3 years. Avoid storing near the stove or in direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate as moisture can damage the threads.
Saffron has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Research suggests it may support mood and mental wellbeing, act as a powerful antioxidant, help reduce inflammation, and support healthy digestion. It is safe to consume as a culinary spice in normal quantities. For medicinal use in higher doses, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional.
Our saffron is grown in Armenia, in a region with ideal conditions for Crocus sativus — mineral-rich soil, warm dry summers, and cold winters. Armenia has a long and proud tradition of saffron cultivation stretching back thousands of years. We own and farm our fields directly, from bulb to harvest.
Yes — completely. We use no pesticides, no chemical fertilizers, and no synthetic treatments of any kind. Even our bulbs are organically grown. We are currently working towards official organic certification, but our farming practices fully meet and exceed organic standards. Our saffron is as pure and natural as it gets.
Entirely by hand. Each flower is individually picked during the brief autumn harvest window, before sunrise to preserve maximum potency and freshness. The three stigmas are then carefully separated and dried. This process cannot be mechanized — it is one of the reasons genuine saffron is so precious.
You can order directly from our online shop with worldwide shipping. We also supply selected fine food retailers, restaurants, and specialty stores. Visit our Where to Buy page for a full list of retail partners near you.
Yes — we ship worldwide from our base in Luzern, Switzerland. Orders are carefully packaged to protect the saffron during transit. For full details on delivery times and shipping costs, please visit our Shipping & Returns page.
We stand behind every product we ship. If your order arrives damaged or does not meet your expectations, you have 14 days from delivery to request a return. Please see our Refund & Returns page for full details.
Yes — we warmly welcome visitors! Our Saffron House in Armenia can host groups of up to 12 guests. You can experience the harvest firsthand, explore our fields, and immerse yourself in Armenian culture and cuisine. It is an unforgettable experience for food lovers, chefs, and anyone curious about the origins of exceptional ingredients.
Absolutely. Armenia is a safe, hospitable, and deeply cultural country. Our farm is located in a peaceful region and we personally host and accompany all our guests. Armenia offers stunning landscapes, world-class cuisine, ancient monasteries, and extraordinary hospitality. We are happy to assist with travel planning for anyone wishing to visit.
Our Saffron House is an intimate guesthouse on our Armenian estate, accommodating up to 10–12 guests. It offers an authentic farm-to-table experience with local cuisine, guided field tours, saffron harvesting workshops, and deep immersion in Armenian culture. Learn more about the guesthouse →
Still have a question?
We love to hear from you. Write to us at hello@sari-safran.com and we will respond within one business day.
