Story perspectives

English Grower’s Saffron Tips: 10 Strands, High-Priced Flavor

8/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

David Smale grows saffron commercially in England and advises buttered saffron rice.
He recommends soaking six to ten strands in two teaspoons warm water until pale.
Smale says ten strands provide a warm, metallic taste and hay-like fragrance.
Saffron crocus flowers have six lilac-purple petals, three yellow stamens, and three orange-red stigmas.
Drying the stigmas removes about 80 % weight, so tens of thousands yield half a kilogram, driving high price.

1 of 1

Story summary

David Smale grows saffron commercially in England and advises buttered saffron rice.
He recommends soaking six to ten strands in two teaspoons warm water until pale.
Smale says ten strands provide a warm, metallic taste and hay-like fragrance.
Saffron crocus flowers have six lilac-purple petals, three yellow stamens, and three orange-red stigmas.
Drying the stigmas removes about 80 % weight, so tens of thousands yield half a kilogram, driving high price.