What does saffron (the spice)smell like?

Question

I am writing a my point of view story of shopping in an Indonesian open air market and I was researching spices. So what does saffron smell like?

Answer 1

Interesting question but it's almost impossible to describe the way a fruit or spice smells. How would you describe the way a banana smells except 'fruity'.
How would you describe the odor of a rose besides 'flowery'? Saffron smells 'spicy'.
Mixed with the other odors of market spices I'd imagine it would smell extremely exotic!
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Answer 2

I ve just acquired a jar of saffron and have a few descriptions that will get you close to the smell.
It starts out overwhelmingly bitter, bordering on medicinal. A subtle iodine smell mixed with slight traces of bleach and a super potent plastic aroma hit you first. That is only the upfront notes, underneath the bitter beginnings are a deeply dried fruit type raisin/fig aroma with just the slightest hints of sweet floral notes on the edge.

They are literally hair sized dark red stamen from a flower, and many dishes call for 2 - 3 of them. That should speak to how potent the flavors in these things are. Eating one on its own like I did first is not indicative of its potential. They are also extremely stain capable, with the one small piece I ate painting my tongue a bright color.

It does not feel like a crazily versatile spice, but it will certainly have some unique applications. Some people will undoubtedly find they are saffron heads, and will most likely love adding it to all things. All said, you owe yourself and your senses exposure to what is a very unique spice. Cheers.

Answer 3

Ahhh i am persian but i cant think of anything vegetarian that we make with saffron other than rice! I really love it on chicken, but i dont think id be too fond of it if it was in veggies...it may be good in curry or something or maybe even in veggies idk cause ive never tried it. We dont use it everything since it's pretty expensive, even when it comes from Iran nowadays. However, you can make saffron tea, ive heard thats really good. Not sure if it's added to black tea or just had plain. It might taste a bit oddly plain. You can try it with black tea & some rose water. Very Pearrsiaann. OHHH OHH yeah they put it in ice cream & some desserts too. If i can think of anything else ill come back & edit this. Much Love :) Aslo, i forgot to mention..if you want to add it to something dry like rice for exp, dilute it with warm water. That brings out the flavor more

Answer 4

I couldn't tell you, but most saffron these days isn't saffron per se, but turmeric, a similar spice and yellow. Saffron is made from small lily stamens and very expensive.

Answer 5

Just like Saffron essence only better.

Answer 6

It has a sort of sweet smell, but it's still a kind of bitter and just a little bit sour-smelling. It has a sort of 'dark' and 'quiet' sweetness.(If that makes sense)

Answer 7

it has it's own unique aroma. instead, write about what memories or emotions the scent evoked in you.