
Caffeine-freeSaffron Rooibos
Sweet, earthy rooibos. Lemon, ginger & saffron.
36 plastic-free servings
Afghan Saffron (1 Gram)Whole threads of pure saffron, the world's most expensive spice, handpicked from the fields of northwestern Afghanistan.
Afghan saffron
Whole threads of pure saffron, the world's most expensive spice, handpicked from the fields of northwestern Afghanistan. With an average ISO color reading of 250 (and some as high as 280), Tahmina’s selection is some of the highest quality and most potent saffron you’ll ever find. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, saffron has been used in many medicinal traditions for mental health, immunity, acne, digestion, PMS, and more.
Origins:
Afghanistan
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Saffron is the world’s most expensive spice, more expensive than gold by weight. It is the hand-picked stigma of the crocus flower, and it takes more than 75,000 flowers to make 1 lb of saffron.
Tahmina saffron is sourced directly from Afghanistan, hand-harvested by Afghan women and prized for its exceptional quality.
Discover saffron
For centuries, saffron has been prized in Persian and South Asian traditions as a mood-supporting botanical for:
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Find your everyday
Stay with herbal, or start your morning with green tea.

Caffeine-freeSweet, earthy rooibos. Lemon, ginger & saffron.
36 plastic-free servings

Moderate caffeineGreen tea, peppermint & a bright note of saffron.
36 plastic-free servings


From the community
These saffron strands are grown in Afghanistan by women and are processed and certified in the U.S. They come in a recyclable/reusable metal tin. While initially mine had a funny odor, when soaked in water they smelled like flower nectar. Infusing them in the water I used to bake my rice added that flavor to my rice, along with a gorgeous warm yellow color. Since I also used cardamom, cinnamon, and pomegranate seeds, I can’t be sure of the saffron’s exact flavor. These are dried and they have a firm texture, which makes them easy to work with. They soften up after soaking. They are a deep red color and as you can see from photos are effective in adding a yellow color to your food or drink. I am delighted with this product and I will use it again.
These are fragrant red stamens from the famous purple crocuses, that will make your rice yellow and savory. They lend a delicate flavor. I haven't cooked with saffron before but was excited to try. I "bloomed" a pinch or about half a teaspoon of saffron threads in warm water before pouring the liquid through a strainer into cooking risotto made with a cup and a half of arborio rice and half an onion. In the end I stirred in a little heavy cream and added some shaved Parmesan when I served it. I had sauced Brussels sprouts from the freezer section and vegetarian non-chicken nuggets which I guess isn't gourmet but it tasted great to me, for a weeknight dinner. The little tin the saffron threads come in makes me a bit nervous that I will spill them when using force to get it open, since it closes by friction. Still, I have not spilled it. This is not an overpowering flavor. It really is delicate. I had considered making a different recipe for saffron and tomato risotto which sounded quite good, but I'm glad I just made plain saffron risotto to let its flavor stand alone and be able to appreciate it better. It did make my rice a sot yellow color. Using a larger amount of saffron threads and or steeping them for a longer time might have produced an even more golden color, but I was satisfied. Risotto tastes great even without saffron, so this is not going to become a staple in my pantry. But saffron, so carefully picked by hand in a far away field of little flowers, has long been used to make dishes that are extra special for your loved ones or honored guests. I tested this by myself on a weeknight but I'm going to put some of the leftover in the freezer to share with a friend soon.
This appears to be real saffron, with intact red threads and the characteristic dried-flower aroma. Only a small amount is needed for tea, rice, desserts, or other recipes, so the one-gram container should last through several uses. The recyclable metal tin is practical for keeping the threads protected and makes the product feel nicely presented. I also appreciate that the saffron is ethically sourced from Afghanistan and tested according to ISO standards. My main concern is the price. At $25.99 for one gram, it feels expensive compared with many other genuine saffron options. The quality and sourcing may justify part of the premium, but I would still consider it a better value at a lower price.
I love saffron and enjoy trying different brands, so I was excited to give this Afghan saffron a try. From the moment I opened the container, I was impressed. The aroma is rich, fresh, and unmistakably saffron—exactly what I hope for when buying a good-quality product. The strands have a beautiful deep red-orange color, and even tasting just a tiny strand gave me that distinctive saffron flavor that lingered nicely. Compared with other saffron I’ve tried, this definitely stands out in both aroma and flavor. The listing states that the saffron is ethically hand-picked by women in Afghanistan, which I also appreciate, although I would have liked to see the country of origin printed directly on the container. I’m looking forward to using this in rice dishes, pilafs, desserts, and Asian cooking. You really don’t need much saffron to add that gorgeous golden color, wonderful aroma, and distinctive flavor to a dish. Overall, I’m very impressed with the quality, especially for the price. If you already love saffron or are looking for a good one to try for the first time, this is definitely one I would recommend.
I'm not a foodie, so I wanted this saffron to make saffron tea for its wellness properties. So for the purpose of this review, I used AI to learn about what saffron should look and taste like, but I did not use AI to write this review. Before I get in the discussing the saffron, first, a word about the tin. The two sides of the tin are very small and for the life of me I couldn't get a good grip on it to open it. I finally caved one side in with a pliers, which allowed me to pry the top off. For someone with hand or finger mobility or strength issues, be aware you might need help getting in. As other reviewers have said, upon opening the tin the threads are a gorgeous deep coppery red. The scent is amazing, with honey and herbal scent. I only wish the individual threads, and the tea from them, retained the note of honey. In my opinion it does not; the tea infusion using 6 threads is a beautiful golden color (which supposedly means the threads are of good quality and not dyed) while the flavor is pretty grassy to me with a little bit of earthy undertone. With only 6 threads, there's no particular bitterness, however. The threads are intact and don't fall apart easily when rubbed between the fingers; that is also supposed to be a sign of high quality saffron. Today I took one of the threads that had bloomed and chewed it. It was a little bitter, slightly grassy, and also had a slightly soapy, almost chlorine taste as well. When I looked this up, it appears that this is a normal quality of Afghan saffron (not that chewing the threads directly is a normal way to use saffron, but I was experimenting!) and is a sign of high levels of its natural compounds--so, a good thing. I'm enjoying my saffron tea, and adding it to green tea over ice is a terrific flavor profile--both flavors complement each other. Added to black tea, however, I got too much of the grassy flavor for my preference. If you want to experiment with making the infusion, be sure to crush up the threads a little bit and let them "bloom" in warm, not boiling, water for 10-15 minutes. I use only a few ounces to let the threads bloom and then add it to my drink of choice or drink it straight. I notice that I'm getting some of the relaxation and mood balancing properties of this spice, and since I only use a few threads a day, I believe the value is there even though the price is high.
This Tahmina Afghan saffron looks and smells really fresh, with deep red threads and that distinctive floral, slightly earthy aroma you expect from good-quality saffron. A little goes a long way, and the 1 gram container is enough for quite a few dishes since you only need a small pinch for rice, tea, desserts, or paella. I typically just use a small pinch for saffron rice and it is delicious! It’s Grade 1, ISO certified, and ethically sourced from Afghanistan. This is great for anyone who cooks with saffron and wants authentic threads rather than a cheaper powder or lower-grade blend.
The Tahmina Afghan Saffron has a strong aroma and a warm flavor. Afghan saffron tastes different from other regions. It has a deeper floral note than Spanish saffron and a smoother sweetness than Iranian saffron. The color releases quickly and only a small pinch is needed for any dish. It's versatile and II love this for rice. The threads have a nice texture, and the color is clean and bright when added to water. The flavor comes through well in any dish. Great quality and easy to use.
The saffron threads have the deep red appearance I expect from a good-quality saffron product, and I like that the package contains whole threads rather than only ground saffron. Having the actual threads makes it easier to see what I am using and control the amount added to a recipe. The 1-gram quantity may sound small, but saffron is used in such small amounts that it can go a surprisingly long way. I especially like using saffron in rice dishes because a relatively small amount can add both color and its distinctive aroma and flavor. It can also be incorporated into tea, desserts, paella, and other dishes where saffron is traditionally used. For the best results, I prefer to bloom the threads before adding them so the flavor and color can distribute more evenly. The main thing to remember with saffron is that it is an expensive spice, so I would rather have a smaller quantity of good whole threads than a large amount of questionable material. The ISO certification and Super Negin designation are also reassuring details for someone specifically looking for a premium product. Overall, this is a nice option for cooking when I want the distinctive flavor, aroma, and golden color that real saffron provides.
Used this to make saffron rice and it was Soo good. We paired it with some beans and chicken and it was fantastic. I have used saffron from various brands and this one seems to be a bit more fragrant and has a nice slight flavor that seemed to stand out from others we've used in our cooking. It's a nice small tin full of flavor. I do think from using it its pretty fresh, the tin is durable and seals the saffron nicely. And I also don't think the price is too crazy comparison to what we've purchased in the past. It is definitely a treat to have this spice in the home. I particularly am fond of saffron rice and eat it regularly when we have it in the house.
Tahmina Afghan Saffron is truly a remarkable spice that stands out for its premium quality and ethical sourcing. Known as the world’s most expensive spice, saffron’s high value is well justified by the painstaking process required to produce it—around 75,000 flowers are needed to make just one pound. Tahmina’s Grade 1 saffron threads meet rigorous ISO 3632 standards, ensuring authenticity and superior quality that is apparent from the first use. The saffron itself is beautifully vibrant with the rich red color that connoisseurs look for. Each thread is delicate yet potent, providing a pure and authentic flavor that enhances a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re using it in cooking, tea, rice, paella, or desserts, Tahmina saffron imparts an unmistakable aroma and taste that elevates the culinary experience. The flavor is subtle yet complex, making it ideal for those who appreciate the finer details in their cooking. Beyond the culinary benefits, Tahmina saffron offers wellness advantages as well. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, saffron has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Modern studies suggest it may support mood enhancement, improve memory and learning, and aid with sleep quality. These benefits add another layer of value to this already precious spice. One of the aspects I most appreciate about Tahmina saffron is its ethical sourcing. The saffron is handpicked by women in Afghanistan, supporting mental wellness and providing income to conflict-affected communities. This mission adds significant meaning to the purchase, as it helps uplift individuals and families while promoting sustainable livelihoods. The packaging is thoughtfully designed with sustainability in mind. The saffron is stored in a recyclable steel tin that keeps the threads fresh and protected. Additionally, all boxes and packing materials are recyclable, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. In summary, Tahmina Afghan Saffron offers an exceptional combination of purity, flavor, ethical sourcing, and sustainability. It is a premium-grade spice that justifies its reputation as “red gold” through its quality and the positive impact it supports. Whether you are a culinary enthusiast or someone who values ethically made products, Tahmina saffron is a worthwhile and luxurious addition to your pantry.
Good, premium saffron with a wonderful, fresh aroma. It's definitely the real deal and I've already used it twice to make some delicious saffron rice. A little bit from this went a very long way for me, and I love the vivid, beautiful color from how fresh it was. Definitely a great value on this, and super easy to use, too!
This saffron is a lovely addition to my spice collection! The threads have a beautiful deep red color, and just a small amount adds a wonderful aroma, color, and flavor to dishes. I especially enjoy using it in rice dishes and tea, but it would also be great for desserts, paella, and other recipes that benefit from a delicate saffron flavor. The 1-gram package is a nice size since saffron is used in small amounts, and the threads are easy to portion out as needed. Overall, a beautiful premium spice that adds something special to both everyday cooking and more traditional dishes.
Very flavorful tea
Not sure how to use it yet. I thought I was ordering tea. Can I put a little in a cup of tea?
I thought I was a little indulgent but it has been worth it.