Few ingredients are as delicate and special as saffron. It’s one of the world’s most expensive ingredients per ounce, yet it can be used in various cuisine styles and dishes. It’s perhaps the most prized spice in the culinary world, and should be handled with care and attention. It’s known for its sweet, earthy aroma and bright red threads that turn yellow when it’s mixed into a dish.
Saffron can be difficult to source in your average grocery store, but Costco is making sure it’s available to its warehouse members. The brand, Plaza Saffron, sources their full thread saffron from the Kozani region of Greece, which they say is one of the best saffron available in the world. It receives a certified color score of 200+, securing that title and showcasing it with its coloring power and deep aroma. Being full thread, per the brand, means it maintains its quality longer than cut or ground saffron.
How to Use and Store Saffron
Saffron is often used in rice dishes like paella, risotto and biryani, as well as seafood stews and tagines, and can even be used in desserts like rice pudding, cakes and ice cream. Culinarians recommend steeping the threads in a hot liquid for 10-20 minutes until it’s aromatic before adding to a dish. The steeping liquid should also be added to infuse the most flavor.
To best store saffron, Plaza recommends keeping it in an airtight container, stored in a cool, dry and dark place. It should not be directly exposed to light. Their saffron is lab tested for purity, potency and origin and exceeds the ISO standards for ultra premium quality.
What Are Reviewers Saying About This Spice
Most reviewers are thrilled with the product. “I bought this Saffron through Costco online, and it’s a great deal and excellent quality saffron. I use saffron in my traditional desserts when celebrating our Holiday Eid and in my Biryani instead of food color and flavor”, said one fan.
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“14g jar of Saffron … the looks of the full jar is stunning … so much incredible flavor to be enjoyed over the coming year. This was my 3rd such purchase over the past 10 years … makes it easy and economical to cook with saffron as often as the heart desires!!!”, exclaimed another person.
Plaza Saffron comes in a 14-gram jar that sells for $79.99 on costco.com. It’s currently $20 off for a deal of $59.99. The good news is, you only need a pinch to optimize the saffron flavor in a dish. If you’re seeking a highly-rated saffron for a discounted price, this may be the best time to secure the deal from Costco. It’s sold exclusively on their website.
