How long will saffron keep its flavour for?

Answer 1

I have to disagree with the previous posters.

Saffron is the stamen of a crocus flower. As such it is perishable. More so than most other spices. It is not going to spoil and kill you but it will lose it's flavor and coloring properties as time goes by.

I don't store saffron as a pantry item. When I make a dish that calls for saffron, I buy it and use it that week. Also, never buy powdered saffron. Always buy the whole strands. It keeps longer and you also know it's the real thing.

Answer 2

The following dish is easy to make, even for a first-time saffron chef, inexpensive and showcases saffron. It's a family favorite at our house. BEJEWELED RICE (from India, I think) 1 cup rice 2 tablespoons butter 2 cups water 1/8 gram saffron (2 pinches) any combination of almonds, pistachios, pinion nuts, raisins and/or other dried fruits like apricots (chop fruits) Saute rice in butter with saffron, nuts and fruits. Add water. Boil vigorously for 2 minutes. Cover and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Do not disturb rice once it begins to simmer. Be careful not to burn rice. Do not use wooden utensils when you cook with saffron; the wood can absorb saffron's flavor and color. Be careful about going too heavy on the saffron. Too much will make the dish taste bitter. When first cooking with saffron, it's better to use too little than too much. Note: When cooking other recipes with saffron, put the saffron in whatever liquid is called and steep for at least 15 minutes. This will bring out the flavor, as will heating the liquid. Enjoy your generous gift.

Answer 3

if you keep it in an airtight, dark container in the refrigerator(cool, dry place), it will keep it's flavor for years...

I found this for you
Storage
Saffron must be stored in a cool dark place. It is customary to wrap saffron in foil and place in a tin or jar with a tight fitting lid.

Shelf-Life
Properly stored you can keep saffron for minimally three years. It won't "go bad" but the flavor will diminish as it ages.

Answer 4

as long as its in an air tight container then a long time i cook with it every week and have never noticed a drop in flavour, buy the best quality you can get this makes a big difference

Answer 5

Most dried spices only keep their flavor for about 6 months.

Answer 6

it should be used within 6 months of being opened

Answer 7

I'd use it before I had it a year or so.