Saffron is sensitive to light, heat and humidity, so it should be kept in a dark, dry and cool environment. If you store saffron in the right conditions, it can last up to four years. In the following, we provide you with useful information about the basic and correct storage conditions of saffron.
What does harm saffron’s quality ?
- Light : Direct light can cause the color of saffron to fade and reduce its flavor.
- Heat : High heat that can dry and damage saffron.
- Moisture : Moisture can cause mold and spoilage of saffron.
- Air over exposure : Exposure to air can reduce the quality of saffron.
Tips and Tricks for Storing Saffron
According to above factors ,Some key points for proper and basic storage of saffron include the following :
- Do not expose saffron to direct light.
- Do not expose saffron to high heat. (When storing)
- Do not expose saffron to moisture.
- Do not put saffron in an open container
- Do not put saffron in the vicinity of foods with a strong and strong smell or other spices.
These tips should be followed not only in daily use, but also during the production and packaging of saffron.
How to keep saffron in dry and stringy form (not ground)
Most of us prefer to keep saffron in string and dry form and grind it in special ways when we need it. This method of keeping saffron is the best choice. Because it will help preserve the aroma of saffron as much as possible. Here are the points that must be followed to keep dry and stringy saffron :
- The best container for storing saffron is a tightly closed glass or metal container. It is better that the light does not penetrate into the container. It should be tight enough to prevent oxygen.
- After buying saffron, if it is in a paper package, it is better to transfer it to a container with the above conditions.
- After we transfer the saffron to a suitable container, it can be stored in a cool and dry cabinet or closet in the kitchen or warehouse.
- Best temperature for storing saffron is about 20°C . Be careful, in any condition and temperature, saffron should be stored in a closed and airtight container to prevent moisture absorption.
How to store saffron in powdered and dry form (ground form)
Some of us prefer to grind saffron and store it.
- Ground and powdered saffron loses its aroma faster. Therefore, try to grind and store saffron in smaller weights and keep the remain in stringy form.
- Ground saffron absorbs moisture earlier than string saffron. So it is necessary to keep it in a dry and cool place and away from light.
- Plastic containers can reduce the aroma of saffron. Preferably do not use them.
How to keep the saffron in infused form
You may prefer to keep the saffron in infused form. There are some points to store your infused saffron :
- Note that brewed saffron has a shorter shelf life than dry saffron. (in same conditions)
- This is due to the presence of water in the brewed saffron, which makes it spoil faster.
- In this case, saffron must be kept in the refrigerator. Brewed saffron can be stored in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
- For longer storage, brewed saffron can be placed in the freezer. In this case, brewed saffron should be stored in a small but closed ice cube tray to avoid absorbing the smell of other ingredients. Brewed saffron can be stored in the freezer for several months.
Conclusion
According to above notes, keeping saffron is very important in maintaining its quality. So make sure to follow all the tips to preserve your saffron aroma. Also, as far as possible, do not keep saffron in ground and powdered form. We have prepared all the useful information about saffron storage in the table below.
| SaFFRON FORM | BEST PACKING | BEST PLACE | MOST LASTING TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stringy and dry | tightly closed glass or metal container | cool, dark and dry, 15°C-20°C | up to 2 years |
| Ground or powdered | tightly closed glass or metal container | cool, dark and dry , room temperature | up to 12 months |
| Infused (saffron water) | – tightly closed glass or metal container – closed ice cube tray | -refrigerator -freezer | -up to 3 months -up to 6 months |
Yes! to this aim you may first infuse saffron. Then brewed saffron can be placed in the freezer. It should be stored in a small but closed ice cube tray to avoid absorbing the smell of other ingredients. Brewed saffron can be stored in the freezer for several months.
The best method is keeping saffron in dry and stringy form in a tightly closed glass or metal container , in a cool and dry cabinet or closet in the kitchen or warehouse. It is better that the light does not penetrate into the container. It should be tight enough to prevent oxygen.
Saffron threads will last 2 to 3 years if stored properly after processing. If the Saffron is ground, the time will get reduced to 6 to 12 months.
