Saffron Threads Jar 1 g

Saffron Threads: Aroma, Color and Flavor for Your Authentic Paella

Our greatest treasure, the full aroma and flavor of our culinary tradition, is captured in our protected 1 g glass jar of saffron threads. This exclusive format is designed to make this unique spice an essential ingredient in your authentic paellas and other Mediterranean recipes.

Carmencita is one of the most recognized spice brands in Spain, with a long history of offering high-quality selections that grace the shelves of both local grocers and gourmet shops. Choosing Carmencita means choosing authenticity, flavor, and trust.

What Makes Saffron Threads So Unique?

Commonly known as “red gold”, saffron comes from the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. Harvesting just one kilo of this prized spice requires over 150,000 flowers, all picked by hand. The stigmas are then delicately separated—also manually—making saffron the most valuable spice in the world.

These saffron threads give food a beautiful golden hue and a distinct slightly bitter taste, thanks to natural pigments like crocin and safranal. It's not just a coloring agent—it's a flavor enhancer that transforms every dish.

How to Use Saffron Threads to Unlock Their Full Flavor

Using saffron the right way makes a big difference. Simply sprinkling threads into the pan often leads to disappointment: a pale dish with yellow blotches where the threads landed. That’s why experienced cooks toast the threads before using them.

The traditional method involves wrapping the threads in a thin piece of paper and placing it on the lid of a pot to warm for a few seconds. Then, crush the threads by hand or with a mortar and pestle. A more modern approach is microwaving them for about 25 seconds until they become brittle, then pulverizing and dissolving them in a hot liquid like water or milk. Saffron doesn’t infuse oils with color, but it does enhance their aroma and taste.

Following these techniques will maximize both aroma and color distribution, giving your paellas and fideuàs deeper flavor and a more vibrant appearance.

Tips for Storing Saffron and Preserving Its Quality

Saffron does expire, and over time it loses its potency. Proper storage is essential: humidity dulls its aroma and light fades its color. In the past, toasted threads were wrapped in cotton cloth and stored in metal boxes to protect them.

Today, our glass jar is specially designed to shield saffron from these damaging factors. However, it’s still best to store it in a cool, dry, dark place. Not all saffron is equal—origin and purity matter. Threads that include floral remnants or styles reduce the overall quality, which is why Carmencita selects only premium pure threads for maximum effectiveness.

Why Buy These Saffron Threads for Paella?

The 1 g saffron threads jar from Carmencita offers one of the most essential paella ingredients in its purest, most natural form. Whether you choose to toast, grind, or steep the threads, this format adapts to any preparation method.

Carefully selected and preserved, this saffron enhances the flavor, aroma, and color of your traditional paellas. It delivers the unmistakable golden glow and rich taste that are hallmarks of true Spanish cooking. After all, what would an authentic paella be without its natural golden color and unforgettable flavor?