Saffron Threads vs. Powdered Saffron

Saffron can be purchased in two different formats - powdered or stigmas (threads).

Powdered saffron is simply saffron stigmas that are ground up into a fine powder. SaffronChef.com does not sell powdered saffron because it is very difficult to discern the quality of powered saffron. Corrupt dealers sometimes mix powdered saffron mixed with other spices, most notably paprika and turmeric, to save a buck. Other times various foods are dyed crimson to scam buyers. For these reasons we do not sell powdered saffron.

You can easily create powdered saffron out of saffron stigmas by grinding and crushing the stigmas down.

Powdered saffron and saffron threads operate in different ways. Powdered saffron dissolves easily into foods when cooking, but the flavour is not as intense as it is when cooking with saffron threads. Flavour in the saffron threads take a little longer to saturate into the food, but the flavour is usually richer.

Please see our recipes section to learn more about cooking with saffron.