CaFleureBon Saffron in Perfumery: “Golden Threads Of Spice” + 13 We Are Just Mad About Saffron Perfumes Draw

crocuses  sign of spring

Is it Spring yet?

The most expensive spice in the world comes from the beautiful purple flowers heralding the first sign of spring but harvested in the Fall. Saffron provides both spice and color—highly aromatic and with a deep yellow color, the spice has a long history of use for its complex aroma, earthy flavor, and deep yellow color. The name for the plant comes from the Greek word krokos meaning saffron or yellow and the Arabic word za’fran refers to the spice.

saffron perfumes

Each female flower has three long, threadlike stigmas that contain over 150 aromatic chemicals. With an intense and peculiar spicy, somehow sweet, herbaceous, and even haylike odor, saffron provides a unique note to perfumery and cooking. Whether earthy or leathery in the base or the anchor in a gourmand fragrance, it makes itself known in tiny amounts. Just a touch adds intrigue to floral, rose and amber perfumes. Many modern Oudh perfumes as well as Arbabic and Indian attars contain notes of saffron (Editor's Note: the first Western perfumes I found that contained Saffron are Agent Provocateur in 2000 composed by Christian Provenzano, followed by  L'Artisan Parfumeur Safran Troublement by Olivia Giacobetti in 2002). According to Dawn Spencer Hurwitz who created Cimabue as a study in Saffron, " Saffron is a unique perfume material not the least for it's multi-facetedness.  Since it's ultimately a flower it has a wonderful way of floralizing a bouquet in the heart of a fragrance as well as acting as a catalyst for spices, citruses and resins.  Saffron also has a great affinity for the indolic and the animalic;  it does wonderful things with animal notes in the base".

Crocus sativus saffron

Crocus Sativus Botanical Illustration

The saffron crocus (Crocus sativus) is highly bred for long stigmas and as a result is sterile so it must be propagated artificially.  It grows from bulbs and is related to irises, lilies, and tulips. The female flowers produce three bright red stigmas within which are small capsules that contain chemicals making up the characteristic aroma, flavor and yellow color. The stigmas are not fragrant when fresh and must be dried and heated. The scent-containing vessels burst under this process, bringing about a chemical change that creates safranal, one of the main odor components.

saffron-field india 1999 national geographic

Saffron Fields in 1999 in India National Geographic

It can take 75,000 saffron blossoms or 225,000 stigmas to produce a pound of saffron spice. The plant is largely cultivated and harvested by hand, making it labor intensive and contributing to its cost. Countries that grow saffron include Iran, Spain, Afghanistan, Greece, and India. It is often grown on small family farms where it is a side crop requiring an intensive 3 weeks in the fall to harvest and extract the stigmas in much the same way they have been for thousands of years. Traditionally, Spanish growers of saffron would reserve a portion of their harvest as a kind of savings account.

saffrongatherers

The Saffron Gatherers- The Golden Stigmas Prized Since the Bronze Age: Detail of Fresco found in Knossos

Thousands of years ago, during the Bronze Age, saffron was gathered in Knossos. Stigmas are plucked early in the morning from closed flowers and laid to dry on silk trays under heat. Good saffron threads should be strong red with slightly lighter orange-red tips. This is how they appear naturally and an entirely red saffron thread may be lower quality and dyed red to fool consumers.

egyptians wearing cones of perfume saffron

Egyptians would wear wax cones scented with saffron, spices and flowers and as they danced the wax would melt and their hair and face would be perfumed

The use of saffron in Western perfumery is relatively new, but it was used in the perfumed wax cones of the early Egyptians. Ancient Romans would perfume their baths with saffron and ladies in the court of Henry VIII dyed their hair with saffron until the king banned the practice fearing it would reduce his supply of saffron for the table. Ancient Greeks describe Zeus as having a bed of saffron, indicating great wealth, and rich Romans sprinkled their marriage beds with the expensive spice.

15035_With_Violets_Wreathed_and_Robe_of_Saffron_Hue_cafleurebon

With Violet Wreath and  Robe of Saffron Hue John William Godard 1892

Egyptian physicians were using saffron in 1600 BC and it is mentioned in the  Song of Solomon 4.14 in the  Bible "spikenard, calamus and cinnamon, all the trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices". These red-gold threads were highly prized by pharaohs and kings as an aphrodisiac but they soon found that large amounts can produce deadly narcotic effects. Cleopatra would bathe in saffron before any meetings with men, using it aphrodisiacal properties to gain the advantage. Romans may have used it in mascara and it is used as a skin treatment mask in India to brighten the complexion and lighten dark spots.

fernet branca

In magick it may be used to incite either love or lust and can be made into an infusion for washing the hands before a healing ceremony. In moderate doses it increases psychic ability and may reduce depression. Its Apothecary uses were many including treating dry skin, easing menstrual cramps and asthma.  The Italian drink Fernet Branca (invented in 1845) is a dark, pungently botanical elixir based on saffron said to awaken the appetite, ease indigestion, and cure hangovers.  Bartenders in San Francisco have an affection for it and often serve it with a chaser of ginger ale or ginger beer, calling it the “bartender's handshake.”

spanish saffron treads super macro shot on dark plate

Spanish Saffron Threads

Saffron is sometimes called vegetable gold. For cooking the threads should be soaked for a few minutes to release their aromatic compounds. In addition to adding a unique earthy flavor, the distinctive color is important for the classic Provençal dish bouillabaisse. Golden saffron is used in buns called lussekatter cooked for St. Lucia’s day—the Swedish festival of lights. Called azafran in Spanish, it is indispensable in Latin cooking for dishes such as saffron rice, arroz con pollo, and paella.

saffron robes

Saffron Robes 1 by Thép Thavonsouk

Egyptians dyed the cloths of mummies a deep golden color using saffron, adding urine to preserve the bright golden color. The Flag Code of India describes the colors of the national flag as having a top panel the color of India saffron—a deep golden yellow like the tip of the saffron thread. Buddhist monks, especially those from Tibet, are known for their use of saffron to dye their robe; a practice taken up by practitioners of Hari Krishna. In more recent times, 60s musician Donovan was ‘mad about saffron’ in his song Mellow Yellow (and she was mad about him).

saffron robes woman eos

Photo by Olga Terrant

In Greek mythology the handsome mortal Krokus fell in love with a beautiful nymph named Smilax. One version has him turned into the small purple flower by the gods to preserve his beauty. Another version has Krokus being killed while throwing the discus with Hermes and where his blood was spilled there grew a crocus flower with a bright red center. The goddess of dawn called Eos or Aurora is represented by the color saffron, thus making a connection of this deep orange color with reincarnation or re-awakening.

It is said that when Alexander the Great arrived in Kashmir he directed his army to pitch their tents in a rich green pasture outside the city. The following morning they awoke to a field full of purple flowers that appeared overnight, even inside the tents. When the flowers turned his clothes yellow he felt that magic was in play and called off the battle.

Whether it is for love or lust, color or spice, beauty or health—we’re just mad about saffron!

Elise Pearlstine,  Monthly Contributor

Art Direction Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

mellow yellow donovan

For our Mad about Saffron Draw

amber-oud30ml

WORLDWIDE: 30ml Amber Oud from Parfums de Nicolai, perfumer Patricia De Nicolai

shay & blue  oud alif

WORLDWIDE 100 ml Oud Alif from Shay & Blue , Perfumer Julie Masse

cafleurebon HoM BLACKBIRD 1

WORLDWIDE 3.3  ml Blackbird House of Matriarch, Perfumer Christi Meshell * 93 percent natural

safran troublant l'artisan parfumeur

US and Canada  100 ml of L'Artisan Parfumeur Safrant Troublment , Perfumer Olivia Giacobetti

neela vermeire mohur perfume

EU ONLY  (not open to non EU residents, do not leave in comment if you do not qualify) Neela Vermeire Creations 55 ml Mohur EDP (screw top bottle), Nose Bertrand Duchaufour

newyorkoudbottle

USA ONLY  50 ml Bond No. 9 New York Oud winner of the 2012 Fragrance Foundation award Perfume Extraordinaire, Perfumer Laurent Le Guernac

cimabue dshperfumes cafleurebon

USA ONLY 10ml Cimabue  perfume spray from  DSH Perfumes   Italian Journey #8 by Dawn Spencer Hurwitz

Gujarat  olympic orchids ellen covey perfume

USA ONLY 30 ML Gujarat Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes, Perfumer Ellen Covey

 

ALL NATURAL

 

providence samarinda_new_dimensions_cafleurebon

USA ONLY 15ml SAMARINDA ALL NATURAL Providence Perfume Co., Perfumer Charna Ethier, This size available for sale at Twisted Lily, Indigo Perfumery, and Beautyhabit.com

parfums lalun quajar rose

USA ONLY Parfums LaLun ALL NATURAL  15 ml Quajar Rose, Perfumer Maggie Mahboubian

impromptu sampler set roxana illuminated

Greg Spalenka Art

USA AND CANADA ALL NATURAL Roxana Illuminated Perfume Impromptu liquid perfume and solid sampler set, reformulated Perfumer Roxana Villa

saffron veil phoenix botanical

US ONLY ALL NATURAL  4 ml Phoenix Botanicals Saffron Veil, perfumer Irina Adam

saffre-for-CFB-1

USA ONLY From our Author Elise Pearlstine, Perfumer for Tambela, 5m rollerball of Saffre

Thank you to all the fabulous artisan and perfumeries who contributed Saffron Perfumes for this post.

To be eligible for our Saffron in Perfumery draw, please leave a comment about what you learned from this article and as many of the fragrances you would like to win (Country restrictions, so read eligibilty and country restrictions). Be sure to include at least one Saffron natural perfume when you post your choices if you are in the US or Canada. If you only wear naturals please put that in your comment. The draw is random but we will try to match you with your choices. Draw closes April 3, 2014

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

 

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103 comments

  • Amazing article…I did not know that Egyptians dyed the cloths of mummies a deep golden color using saffron, adding urine to preserve the bright golden color. And the uber large amount of Saffron Blossoms it takes to create 1lb of Saffron spice. Would love to be entered to win Shay and Blue Oud Alif, Providence Samarinda, DSH Cimabue or Safran Troublant please and thank you. I am in the US 🙂

  • These are some of my favorite articles on CaFleurebon, I always learn so much. I didn’t know that the saffron crocus has only 3 stigma, no wonder it’s so labor intensive and expensive, but what really fascinated me is that they’re not fragrant when fresh, only when heated. Wonder how that was discovered! I’m in the US and my first choice is Providence Perfume Samarinda, also Bond 9 New York Aoud, Nicolai Amber Aoud or House of Matriarch Blackbird. Thanks!

  • I just recently read an article about various reasons saffron is so expensive. My favorite saffron fragrance so far is Maison Francis Kirkdjian Oud. It’s unbelievable the lengths that are gone to extract saffron. I love your article going through the various traditions, cooking, myths etc. Great article. I believe my choices would be:
    Oud Alif Shay & Blue, New York Oud Bond No. 9, Samarinda Providence Perfume Co., Saffron Vail Phoenix Botanicals, Amber Oud Parfums de Nicolai, Saffre Tambela and Cimabue DSH. In the USA. Thank you kindly.

  • I learned the dawn goddess’s color is saffron! Love that! I’m in the US and would be delighted to have any of these that I’m eligible for. Thank you so much!

  • wefadetogray says:

    Saffron may be one of my favorites notes in perfumery. My favorite point in your article has to be the Egyptian use of saffron as an aphrodisiac and the fact that is named in the song of Solomon. I am in the US
    My picks would be:
    Mohur
    Safrant Troublment
    Cimabue
    Saffron Veil

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    I didn’t know Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world and is the first to announce Spring. It is not surprising it is mentioned in the Bible because it has long historical significance..when i saw the title of the article, i had an intuition, L’Artisan’s Safran will be in the draw but since i already have it, i will choose among others. For this draw my choices will be

    1. Shay & Blue Oud Alif
    2. Bond No. 9 New York Oud
    3. Parfums de Nicolai Amber Oud
    4. Samarinda Providence Perfume Co.

    I am in the US

  • I didn’t know Saffron flowers (crocuses) had to be hand-pollinated 🙂 I am in the US, and I would love to win any of the following (in order of preference):

    1.L’Artisan Parfumer Safran Troublant
    2.Parfums de Nicolai Amber Oud
    3.Providence Perfume Co. Samarinda
    4.Lalun Quajar Rose
    5.Bond No.9 New York Oud
    6.Shay & Blue Oud Alif

    Thank you!

  • Saffron is one of my favorite notes of all time so I absolutely loved this article. Every bit of it was interesting but I especially loved the myth of Krokus. Also, the discussion of saffron in cooking brought back happy memories of my father making saffron rice when I was a child.

    I am in the US and would love to win:

    1.Amber Oud
    2. Blackbird
    3. Cimbabue
    4. Gujarat
    5. Samarinda
    6. Saffron Veil
    7. Saffre

    I am in the US

  • Interesting to know about the Bartender’s Handshake and other medicinal uses for this.
    Would love to win Qaujar Rose, Samarinda, or Blackbird. I live in the U.S..
    Thanks for the draw!

  • helicalgnome says:

    Everything Egyptian calls my attention. I find fascinating that they used saffron to die the mummies’ cloths plus urine!
    I am in the US and I absolutely love to try:
    1. Mohur
    2. Safrant Troublant
    3. Cimabue
    4. Saffron Veil

  • Loved learning about the top color of the Indian Flag being called India Saffron. You really feel saffron in India, that color is so enticing and so uplifting, charasmatic! I’m international, by nature and location 🙂
    SAMARINDA ALL NATURAL Providence Perfume Co
    Oud Alif from Shay & Blue
    Blackbird House of Matriarch
    Amber Oud from Parfums de Nicolai
    Thank you for the draw

  • Love the touch of Saffron in anything… Food, Perfume etc. Such a mystical background. I did not know the saffron crocus is sterile so it must be propagated artificially. I did know that it was used in the cloths of mummies, but I didn’t know of the addition of urine. I am in the USA and would love Amber Oud, Safrant Troublment, New York Oud, and Samarinda. Fantastic article on a fabulous ingredient.
    Thanks to the sponsors for the draws…

  • terrific post elise, i wait for these ingredients posts. So much to learn. It can take 75,000 saffron blossoms or 225,000 stigmas to produce a pound of saffron spice. That is amazing. Also that Agent Provocateur was first in the west but Eastern and bronze age people used it. i lol about saffron mascara
    my choices are
    Amber Oud
    Oud Alif Shay & Blue
    New York oud
    Samarinda
    Impromptu
    Gujarat
    Saffre
    Quajar Rose
    Blackbird

  • This has been such a fascinating article. I never never the flowers where saffrom originates are purple and sterile. for some reason I thought the flowers were bright yellow. I also didnt know that it took over 225,00 stigmas to make 1 pound of saffron spice. That is amazing. Now I can see why it is so expensive. I would love any of the following scents:
    1) Qajar Rose, Lalun Naturals
    2) Saffron Veil, Phoenix Botanicals
    3) Cimabue, DSH Perfumes
    4) Oud Alif, Shay & Blue
    5) Saffre, Tambela

    Im in the Us and thanks for the draw.

  • Another fabulous post Elise! I learned so much about this intriguing spice, I have always been fascinated by this note in perfumes but didn’t know much about it. I am drawn to this note and find it adds a mystical soul to a perfume. I enjoyed the story of Alexander the great! My choices if I am lucky are as follows: Quajar Rose,Samarinda, Saffre,Blackbird,Cimabue,Safron Troublant, Saffron Veil. Thank You, Tati

  • Amazing article, i really like reading the aspects not related to perfumery, like the uses in Egypt with the mummies and the Buddhists using it to dye their robes and of course i love paella and arroz con pollo!!!! Yum !!!!
    My picks are
    Shay & Blue Oud Alif
    Nicolai Amber Oud
    House of Matriarch Blackbird
    L’Artisan Safran Troublant
    Providence Samarinda
    I live in the US.

  • I’ve cooked with saffron in the past but was unfamiliar with its medicinal properties and historical importance. I found it interesting that it was considered an aphrodisiac by the Egyptians and that Cleopatra used to bathe in it!
    I am in the U.S. and my choices would be:
    Safran Troublment
    Oud Alif
    Cimabue
    Samarinda
    Thank you!

  • I didn’t realize all the uses for saffron, but I like Cleopatra’s motivation the best.

    So many wonderful choices to select! I would love any of these, but specifically:
    Cimabue
    Oud Alif
    Amber Oud
    Quajar Rose
    Samarinda

    Thank you for the draw!

  • meganinstmaxime says:

    Really lovely article. My favourite part was Alexander the Great’s tale. I’m in the EU so would love:

    Mohur
    OUd Alif
    Ambre Oud
    L’Artisan Safran Troulbant

    Thanks for the draw

  • Elise, what an interesting article! I guess I didn’t know anything about Saffron, because the news that it came from a flower was unknown to me. I love all the historical facts about saffron, especially the imagery that Zeus had a bed of saffron! My first saffron experience was also Agent Provacateur, and I still love it because it reminds me of my time living in India.
    I would love to sin Gujaret, Blackbird, or absolutely any of the natural perfumes mentioned here.

  • I had no idea that it has been used in magic and that it has medicinal qualities. Also, I have found very interesting the part with the egyptians that wore wax cones scented with saffron.

    I live in Eu and I would like to win: Mohur, Oud Alif or Amber Oud. Thanks!

  • I love saffron! I am mad about it! I did not know Egyptians dyed their mummies wrappings with saffron. I heard the story of Alexander the great and his saffron find for the first time here. I only wear naturals, so all of them would be on my list.

  • Marcopietro says:

    Greek myths always fascinate me and I did not know those related to saffron and crocus flowers.
    I live in Eu and my choices are: Oud Alif , Amber Oud or Blackbird. Thanks!

  • Nice article, so much information there that I’d not known, my favourite was the quote by Dawn Spencer Hurwitz, and I liked learning of the bartender’s handshake.
    I would like to win
    Mohur, Oud Alif, Blackbird or Amber Oud
    I’m in the EU, ty

  • Great article! Thank you, Ms. Pearlstine!
    I haven’t the idea that Agent Provocateur was the first out-of-Asia pefume to use saffron! And I love it! I didn’t know about the Egyptian perfume cones either!
    Thank you for the generous draw!
    I am in Europe and my choices are:
    1.Neela Vermeire Creations Mohur EDP
    2.Blackbird House of Matriarch
    3.Amber Oud from Parfums de Nicolai
    4.Oud Alif from Shay & Blue

  • Great article.I use my beloved saffron threads in my kitchen A LOT…The aromas they help develop are just divine. No wonder they are used in so many different ways( cuisine, dyeing, therapeutic purposes). I had no idea that saffron could be a deadly narcotic too. Shows you how the most gorgeous gifts of nature have a darker side too.
    I live in France and would love to win Neela Vermeire’s gorgeous Mohur , Christi Meshell’s superb Blackbird or Patricia de Nicolai’s Amber oud.
    Thank you for this draw.

  • Amazing article!
    I didn’t know about using saffron for mummies and that Buddhist monks dyed their robes with saffron.
    And that the stigmas have to be warmed up in order to get scented.
    And thet Agent Provocateur was the first modern European perfume using saffron.
    Please count me in for the draw, as EU resident. I would like to win one of the following:
    1. Mohur by Neela Vermeire
    2. Amber Oud by Patricia Nicolai
    3. Blackbird by House of Matriarch
    4. Oud Al if by Shye and Blue
    Thank you for the wanderful draw!

  • I actually didn’t know much about saffron. I knew it was used in the kitchen, as an ingredient in fragrances and for dyeing purposes, but frankly that’s about it. Very interesting to find out more about saffron. Thank you for this wonderful article and draw. I live in the EU and I would love to win the bottle of Neela Vermeire’s Mohur.

  • I loved the Alexander the Great story. The image of thousands of little flowers growing around and in the army tents is quite beautiful.
    I am in the EU and would like to win any of those I’m eligible for, but I’ll list them:
    Amber Oud, Oud Alif, Blackbird and Mohur.

  • I recently learned that I love saffron – this article taught me so much since I did not know much about it.I love that it is considered an aphrodisiac because I think it is such a sensual note 🙂 Thank you so much for the wonderful draw!! I am in the USA and would love to win : 1.) Samarinda Providence Perfume Co.
    2.) L’Artisan Safran Troulbant
    3.) Amber Oud Parfums de Nicolai
    4.) Phoenix Botanicals Saffron Veil

  • A friend sent me a link to the post because she knew I loved saffron perfumes
    Really glad she did because I knew very little about it other than some of my favorite meals and fragrances have saffron
    I knew it was expensive but could never understand why
    All those petals to make a pound. is fascinating as is the history of its value back to Knossos in the Bronze Age
    There is so much more I can say I learned and I can imagine Cleopatra bathing in it, the queen of perfume of course would use it to attract men
    Maybe I will put a few strands in my bath and see if my husband reacts
    For this generous draw
    Oud alif by shay and blue
    New York oud by bond which I smelled last week and love
    I am in the US so not eligible for mohur but I will one day but it I hope
    Samarinda by Providence
    Quajar rose. By LaLun
    Saffre by tambela
    Blackbird by house of matriarch
    Gujarat by Olympic orchids
    Safron troublemant by lartisan parfumeur
    Saffron veil by Phoenix botanical
    Saffre by tambela
    Cimabue by DSh Perfumes

    I loved all the artwork especially the painting robes 1

  • I absolutely love those articles, there are so many things to learn and the stories especially about Cleopatra and Alexander the Great are very entertaining! My choices since I am in the UK are Mohur, Oud Alif, Blackbird or Amber Oud. Thank you!

  • I’m not only a perfume nut but also a plant nut so I really enjoyed reading the article. 🙂 It was especially fascinating to learn about the goddess of dawn and her connection with reincarnation or re-awakening. BTW, living in Spain, I use saffron in cooking a lot. 🙂
    I live in the EU and my choices are:
    1. Amber Oud from Parfums de Nicolai
    2. Neela Vermeire Creations Mohur EDP
    3. Oud Alif from Shay & Blue
    4. Blackbird House of Matriarch
    Thanks for the draw!

  • I LOVE SAFFRON! And thank you Elise once again for a wonderful and highly entertaining article on my favourite spice.
    Turns out there were quite a few things I didn’t know, like the fact that it contains 150 aroma chemicals, amazing. And the difficult harvest, as well as the fact that it’s sterile because of the bred.
    Every December I eat lussekatte, I usually try to bake them myself, this is a most delicious combination, with the butter and sugar bringing the saffron to shine. And one I know to look after the good kind of saffron with orange tips, thank you, and thank you for this amazing draw. I’m in the EU, so should I be so lucky I would choose Neela Vermeire’s Mohur, ( I haven’t tried but sounds amazing)Oud Alif, or Nicolaï’s Amber Oud.

  • I learnt that saffron can enhanse florals, spices, animal bases and what most speaks to me that it enhanses indolic notes. I have a saffron tincture that I haven’t yet put to use, but this information is valuble to me.
    I would like Qajar Rose by lallunaturals
    I have family in the US who would recieve the perfume and are flying in to visit me in 3 weeks, so they would be happy to bring it with them (if only I would be lucky enough to win )

    Hemla

  • I found it interesting that saffron has been connected with different cultures for so long and that it has a great history behind!

    My picks, for I live in Eu, are: Amber Oud and Oud Alif.

    Thank you!

  • It is interesting that the first use of saffron in western perfumery is agent provacateur. It would make sense that with all the oriental ouds that saffron would now be an important ingredient. I own Impromptu and it is lovely. Great article and I love that crocuses may start blooming soon

    My choice should I win USA are
    Oud alif
    Samarinda-all natural
    Bond 9 NY oud
    Guajarat
    blackbird cimabue
    QuajarT rose
    Impromptu
    Saffre
    Saffron veil
    Amber oud
    Saffron troublant

  • Bartender in San Francisco have an affection for it and often serve it with a chaser of ginger ale or ginger beer, calling it the “bartender’s handshake.” I am getting over to San Francisco. I love the reference to Donovan and mellow yellow. I remember my mother was into all that hippie stuff and although my name is Rosemary, I could have been named saffron. Yikes

    I would love to win Artisan parfumeur Safran Troublant
    Amber oud
    Oud Alif
    Bond 9 NY oud
    Samarinda by Charna NATURAL
    Saffre by Elise NATURAL
    Roxana IlluminatedNATURAL sample set of impromptu
    Amber Oud by Patricia de Nicolai
    Quajar Rose ALL NATURAL

    Rosey D

  • I’ve always thought the saffron is very expencive. I didn’t know that the people died the clothes with such a treasure 🙂
    It was also interesting to know that the saffron was mentioned in Solomon’s book.
    I’m in US. My choices would be:
    Amber Oud Parums de Nikolai
    Blackbird House of matriarch
    Samarinda by Providence Perfume
    Pjoenix Botanicals Saffron Veil.

  • Cleopatra bathed in saffron before meeting men. 🙂
    Like to win: Blakbird, New York Oud, Amber Oud, Samarinda
    usa

  • I am mad about saffron too. I loved this article: it was well written, the images are stunning, the information accurate and enlightening, and the perfumes that accompany it are superb. I use saffron all the time in cooking. The best comes from Iran. You can make puddings or add it to chicken to make a delicious dish. Just don’t touch anything with it because the yellow color is no joke, it doesn’t come out. Soak it is water and melted butter and pour over the dish you want. It is exquisite.
    It has been hard to find a saffron perfume that actually smells good. I finally managed to do that when I discovered Midnight Oud. I would love to try Samarinda. Providence is one of my favorite houses. Oud Alif is impossible to get in the US (at least I have not found it) so that one. Saffron Veil sounds good. Amber Oud is a nice composition. And I have never smelled Gujarat. I did smell Qajar Rose. It was nice and I liked the name and the idea. The lasting power was poor but still its a great perfume. I have been eyeing Matriarch but have not tried anything of theirs, so that would be good. Im in the US by the way.

  • What an interesting article- I had no idea that saffron could have deadly affects, and enjoyed reading about the perfumed wax cones. I’m in the US and my choices are:
    1) Safran Troublant
    2) Samarinda
    3) Oud Alif
    4) Cimabue
    5) Blackbird

  • I never realised that saffron was used in so many ways in ancient times. Love the idea of wax cones dripping scent as they melted.
    My mind has certainly expanded from culinary uses.
    I am in Australia and my choices would be Amber Oud and Blackbird.

  • Fantastic article! In the last few weeks I’ve on a major saffron fragrance kick, wearing through samples and researching fragrances. Before I didn’t know that saffron came from crocus. I learned even more from this article, I enjoyed the part about the mummies and preservation because I love when people use unique means to accomplish things. The fragrances I would like to try are (I am in the US):
    Roxana Illuminated Perfume Impromptu
    L’Artisan Safran Troublant
    Amber Oud
    Samarinda
    Oud Alif

  • Elizabeth T. says:

    Who knew you could dye your hair with saffron?! I live in the USA and would absolutely love to try Cimabue, Samarinda or Impromptu. Thank you as always!

  • The most intriguing part of the article is that in moderate doses saffron increases psychic ability! Who knew? I love that! Great, informative article!
    The fragrances I would like to try are:
    Samarinda by PP, Saffre by Tambela, Saffron Veil by Phoenix Botanicals, Oud Alif by Shay & Blue, and Blackbird by HofM.
    I am in the US.

  • I had no idea it was ever used for medicinal purposes and even though I knew that cultivating saffron was a laborious process, I had no idea of the full process. Thanks for an interesting article. Since I was very lucky to win the Samarinda bottle last month and I’m enjoying it very much (love the midnotes especially), I would very much like to try more fragrances with saffron notes. I’m in the U.S. and I would choose Oud Alif, Amber Oud, and Saffron Veil. Thank you.

  • I thought I was pretty up on saffron as it is one of my favorite spices but I didn’t know it needed to be heated to release the scent. I am in the US and would love to have Safran Troublment, Cimbaue, Quajar Rose, or Roxana Illuminated Perfume Impromptu. Thank you.

  • I’m a big saffron fan. I noticed the trend towards using it in perfumery in the early 2000’s, with the likes of Armani’s Mania for Men among others. So many fragrances I’ve liked have it as a note, including Escada Magnetism, Prada Amber/Amber Intense Pour Home, Montales, Amouages, David Yurman limited, etc.

    What stood out in the article for me was this passage:

    “It can take 75,000 saffron blossoms or 225,000 stigmas to produce a pound of saffron spice. The plant is largely cultivated and harvested by hand, making it labor intensive and contributing to its cost. Countries that grow saffron include Iran, Spain, Afghanistan, Greece, and India.”

    Just like roses, apparently it takes quite a bit and I would never guess the regions in which it grows is that limited.

    As for the draw, I’d jonesin’:

    Natural: Samarinda

    Shay & Blue Oud Alif
    L’Artisan Safran Troublment (always wanted a bottle!)
    Matriarch’s Blackbird

    Thanks for the draw and the great article!

  • I learned a lot about saffron from reading this. The cooking section held the most interest for me. I did not know that the threads should be soaked for a few minutes, and that the color is also important in classic dishes. I recently tried the new Providence perfume Samarinda, and I’m in love with it. It’s on my “to buy list”.

    I live in the US. I would choose Providence Samarinda, Parfums de Nicolai Amber Oud, Oud Alif from Shay & Blue, and L’Artisan Safrant Troublment (always wanted to try this). Thank you.

  • Carole Fallon says:

    I learned so much about the history and uses of saffron, which I have in Annunziata Zofran and in my kitchen at the moment. I wear any perfume I love, not just all naturals. I am in the US and would love to have a chance at Amber Oud and Safrant Troublement,

  • I sure didn’t know about the use of urine as a fixative in ancient Egypt! 😉
    I’d love to win Safran Troublant, Roxana’s, the Nicolai, or the Bond No. 9. I’m in the US. Great article on saffron!

  • I actually did not know where saffron came from…or that the flower only produces three ‘stems’ of saffron….

  • ChristineB says:

    I never realised that the Greek for saffron is krokos from which presumably our word crocus comes. I was also interested to learn that ladies in the court of Henry VIII dyed their hair with saffron and am wondering what the results were.

    One of my all time favourite perfumes is Cimabue, but alas, I do not live in the USA so cannot choose that as one of my perfumes should I win. I live in the UK and would be interested in Parfums de Nicolai Amber Oud, House of Matriarch Blackbird or Neela Vermeire Mohur.

  • This article was full of wonderful information about the history and cultivation of saffron in cooking and perfumery. The hard work of harvesting the golden threads explains its dear cost. I also grow a small clump of Autumn Crocus (Crocus sativus) in my own garden and just seeing the beautiful flowers emerge at a time when most plants are dying brings joy!
    I would love to try Any of the naturals offered in this draw but if I had to choose it would be between Saffre or Samarinda (so hard to choose!) since I have met the perfumers personally!
    I’m in the US.
    Thanks for this wonderful draw!!!

  • I was absolutely shocked to learn that Saffron is Crocus Stigma! They were my beloved Mother’s favorite folowers to paint and she never said a word. Saffron rice and chicken was a staple at our table in the 1970’s. I wonder if she even knew. I always look forward to Elise’s multi-aspect approach when she writes about her chosen subject of perfumery, and this article on Saffron was one of her best! Thank you Elise and Ca Fleure Bon. May I please be considered for the Bond No 9 , New York Oud, and the Tambela 5 ml rollerbal of Saffre. Kindest Regards, and Thanks!

  • Valentine girl says:

    My only experience with saffron is through cooking. While I always knew to ensure the liquid or fat I was using in the dish was slightly warm before adding the saffron threads to infuse their flavor, after reading the article, I learned the science behind the creation of the safranal molecule. Now I know why the aroma and flavor is always more pronounced when using heated liquids. I really enjoy these posts about different perfume notes and ingredients, they always are a fascinating read. I thank you for the chance to experience saffron in a perfume, as it will be a new sensory experience for me. I love that it’s both a flower and a spice. I am a USA resident and my first choice is Saffre, as I would love to try the creation of the author of this fab article. My other choices are: Samarinda, Gujarat, Blackbird, Impromptu, or Amber Oud. Really though, I would be thrilled to sample any of them!

  • All the mythology around saffron is amazing: the tincture of the mummies’ cloths, Alexander the Great considering the coloring of the robes a sign of magic and calling of the invasion, etc. I learn so much from your posts. Thanks. I am in the Us and my picks are:
    Saffrant Troublant
    Mohur
    Cimabue
    Amber Oud
    Saffron Veil
    Thanks again 🙂

  • So much history behind saffron! I first came in contact with saffron through my travels to Spain an their wonderful use of this spice in their cuisine. After eating the most wonderful paella I tried to imitate it to no avail back at home, but now after reading this article I´ve reckoned that I´ve been doing it the wrong way! From now on I will definetely be soaking the threads before hand. Thank you for this draw, I live abroad and I´d like the Parfum de Nicolai Amber Oud or the House of Matriarch One

  • Such a great article and fabulous illustrations… I loved learning that saffron can be used as makeup, hair dye, mascara and the best was for cramps. I love arroz con pollo, and will have to search out Fernet Branca. The first perfume I wore that had saffron was Ormande Jayne Taif Rose, which one of my friends brought home to me a few yrs ago when she was in London. I am really into oudhs so my first choices are Bond No 9 NY OUD, AMBER OUD de NICOLAI, OUD ALIF then Cimabue, impromptu, SAMARINDA, Quajar rose, Gujarat, and Blackbird

  • Gotta love saffron – from sexy Cleopatra to the flower child named for this legendary spice. Thanks so much for reading and thanks to all the perfumers for the great draw! And as always to Michelyn for the gorgeous illustrations.

  • carole macleod says:

    You have open my eyes big time: I only knew saffron through paella. How can it be used in magic for love, lust, and purification of hands? Hands only-not the entire body?

    I am in Canada, and if i were lucky enough to win I would choose the L’artisan, or the Oud Alif.

  • I learned that an Italian drink uses saffron.

    Blackbird House of Matriarch.
    Samarinda
    Amber Oud de Nicolai
    Bond no 9 New York Oud
    Cimabue
    usa

  • julesinrose says:

    I LOVE saffron in scent (and food) & Safran Troublant is one of my fave perfumes. I didn’t know that it hadn’t been used in Western perfumery until Agent Provocateur in 2000! Wow. We were all missing out for a very long time!

    I would love to win (in order): Shay & Blue Oud Alif (dying to try that!!!), Phoenix Botanicals Saffron Veil, Blackbird, Parfums de Nicolai Amber Oud, Samarinda, Gujarat, and lastly, Safran Troublant (because my bottle is almost empty) I might have left something out as I’m so excited about another opportunity to win the Shay & Blue in the US!!! Fantastic draw!!!

  • I did not know that the saffron has to be artificially propagated and that the stigmas have to be heated to produce the scent. Very interesting.

    I would love to win Safran Troublant, Oud Alif, Amber Oud, Blackbird and Impromptu.

    I’m in Canada. Thanks for the draw and the interesting article. I love learning about raw materials used for perfumes. Please keep them coming!

  • Super article. I really enjoy the smell of saffron and saffron rice. Yum. Every time I hear of saffron for some odd reason the song by EON – The Spice Must Flow inspired by the movie Dune always comes to mind. Quite the jewel of spices I must say. After reading the lengths of accumulating the smallest amount is amazing. The Italian drink Fernet Branca is something I had never heard of. Not sure if I want a “Bartenders Handshake” or not. Sounds different. Pretty cool about the Greek mythology as well. Excellent job on the info. Love saffron so here are my choices……
    1-Oud Alif 2-New York Oud 3-Smarinda 4-Saffron Vail 5-Saffre 6-Amber Oud 7-Blackbird 8-Cimabue 9-Saffrant Troublement
    So many great ones….In the USA. Gracias.

  • I learned more about saffron, interesting myth about Krokus. And so fascinating story about troops of Alexander the Great. I was impressed.
    I’m international reader and would like to win Amber Oud from Parfums de Nicolai or Oud Alif from Shay & Blue
    Thanks for the draw!

  • In learning that 225,000 saffron stigma are required for 1 pound of spice, I can only think of how the backs of the crocus pickers must ache after the harvest. I would love to win any one of the following: Safran Troublant, Samarinda, or Mohur. I live in the U.S. Thanks for the draw.

  • Fantastic article! Saffron is a really interesting natural material. The tip on looking for the lighter orange-red tips was very helpful, and its use in oud accords is neat, i will have to play with that!

    I am in the US. I would love to try Amber Oud from Parfums de Nicolai, Oud Alif from Shay & Blue , Blackbird from House of Matriarch, SAMARINDA from Providence Perfume Co., or Saffron Veil from Phoenix Botanicals!

    Thanks for the great article and draw.

  • Firstly, I hadnt realized it was the most expensive spice…then after reading how much it takes and that it is cultivated by hand I can understand why. It’s always interesting to hear how the ancients used and discovered a scent.
    I am from USA
    Amber Oud from Parfums de Nicolai
    Oud Alif from Shay & Blue
    Safran Troublment
    Bond New York Oud
    Samarinda

  • I loved the story about Alexander the Great in Kashmir and did not know that in large quantities it is a deadly narcotic! I’d be up for a bartender’s handshake…
    I live in Canada and would love to try Amber Oud, Oud Alif, Safran Troublment and Impromptu.
    Thanks!

  • the Alexander the Great legend was new to me. Thanks for such an interesting and comprehensive article
    I’m worlwide, non USA and nonEU
    I would love to win Amber Oud from Parfums de Nicolai and Blackbird from House of Matriarch
    thank you

  • I never knew that Buddhist monks dyed their robes with saffron, but considering the color of their robes it now makes a lot of sense.

    I live in the US, and my choices would be Amber Oud, Safran Troublant, and Samarinda.

  • Barbara B says:

    The only things I knew about saffron were its uses in cooking and perfumery and that it is the most expensive spice.

    Fascinating that it was used ti treat asthma and menstrual cramps.

    I am in the US and would like to try Blackbird by House of Matriarch, L’Artisan’s Safrant Troublment, Gujarat by Olympic Orchids, and Impromptu by Roxana Villa.

  • Latifah S says:

    I honestly had no idea that saffron was derived from a flower, a lovely one nonetheless. The smell of saffron is so disctinct, I found it surprising that the scent is not present when fresh and that it has to be dried and heated to give off the aroma. I would love to try Oud Alif from Shay and Blue, Gujarat, and Saffron Veil. I am in the US. Thanks,

  • I was amazed at the idea of women dying their hair with saffron, let alone the king’s concern that there wasn’t enough supply for both that and his table! Great article, I love learning about these precious botanicals. I would love to try L’Artisan’s Safrant Troublment, Phoenix Botanicals Saffron Veil, and Tambela’s Saffre.

  • Great article with so many historical notes which I really enjoyed reading. What captures my attention is the history of the ancient Egyptians that dyed the cloths of mummies a deep golden color using saffron, adding urine to preserve the bright golden color apart while Cleopatra used it as a strong aphrodisiac in her bath in order to conquer her admirer.
    My choices would be :
    1. 30ml Amber Oud from Parfums de Nicolai or
    2. 100 ml Oud Alif from Shay & Blue or
    3. Neela Vermeire Creations 55 ml Mohur EDP or
    4, 3.3 ml Blackbird House of Matriarch
    I live in EU (Greece). Many thanks for this lovely draw.

  • I use saffron in my pastries and rice dishes, but nevr really thought much about it as a note in perfumery. I am very impressed by how thorough the article is. I was mesmerized by the sory of Alexander the Great waking up covered in Saffron colored clothes and saying today is not a good day to battle
    my choices
    1.NY oud Bond no 9
    2. 100 m Oud Alif
    3.Samarinda by Providence perfume
    4. Cimabue DSH (if I don’t win I will buy on that great sale)
    5. PDN AMBEROUD
    6. Saffron veil
    7. Blackbird by HoM
    8. Gujarat
    9. Quajar Rose
    10.Safran troublmant by L’Atisan
    11. Impromptu
    5.

  • WOW! The richest of draws for the most expensive of spices! What an impressive assortment of fragrances that is! Great article full of mythology this time but the bit of information that I think will be permanently etched into my brain is that part about how Egyptians dyed their fabrics yellow. Yikes!

    I would consider myself blessed if I won anything from that draw really but particularly…

    Mohur
    Oud Alif
    Amber Oud

    EU citizen and thanks for the draw!

  • I was intrigued to learn so much about saffron , as I enjoy it in food and love its smell. i enjoyed envisioning Alexander the Great clothes turning yellow and saying no battle today and the myths associated with The Goddess especially since its from the female crocus

    My choices

    1 OUD ALIF
    2 AMBER OUD DE NICOLAI
    3. SAFRANT TROUBLMENT
    4. BOND NO 9 NY OUD (LOVE BOND)
    5. CIMABUE DSH PERFUMES
    6. HOUSE OF MATRIARCH BLACKBIRD
    7. SAFFRE BY TAMBELA
    8. IMPROMPTU BY ROXANA VILLA\
    9. GUAJARAT BY OLYMPIC ORCHIDS
    10. QUAJAR ROSE LA LUN
    11. SAMARINDA PROVIDENCE PERFUME

  • I knew that saffron was gathered from the stamens of the crocus flower, but I did not know that they were from the female flowers! I have enjoyed Fernet Branca on a few occasions and was intrigued by the idea of a ginger ale chaser for the “bartender’s handshake.” I laughed out loud at the proclamation of Henry VIII that ladies would no longer be permitted to use saffron to dye their hair in order to preserve a supply for himself (how apropos) and was captivated by the image of the military juggernaut that was Alexander the Great holding himself and his army from battle because the saffron tinted his clothing overnight.

    I would choose any of the following (in no particular order):

    DSH Cimabue
    Providence Perfume Co. Samarinda
    Parfums LaLun Quajar Rose
    Phoenix Botanicals Saffron Veil
    Saffre by Elise Pearlstine for Tambela
    Impromptu by Roxana Villa
    Parfums de Nicolai Amber Oud
    Bond No.9 New York Oud

    Thank you for the draw!

  • Anna in Edinburgh says:

    I’ve learned that a well-judged photo can make back-breaking work look astonishingly beautiful – such a gorgeous National Geographic photo of the saffron crocus harvest but my back is protesting in sympathy at the work shown.

    I’m in the EU so my lovely perfume choices are:

    WORLDWIDE: 30ml Amber Oud from Parfums de Nicolai, perfumer Patricia De Nicolai
    WORLDWIDE 100 ml Oud Alif from Shay & Blue , Perfumer Julie Masse
    WORLDWIDE 3.3 ml Blackbird House of Matriarch, Perfumer Christi Meshell * 93 percent natural
    EU ONLY Neela Vermeire Creations 55 ml Mohur EDP (screw top bottle), Nose Bertrand Duchaufour

    Many thanks for the opportunity and for having Donovan going round in my head, quite rightly!

  • I love saffron rice…I hadn’t realized it was used so much in perfumery (though saffron rice smells so good, I don’t know why I didn’t think of it!)! I knew it colored the rice, but I hadn’t realized it was also used as a dye.
    I would love to win ANY of the perfumes that are open to the US, especially:
    1. L’Artisan Parfumeur Safrant Troublment
    2. Bond No. 9 New York Oud
    3. Gujarat Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes
    4. Oud Alif from Shay & Blue
    5. Amber Oud from Parfums de Nicolai
    6. Blackbird House of Matriarch
    7. Cimabue from DSH Perfumes
    8. Roxana Illuminated Perfume Impromptu liquid perfume and solid sampler set

  • I always love the posts about a particular ingredient in perfumery! It’s nice to see what the actual flower looks like and imagery of the Saffron harvest, 3 tiny stigmas per female flower! and how Spanish farmers use to keep some of their harvest as a savings account. It would be a great exercise to practice identifying saffron in modern perfumery. I am from Taiwan and would love to win Amber Oud from Parfums de Nicolai and Oud Alif from Shay & Blue.

  • Thank you for a wonderful article on one of my favorite spices. One of my favorites that I knew nothing about other than it is expensive and divine smelling and tasting. I learned how to pick out good quality saffron and how to avoid the dyed strands. I was intrigued to learn that the flower is related to iris, lily, and tulip.
    I am in the U.S. and would love to win Safran Troublant, Amber Oud, Cimabue, Gujarat, or Saffron Veil.

    Thank you for the draw and, as always, I love the art images, too.

  • Thank you for the draw!
    Saffron is a note that always manages to grab my attention whenever I read the note list for a new perfume list. I love that fusion of gourmand and spicy fresh scent. I find it strange and wonderful to learn that the Romans used saffron in mascara. If I could afford it, I’d also like to try using saffron as a treatment mask as the Indians do.

    I’m in Australia and would love to try Amber Oud,
    Oud Alif or Blackbird.

  • I learned that the ancient Egyptians used saffron in perfumed wax. I’m in the US, and would love to try any of the perfumes I’m eligible to win, especially Safran Troublant, Cimabue, and Samarinda.

  • I am located in the US. I knew that saffron was the most expensive spice, but I did not know that its history has gone so far back! I also like that even when saffron is used in tiny amounts in perfumery, its presence is still very much noticed. I would like to try:

    Blackbird House of Matriarch
    Oud Alif from Shay & Blue
    Amber Oud from Parfums de Nicolai
    L’Artisan Parfumeur Safrant Troublment
    Bond No. 9 New York Oud
    Gujarat Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes
    Phoenix Botanicals Saffron Veil

  • elise’s view into the botanical and the perfumed is one of my favorite features here at CFB!

    i learned more than i thought i had to learn about safforn for sure! firstly, “stigma” … i had no idea that’s what they were called and it gave me an odd thrill at every mention.

    i learned i want to start collecting “bartender’s handshakes.” and Saffron Robes 1 by Thép Thavonsouk, if possible. 😉

    and, as always, something esoteric: to wash hands before ritual work.

    thank you as always for your insight and presentation, elsise, for the feature & draw CFB!

  • OOPS! i forgot to say i’m in the usa and would love to try either of these all natural perfumers! 😉

    USA ONLY 15ml SAMARINDA ALL NATURAL Providence Perfume Co.,

    USA ONLY Parfums LaLun ALL NATURAL 15 ml Quajar Rose, Perfumer Maggie Mahboubian

    thanks!

  • I’m always impressed by the myths of Cleopatra’s sexual cunning, lol! I live in South Africa and would be overjoyed by either Oud Alif by Shay & Blue or Blackbird by House of Matriarch:)

  • I have learnt a lot about saffran in this article, I didn’t know it is called ” vegetable gold”. I’m in Spain and I use it a lot for cooking rice and to make some desserts (arroz con leche). I didn’t know it’s is sterile and it must be propagated artificially!
    I would like to win Mohur from Neela Vermeire. Thanks.
    (I’m in Europe, Spain)

  • Thank you for this informative article and wonderful draw! Saffron is my favorite spice but I still had a lot to learn. Like that there is supposed to be a slight variation in color intensity at the ends and uniform color means it’s been dyed. Or that large amounts could produce deadly narcotic effects! I would love Zeus’s bed of saffron. Love that story about Alexander in Kashmir. I always think of saffron when the crocuses start coming up, they’re magical even when they don’t contain ‘vegetable gold’.

    Would be happy with any of these! USA Choices:
    Cimabue
    Oud Alif
    Blackbird
    Samarinda
    New York Oud
    Saffre
    Gujarat
    Safran Troublant
    Impromptu
    Qajar Rose
    Saffron Veil
    Amber Oud

  • A wealth of information on this flower. Where do you dig up this information Elise–awesome job once again. I remember crocuses scattered throughout our fields where the cattle roamed. I’m sure I gave my mother more than one bouquet of them growing up. I just didn’t have any idea of their value till I started doing perfumery. I found it interesting that it’s related to irises, lilies and tulips. And how many times have I listened to Mellow Yellow without really paying attention to the words. I will now. Please enter me into the draw to win Amber Oud from Parfums de Nicolai, Oud Alif from Shay and Blue, Blackbird from House of Matriarch, and Impromptu from Roxana Illuminated Perfume. Thanks for the draw. Suzy

  • suzy frankel says:

    I find these definitive articles about a particular “element” of high caliber due to the intense references to time and place…it’s always a travel journey for the arm chair reader who can then thank you for the ride. I wish I could have some saffron in my cupboard but just maybe a win would put some saffron-ish glow on my dresser top!
    Amber Oud, Safrant Troublment, Bond No. 9 NYC and the all natural Samarinda.
    Thanks for article and draw.

  • I always knew that it was expensive and hard to get…but I didn’t realize that there are only THREE threads per female flower! My goodness, it makes sense now! I also didn’t know about Fernet Branca, and I love the photo by Olga Terrant. (Any chance of links to info on photos/photographers in the future? I’d love to see more of her work.)

    I’m in the US, and I’d love to win so many of these scents! Please enter me in the draw for Blackbird, Cimabue, New York Oud, Samarinda, Impromptu, Qajar Rose, Gujarat, or Saffre. Thank you so much for the article and marvelous draw!

  • I knew many things about saffron, but did NOT know that in large amounts it could produce a deadly narcotic effect! Thank goodness it’s too spendy to be of any personal danger! I live in the U.S. and, in order, I’d love to win…
    Samarinda
    Oud Alif
    Amber Oud
    Cimabue
    Saffre, from Elise (and thanks for another wonderful piece!)
    Safran Troublent
    Qajar Rose
    Roxana Illuminated Perfume Impromptu liquid perfume and solid sampler set
    Saffron Veil
    Blackbird

  • As always, I’m fascinated by these articles highlighting a specific note. Never knew such interesting background information of saffron and how it dates back thousands of years, or that it signified wealth. Although, I shouldn’t be much surprised about that, any spice of that time must have been expensive due to time and energy needed to bring it from another part of the world. Saffron is fairly new to me as a note, but I do enjoy it in fragrances that use it such Montales. But who would’ve thought that monks use saffron to dye their garments? WOW

    I would love to win any of these: Amber Oud, Oud Alif from Shay & Blue, Safrant Troublment, Mohur EDP, New York Oud, Gujarat, or Quajar Rose

    USA

  • I am in the US. Thank you for this draw. I really enjoy reading these notes in perfumery articles. When I first learned about the scented wax cones ancient Egyptians used on top of their heads, I thought it was wonderful, and have since then wondered about the fragrances they used. Now I know saffron was a typical ingredient, and I can imagine how beautiful it must’ve been. Additionally, I learned about saffron in food use, and the difficulty of producing saffron spice, which makes me aware of the reason behind it’s high cost. As for my choices:

    100 ml Oud Alif from Shay & Blue
    100 ml of L’Artisan Parfumeur Safrant Troublment
    Impromptu liquid perfume and solid sampler set
    30ml Amber Oud from Parfums de Nicolai
    Gujarat Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes
    50 ml Bond No. 9 New York Oud
    3.3 ml Blackbird House of Matriarch

  • Saffron has been a part of many meals I eat often such as rice pulao and especially a desert pudding made with only rice flour milk and flavored with saffron extract and dried flowers. In scents I love it’s cleanliness while adding spicy undertone. It definitely gives an oomph to a musky oud scent. It was great to know how vastly it’s been used through centuries whether in beauty or traditions or even magic. And very expensive too. If people could only trade in fragrances with saffron for a great wealth.
    I’m in USA
    Would love to get
    L’artisan saffron troublant
    Oud alif
    Parfums de Nicolai amber oud
    Bon no 9 New York oud
    Or Samarinda
    Thanks