Everyone has heard that saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, but at Spizing, we believe that isn’t the most important thing about it. What truly matters is that it is incredibly delicious, aromatic, and packed with health benefits.
Finding high-quality, authentic saffron is a challenging task. The global market is complex:
- Iranian Saffron: A global leader, but restrictions make it difficult to find—you often end up with old harvests or random shipments of unclear origin.
- Afghan Saffron: Trade has become nearly impossible due to the political situation.
- Indian Saffron: Produces exceptional quality, but export is prohibited due to massive domestic demand.
- Spanish and Greek Saffron: These are widely available and decent, but they rarely reach the peak quality levels that true connoisseurs seek.
Bulgarian Saffron: The Small Gem of the Market
Recently, fate introduced us to a group of enthusiasts growing saffron right here in Bulgaria. The scale is incomparable: while Iran produces between 250 and 400 tons annually, Bulgaria yields only about 20–30 kg.
However, this is where the magic happens. To compensate for the small quantity, the quality of Bulgarian saffron is at an exceptionally high global level. These enthusiasts have taken on the daunting task of producing saffron for an almost non-existent domestic market, simply because they believe in its wonderful properties and want to offer a product with guaranteed excellence.
Saffron: The “Spice of the Gods” Through the Ages
Saffron has a history spanning over 7,000 years. It is believed that its selection from the Crocus sativus (autumn crocus) began either at the foot of Mount Olympus or on the island of Crete. Since then, it has spread across the Northern Hemisphere’s temperate zones.
- In Europe: It has been cultivated since the 14th–15th centuries, from England and France to Bulgaria and Romania.
- Symbolism: In ancient Persia and India, golden-colored rice was a sign of wealth and prestige.
- Spirituality: The robes of Buddhist monks are dyed the color of saffron, considered the color of life, as it is believed that Buddha himself wore such garments.
Why Should You Use Saffron Every Day?
The benefits of saffron are many and varied, but we simply love it for its flavor. Authentic saffron is so aromatic that you can add it to almost anything:
- Drinks: Saffron tea (often used to help regulate blood sugar).
- Sweet Treats: Pastries, desserts, and ice creams.
- Main Dishes: Kebabs, stews, paellas, and curries.
- Proteins: It pairs perfectly with fish, chicken, beef, shrimp, and casseroles.
Spizing Pro Tip: Saffron is even amazing when added to the butter for traditional Bulgarian Panagyurishte-style poached eggs. It adds a royal depth to a simple meal.
Video Recipe: Calamari with Saffron and Spanish Spice Mix
To inspire you to use this Bulgarian “gold” in your own kitchen, we’ve prepared one of our favorite recipes. The combination of calamari, tomato sauce, and saffron is a true explosion of flavor, perfectly complemented by our specific Spanish spice mix.
Watch how to prepare it step-by-step in the video below: