Saffron Kitchen
How to Prepare Saffron
Before Using It!
Saffron is a delicate and powerful spice, and proper preperation is key to unlocking its full aroma, color, and flavor.
Saffron is a delicate and powerful spice, and proper preparation is key to unlocking its full aroma, color, and flavor
In traditional Iranian kitchens—especially in villages like Ābiz, known for their high-quality saffron—saffron threads are gently ground into powder before use. Due to its fragile texture, people often use small mortars made of brass, a material that is soft enough not to overheat or damage the spice.
While modern electric grinders like those from Haegisen are now popular for convenience, many chefs still prefer the traditional method to preserve the integrity of the saffron threads.
Once ground, a unique preparation method is used to extract the most color and aroma:
The saffron powder is placed in a glass cup or container, and ice cubes are added.
As the ice slowly melts at room temperature, it gently releases the saffron’s natural color and essential compounds—without applying heat, which can sometimes degrade its properties. This cold infusion technique is especially recommended by professional chefs when using saffron in larger quantities.
Important tip:
Avoid using saffron threads directly without grinding. Whole threads do not release their color and aroma as effectively, which leads to under-extraction and reduced potency in your final dish.
Whether you’re preparing Persian rice, stews, desserts, or beverages, taking the time to prepare saffron properly will elevate both the taste and visual appeal of your food.
Whether you’re preparing Persian rice, stews, desserts, or beverages, taking the time to prepare saffron properly will elevate both the taste and visual appeal of your food.
What is a Mesghal?
In the village of Abiz, nestled in South Khorasan and renowned for its exceptional saffron, tradition runs deep — not only in how saffron is cultivated, but also in how it’s measured and sold.
Saffron farmers in Abiz still use the Mesghal (also spelled Mithqal), a historical unit of weight that remains widely recognized in local markets and transactions. It’s especially common in the trade of precious goods like saffron, gold, and traditional medicines, where precision and heritage are equally important.
To better understand this unique sales culture, explore the following information:
- What is a Mesghal?
A Mesghal is a traditional Iranian unit of weight, still actively used in regions like Abiz for buying and selling saffron. It reflects the deep cultural roots of the saffron trade and brings a more local, authentic feel to transactions.
- How Much is One Mesghal?
1 Mesghal ≈ 4.6875 grams
In everyday market use, this may be slightly rounded to 4.5 or 4.6 grams, depending on local customs.
- Mesghal Subdivisions:
½ Mesghal ≈ 2.34 grams
¼ Mesghal ≈ 1.17 grams
For comparison, some markets also reference carats (commonly used in gold trade):
1 Carat ≈ 0.2 grams
- Why Use Mesghal for Saffron?
Because saffron is incredibly lightweight yet highly valuable, precise measurements at small scales are essential. The Mesghal, deeply rooted in the region’s trade history, offers a trusted and familiar unit. It helps ensure fair transactions while preserving a timeless cultural tradition.
- Mesghal to Gram and Kilogram Conversions:
1 Mesghal = 4.6875 grams
5 Mesghal = 23.4375 grams
1,000 grams (1 kilogram) ≈ 213.33 Mesghal
At Abiziba, we honor these local traditions while providing clear, modern conversions, so you can shop with both confidence and cultural insight. Let us know if you’d like to purchase by Mesghal or by grams — we’re happy to accommodate both!
Therapeutic Properties of Saffron
Beyond its rich aroma and culinary legacy, saffron has been valued for centuries in traditional medicine, known for
its calming, revitalizing, and even aphrodisiac qualities. In recent years, modern science has increasingly explored the
medicinal properties of saffron, providing growing evidence for its therapeutic potential.
One of the most promising areas of research is saffron’s antidepressant effects. A comprehensive network meta-analysis published in Psychological Medicine found that saffron significantly reduced depressive symptoms—particularly when used in combination with conventional antidepressants (ADT):
“Saffron had the largest decrease in depressive symptoms.” However, it was saffron PLUS antidepressants (ADT) that had the largest decrease in depressive symptoms.
Source: Psychological Medicine – Cambridge University Press
In addition to mood disorders, saffron has been studied for its potential benefits in cognitive function, anxiety, insomnia, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and even cardiovascular and metabolic health. For those interested in academic research dedicated entirely to saffron, the Journal of Saffron Research provides open-access, peer-reviewed articles in all scientific aspects related to this precious spice. Published by the University of Birjand in collaboration with the Iranian Society of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, this journal offers a valuable
repository of current research: Journal of Saffron Research – University of Birjand
These findings reflect not only the cultural importance of saffron in Persian tradition but also its growing relevance in modern health and wellness.
From Tradition to Taste
Saffron, known as “red gold, ” has been a treasured ingredient in Persian cuisine for centuries. Its vivid color, delicate aroma, and rich flavor elevate any dish—from rice and stews to desserts and drinks. Whether used in a traditional Iranian meal or reimagined in a modern fusion recipe, saffron brings a touch of elegance to every bite.
In this section, we introduce some of the most popular saffron-based recipes across four categories:
Rice Dishes
– Saffron Steamed Rice
(Chelo-ye Zafrani)
– Tahchin (Baked Rice Cake with
Saffron and Chicken or Meat)
– Shirin Polow (Sweet Saffron Rice)
– Zereshk Polow with Chicken
(Saffron Rice with Barberries)
– Morassa Polow (Jeweled Saffron Rice)
– Baghali Polow with Meat or Chicken
(Dill & Fava Bean Rice with Saffron)
Main Dishes
– Gheimeh Stew (with saffron-infused split peas or meat)
– Fesenjan Stew (sometimes with a touch of saffron)
-Saffron Chicken (roasted or pan-fried)
– Saffron Shrimp
– Saffron Fried Chicken or Beef
– Saffron Chicken Soup
Desserts
– Sholeh Zard (Saffron Rice Pudding)
– Saffron Halva
– Saffron Panna Cotta
– Saffron Rice Pudding
– Persian Saffron Ice Cream (Bastani Sonnati)
– Saffron Zulbia & Bamieh (fried sweets)
– Saffron Muscati
– Saffron Baklava
– Saffron Cake
Saffron Rice Flour Cookies (Nan-e Berenji)
Drinks
– Saffron Tea
– Saffron + Rose Herbal Tea
– Saffron Milk
– Saffron Syrup (used for cold drinks)
– Khakshir + Saffron Summer Drink
– Saffron Latte
– Saffron Mojito
– Saffron Smoothie (Ma’joon)
Other Culinary Uses
– Saffron Oil (for cooking or salad)
– Saffron Ice Cubes (for drinks)
– Saffron Yogurt Sauce
– Saffron Butter or Cream
– Saffron-infused Jams (e.g., Carrot Jam with Saffron)
Sample Recipes (EU/US Friendly)
Saffron, known as “red gold, ” has been a treasured ingredient in Persian cuisine for centuries. Its vivid color, delicate aroma, and rich flavor elevate any dish—from rice and stews to desserts and drinks. Whether used in a traditional Iranian meal or reimagined in a modern fusion recipe, saffron brings a touch of elegance to every bite.
In this section, we introduce some of the most popular saffron-based recipes across four categories:
Persian Saffron Rice (Chelo-ye Zafrani)
Ingredients
– 2 cups basmati rice
– 1/2 tsp saffron threads
– 2 tbsp hot water
– 2 tbsp butter or oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions
1- Soak the rice in water and salt for 30 mins.
2- Crush saffron and dissolve in 2 tbsp hot (not boiling) water.
3- Boil rice until al dente, then drain.
4- In a pot, add a bit of oil, layer rice, and steam on low for 30–45 minutes.
5- Just before serving, mix a few spoonfuls of rice with saffron water and garnish on top.
Saffron Chicken
Ingredients
– 500g chicken breast or thighs
– 1/2 tsp saffron threads
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 onion (sliced)
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper
Instructions
1- Steep saffron in 2 tbsp warm water.
2- Marinate chicken with saffron water, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper for at least 1 hour.
3- In a pan, sauté onions in olive oil, then add chicken.
4- Cook on medium heat until golden and fully cooked.
Sholeh Zard (Persian Saffron Rice Pudding)
Ingredients
– 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
– 6 cups water
– 1 1/2 cups sugar
– 1/4 tsp saffron (dissolved in warm water)
– 1/4 cup rosewater
– 2 tbsp slivered almonds
– Ground cinnamon & pistachios for garnish
Instructions
1- Cook rice in water until very soft and broken down.
2- Add sugar and stir.
3- Add dissolved saffron, rosewater, and almonds.
4- Simmer until thick. Garnish with cinnamon and pistachios.
Saffron Syrup (for drinks & cocktails)
Ingredients
– 1/2 tsp saffron
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tbsp rosewater
– Optional: cardamom pod
Instructions
1- Dissolve saffron in a tbsp of hot water.
2- In a saucepan, mix sugar and water and heat gently until fully dissolved.
3- Add saffron water, rosewater, and optional cardamom. almonds.
4- Simmer 5–10 minutes. Cool and store in the fridge.
5- Use in mocktails, mojitos, or with sparkling water.
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