SC - Re: Saffron cost

[Robin Carroll-Mann]

And it came to pass on 29 Apr 00,, that David Dendy wrote:

> The packaging you mention sounds like the proper packaging, and "product of
> Spain" is encouraging.
[snip]

I went and bought it.  The sale had ended, alas, but $19.95/oz. still 
sounded like a decent price, and I *am* running low on saffron.  The 
packaging looked quite convincing -- tin labelled with the supplier's 
name, wrapped in yellow cellophane, and tied with a golden cord with a 
little embossed seal on it.  It says Spain, but does not specify Mancha.  
"The Gathering of Saffron" is the brand name, from Novelda, Spain, and 
it was allegedly packed in 2000.

> As to appearance, safflower, while similar the general appearance to
> saffron threads, looks quite different on close scrutiny, as it is
> actually whole flower heads, including the petals, rather than the stigmas
> as in saffron.

The contents are dark red threads, no petals.  I am convinced that I 
have acquired saffron, though conceivably not the highest quality on the 
market.  That's okay -- I don't think I have the palate to appreciate the 
Really Good Stuff.

Thank you for your advice.  Which reminds me, I have to pop over to 
your website.  There are a few things my spice cupboard lacks which I 
*cannot* find locally, even in the more interesting stores.


Lady Brighid ni Chiarain
Settmour Swamp, East (NJ)
mka Robin Carroll-Mann
harper at idt.net