Natural saffron - the dried stamens of a crocus, one of the most expensive spices in the world. But it is necessary, and a very small amount. It is used for flavoring baking, dishes of rice and vegetables, as well as a natural dye. I am a very long wanted to try the saffron, especially ddlya pilaf and baking, but not risky to buy at the market. The fact that saffron is often counterfeited, but I'm not so good at this spice to distinguish a fake. In a glass jar just half a gram of saffron, and it is packed in a small black bag. While I have tested on saffron pilaf. Took a few strands, slightly rubbed them in a bowl with salt and brewed with boiling water. It turned bright yellow fragrant infusion. Then apply it to the recipe. In the finished pilaf saffron provides firstly, a shade (not such as turmeric yellow, orange rather direction) and spicy aroma and taste nuance. I'm ready pilaf liked much more than with turmeric. I want to try and baking.