Only its not, this is a saffron flower! the first to bloom from bulbs given to me by my friend Megan . i harvested the long red strands, and hopefully will get quite a few more as others come out. I have never used saffron before, so once i get enough it will be interesting to make some kind of dish with it.
Saffron is amazing to use - this is fascinating, I've never seen the saffron strands growing. I thought saffron flowers were a kind of crocus? It's a lovely purple colour
The UK uses saffron in Easter biscuits and saffron cakes or buns, rather than paella. I've made the Easter biscuits, saffron cakes are a Cornish speciality if I remember correctly - but Essex has a lot of saffron recipes - Saffron Walden is in the crocus growing area.
The world's most expensive spice, costs more than gold and platinum weight for weight. Enjoy cooking with it and what a fabulous macro. As @shannejw says, Saffron Walden was the saffron crocus centre of the world and theyr'e out to regain that title!!
Saffron is super expensive
Top of mind and very easy to make... assuming you’re not paleo, is Paella. Delicious 😋