I had no idea that saffron would be one of the takeaways (literally and figuratively) from my trip to Iran. According to Iranian legend, overconsumption can lead to death from laughter. There is no danger of that here in the States, where saffron is so expensive, many stores keep it under lock and key, if they carry it at all.
In fact, saffron is more valuable than gold by weight. Saffron comes from the stigma of the autumn crocus, and it takes 72,000 flowers to produce one pound. Fortunately, only a few threads are necessary to impart the distinctive flavor so valued worldwide. At the bazaar in Isfahan, an ounce cost about $28, which made it the perfect souvenir – lightweight, portable and hard to find at home!
In Iran, we indulged in all manner of saffron-redolent dishes: ice cream, rice pudding, creme caramel, rock candy and bread; to say nothing of the rice that accompanied every meal. One of my favorite blogs – Persian Mama – has a great recipe for Sholeh Zard – Persian Rice Pudding. Let me know how you like it!
travel magnolia 
I will definitely have to try the rice pudding, my Mom will LOVE it!!
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Thanks Chrissy! Let me know!
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Spain is another big producer and consumer of saffron
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Hi Nicole! Yes – it is, but Iran produces 80-90%! Staggering…actually read about someone in California who is now growing the crocuses that produce it. Since there are only 3 stigma per flower, you can imagine how many are necessary!
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Love the idea of ice cream or creme caramel with saffron! 🙂
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And you would really love the fact that there are chunks of butter in the ice cream 😉
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Wonderful post about my beloved spice Maggie. Thank you so much for the mention!
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Thank you and it is my pleasure!
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Thank you and it is my pleasure to share your great recipes and blog!
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You must help me with using this amazing spice…it’s beautiful and flavorful yet I am so fearful of trying a very complicated dish…..
all I have ever used it for is , in very small amounts paella and rice….help!
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It would be an absolute pleasure! BTW, only a few strands is ever necessary as it packs so much flavor into each one.
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