Armenian Saffron Threads – Category 1

100% Single Estate saffron — grown exclusively on our own farm in Armenia. We grow this saffron ourselves in Armenia and control every step from cultivation and harvest to packaging and sale. There are no intermediaries and no blending with lower-grade material.

Since we began growing saffron, we have used neither chemical-synthetic pesticides nor synthetic mineral fertilisers. Our fields are currently undergoing the formal organic certification process; until that process is complete, we deliberately do not market the saffron as organic.

Our main saffron, batch 3-23 from the 2023 harvest, was analysed by a laboratory specialising in saffron testing. It achieved ISO 3632 Category 1 with a measured colouring strength of 290.5. The Category 1 threshold stated in the test report was 200, meaning this batch exceeded it by approximately 45%.

All three tested batches from the 2023 harvest achieved ISO 3632 Category 1, with colouring strengths between 282.6 and 290.5.

Only the deep-red stigmas are used. They are harvested by hand, carefully dried and stored under controlled conditions before the sales batch is tested. The product contains 100% saffron threads, with no fillers and no artificial additives.

For risotto or a similar dish serving four, I recommend about 20 threads of our Category I saffron, or 2–3 teaspoons of saffron concentrate. One gram holds about 530 threads — enough for more than 25 risottos for four. I often cook with our own saffron; adjust the amount to your taste. Lightly crush the threads in a mortar and let them soak in a little warm water, about 40 °C, for at least 10 minutes. Never use boiling liquid. Use the entire infusion, threads included, and rinse the bowl with a little cooking liquid so nothing is left behind. Add to the finished dish off the heat and keep warm gently without bringing it back to the boil.

My personal risotto tip: infuse the lightly crushed threads in a little warm white wine for at least 10 minutes, never boiling. Warm water is an alternative without wine. To accompany the finished risotto, I recommend Zorah Karasi red wine.

Ideal for risotto, paella, saffron rice, soups, sauces, fish dishes, tea, pastries and desserts.

Keep the saffron in its airtight aluminium container, protected from light, heat and moisture. Close the container immediately after use.

Because we grow and sell the saffron ourselves, its origin and handling remain transparent throughout the entire journey – from our fields in Armenia to your kitchen.

Find delivery destinations, charges and return information on our delivery and returns page.