Saffron, often referred to as “red gold,” is one of the world’s most expensive spices! It has been treasured for centuries for its unique flavor, bright color, and impressive health benefits. But, if you’ve never used it before, you’re probably wondering how to use saffron in the first place!

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make the most out of saffron in your day-to-day life. Whether you want to use saffron in baked goods, teas, or anything in between, our guide will teach you everything you need to know.

Learn how to use saffron in cooking, including traditional Swedish saffron buns sometimes called Lusseketter, or saffron rolls. Discover this powerful spice's unique flavor, health benefits, and medicinal properties. Explore its role in recipes like paella, bouillabaisse, and teas, plus get tips for using saffron effectively. Upgrade your kitchen creations and reap all of the benefits of this vibrant spice!

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What is Saffron?

Saffron comes from the Crocus sativus flower’s delicate red stigmas — those thread-like parts so synonymous with the spice — that are hand-picked. In fact, here’s a fun fact for you: saffron is one of the most laborious crops to produce (also why it’s so expensive). It takes around 75,000 flowers to yield just one pound of saffron!

As you can imagine, saffron has been seen as a symbol of wealth and luxury for hundreds of years. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks learned how to use saffron for its health benefits as well as its beautiful color and unique taste. It’s floral, slightly sweet, and earthy all at the same time. 

Medicinal Properties and Health Benefits of Saffron

While saffron is certainly very pretty to look at and very tasty in certain dishes, it also boasts several medicinal properties and benefits. Packed with antioxidants, it helps combat stress and inflammation in the body. Here are just a few more reasons to learn how to use saffron:

• Improve mood: Saffron is sometimes called the "sunshine spice" thanks to its potential ability to boost your mood. Studies suggest it can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety too (Source).
• Hormones: It has traditionally been used to naturally ease PMS symptoms and support hormonal health (Source).
• Eye and brain health: Saffron is also full of carotenoids like crocin, which supports vision health, and may enhance memory and cognitive function (Source).
• Anti-inflammatory: It may even help reduce inflammation too (Source).

Saffron is also popular in herbal medicine — it may help you relax and get a better night’s sleep. Whether you decide to steep it in tea or incorporate it into baked goods like saffron rolls, adding this powerful spice to your diet opens up a whole world of potential health benefits!

What are Saffron Buns?

Now, on to the good stuff! If you’ve ever celebrated St. Lucia’s Day, you’ve likely tried saffron buns (called Lussekatter) before. These Swedish pastries feature a golden color and are shaped into an “S” before getting topped with raisins. Saffron is one of the key ingredients!

Lussekatter buns are all about tradition. The bright yellow color represents light during the darkest days of winter, and it also symbolizes hope and warmth. It makes sense — St. Lucia’s Day is celebrated on December 13th and honors the Christian martyr known for her defense of the Christian Faith even admist the face of persecution.

But it’s not all about symbolism. Saffron adds such a unique flavor to the buns along with all of that color! What’s more, the spice enhances the slightly sweet saffron rolls making them even more impressive, especially around the holidays.

We make saffron buns every year for the Feast of St. Lucy!

Uses Beyond Saffron Rolls

Although Lussekatter buns are our favorite way to use this spice, there are several other ways to use saffron. It’s incredibly versatile in:

• Paella: A must-have in this traditional Spanish rice, sausage, and seafood dish! It adds so much color plus some earthy flavor.
• Biryani: Also made with rice, meat, and/or seafood, saffron adds color and enhances the other aromatic ingredients.
• Bouillabaisse: This hearty seafood stew owes part of its rich flavor to saffron. As you can see, it pairs really well with fish and crustaceans.
• Saffron tea: Combine saffron with cardamom, cinnamon, or other spices for a cozy and relaxing cuppa.
• If coffee is more you’re style, you can even add a dash or two of saffron to a latte. 

How to Use Saffron Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to consume saffron?

The best way to consume saffron is to soak the stigmas in warm water, milk, or broth to release its flavor, color, and benefits. Then, you can add it directly to whatever you plan to use it in! Remember that saffron buns, bouillabaisse, tea, and any of our other ideas are all great options.

Why is saffron so expensive?

Saffron is the world’s most expensive spice because producing and harvesting it is incredibly labor intensive. As mentioned, it takes a whopping 75,000 flowers to produce just 1 pound of saffron. This is because each Crocus sativus flower yields just three stigmas that are so fragile they need to be hand-picked during the short harvesting season, which is another contributing factor to the high cost.

Who should not take saffron?

Pregnant women and nursing mamas should use caution as there isn’t much research available and there are chances it could cause unwanted contractions. Those affected by certain mental health conditions and people who take blood pressure medication will want to stay away from it too. As always, consult with your trusted healthcare provider before introducing a new herb or spice into your diet if health issues are a concern.

How Will You Use Saffron?

From Lussekatter buns and saffron tea to paella and bouillabaisse, saffron adds color and flavor to so many different dishes — not to mention, all of those medical benefits! Splurge on your next trip to your local specialty herbs and spices store and grab a jar. Now that you know how to use saffron, all that’s left to do is decide which recipe to try first.

Learn more about other herbs and their uses

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• Nettle Tea: How to Grow, Harvest and Preserve Nettles
• Top 10 Healing Herbs for the Home Apothecary
• How to Grow, Harvest, and Use a Star Anise Plant
• How to Care for Stevia Plants: Grow, Harvest, & More