Just to add one more place: Jaume Renobell, in Passeig Picasso 34 (in front of Arc de Triomf); saffron is not a cheap product. 10 grams will cost you aprox. 34 euros.

thank you both. I knew it is not cheap but at least now I know what to expect ;)

Hello, I just came across this thread. Are there any particular brands of saffron companies that you'd recommend or are they all the same as they have to follow Spanish standards for processing? Also, are there certain ages or varieties of saffron (like wines or sherry) which are better or more expensive?

Thanks.

In the Atarazanas Market in Malaga, 25 grams cost 50 euros.

There are many types of saffron at many different prices. Last year I did a study of saffron types and prices at my local El Corte Ingles supermarket and I found a dozen different brands. I am no expert, so I would buy some at a local market because that is where the Spanish majority buy the item.

A recent scientific study shows that saffron and ginseng are the only natural aphrodisiacs! No wonder the Spanish like paella so much!!!

Certain age of saffron? Young and not aged. Saffron, like all herbs and spices, loses its magic over time. Buy it from one of the specialty stores listed in post #1, not from a souvenir shop.

I just returned and bought mine from Casa Gisbert (listed above). It was 6.50 euros for 1 gram.

Amelie,

To answer your other question about grading, many countries (and cuisines) use saffron but of course, the Spanish probably prize their own Castile-La Mancha saffron the most! It apparently is categorized into 3 grades. I just looked at the box I bought from La Ribera and it says, "Calidad Selecto, Grande 1 Norma". Here's a link to a web page with more information about the grades. Imho, I don't think you need to buy the best; just try and get your supply from a reputable shop that sells good and true quality.

www.spain-recipes.com/spanish-saffron.html

A little saffron goes a long way! I grind mine up and use a small pinch. If you don't grind, it takes longer to dissolve and the colour/flavour might not be well distributed.

on la boqueria it is at 59 euros x 10gr.

about saffron quality ... sure there are different qualities, but main concern is that the one you buy is from spain cos there are alot who is imported from turkey and it has a lower quality (or at least they say it has a lower quality).

Slatkin,

Re: 59 euros x 10 gr. That's cheaper than what my3sons paid at Casa Gispert. Do you think it was cheaper becuz it was a larger size?

Which place at La Boqueria do you mean?

*

One more name to add to the list in post #1:

R.A. Gourmet, c/ Napoles 93

(I don't know if this is a shop or not. It's the name of the company on my box of saffron which I bought from La Ribera.)