We use saffron a lot in Arabic and Asian cooking and my son read that mashing the strands of saffron with a mortar and pestle is best before using.

So Adorable I love it! I have diferent sizes but none that small! Good tip also Thanks!

Thank Dolly, this is one of the aspects of Cute that I love. Something interesting about another culture/country. I have used saffron but not for a while, I was given some as a gift. The mortar and pestle that I use I larger than either of the ones you have shown and it used to belong to my grandmother. The very small one is delightful. Thanks for this

I have never seen such a tiny mortar and pestle! How cute! I have never tried saffron either. I've only seen it served in seafood dishes, and I'm deathly allergic to seafood. Does that small amount of saffron impart an enormous flavor, or is it the main purpose color? Just curious.

2 comments

by dollygk 22 Jul 2014

When you buy a good saffaron you can smell the arouma before opening it and in cooking it gives a wonderful taste!! I use it mostly when making Chicken and Rice, Spanish style and my son uses it in the Arabic coffee.

by justonlyme 22 Jul 2014

Very interesting. Thank you for the information!!

I used saffron with seafood, loved the flavor. It has gotten so expensive, they have it under lock and key.

Hi Dolly, having read your post re saffron, I was in need to google and acquaint myself with this exotic spice. I am well acquainted with turmeric and it is widely used in Indian and 'boerekos' here in South Africa. Possibly due to the high cost of saffron, it is not a spice sold here generally together with the other varieties and selections of spices. I do not recall having used it. Last September/October I was in Israel and in Jerusalem we visited many spice vendors. Had I known then, what I know now, I would have bought some saffron - even if it was just a few strands to try!!! I was interested to read of its extensive medicinal benefits. I love your tiny mortar and pestle ......Patricia in South Africa

My in-laws were years in Turkey with the military and I found both sizes of mortars and pestles in her kitchen after her death. Very handy.

Have never used saffron, but love this little masher, it would look real well among my collectables/Lillian

That is so cute, saffron is also used a lot in seafood paellas,yum.

1 comment

by dollygk 22 Jul 2014

I like to add a bit to tapioca pudding when I make it using the balls sold by weight, A great taste!!

that is a nice find I do not cook Asian food ate at a restaurant and did not like the food so never used it in cooking.
hugs Lenamae

Great find! I love Middle Eastern and Asian food. Enjoy the new and improved saffron.