10 Saffron Buying Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

The 10 mistakes

1. Buying powder.
2. Buying without a harvest year.
3. Trusting brand name alone.
4. Buying the cheapest tin on Amazon.
5. Buying in bulk before you know the seller.
6. Storing in a clear jar on the counter.
7. Crumbling threads dry into hot oil.
8. Boiling saffron in stock.
9. Doubling the recipe's amount thinking "more is better."
10. Throwing out the bloom water (always add it to the dish).

The 60-second pre-buy checklist

• Origin named? ✓ / ✗
• Harvest year listed? ✓ / ✗
• Grade printed? ✓ / ✗
• Photos show deep red threads? ✓ / ✗
• Return policy? ✓ / ✗
• Price between $4–$10/g? ✓ / ✗

If all six are ✓, you're safe.