How Much Is A Pinch Of Saffron?

Our answer

Nigella's Speedy Seafood Supper (from KITCHEN) is redolent of a bouillabaisse seafood stew, with the flavours of tomato and saffron. Saffron threads are the dried stigma from a specific type of crocus flower. Saffron threads are expensive but also have quite an intense flavour, so only a small amount is needed. Saffron is "bloomed" before using, in a small amount of warm liquid, to bring out the flavour.

Usually a pinch of saffron threads are used, and this is as many as you can pick up between finger and thumb. For salt a pinch is usually considered to be between 1/8 and 1/16 of a teaspoon, but as saffron threads are difficult to measure in this way we would not necessarily use this as a definitive guide to measuring saffron. In the UK when saffron is mentioned in a recipe it means the threads and not powder. We would prefer if possible to use threads as some saffron powders include a mixture of other spices, such as paprika and turmeric. Leftover saffron threads can be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool place for 6 months or in the freezer for up to a year.