Blogs & Updates
Saffron — the vibrant, golden-red spice derived from the Crocus sativus flower — has long been prized for its aroma, color, and culinary magic. But beyond its elegance in the kitchen, saffron is emerging as one of the most promising natural remedies backed by clinical science.
At Heray Spice, we’ve always believed that our saffron is more than just a spice. It’s a story — of resilience, of Afghan farmers, and of reconnecting food with its healing roots. And now, modern research is catching up with what traditional medicine knew centuries ago.
What is Mohammad Salehi’s story? Why he started Heray Spice?
In this article we will dive into a little background on why he started Heray Spice. Part of this story is adopted from the NON-GMO Project feature, that Mr. Salehi sat down and did an interveiw with them.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men worldwide, and while conventional treatments such as surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy are effective in many cases, researchers are continually exploring new, natural options that may complement or enhance existing therapies. One of the most surprising candidates? Saffron — the world’s most precious spice, known for its vibrant color, earthy aroma, and centuries of use in traditional medicine.
At Heray Spice, saffron isn’t just a spice—it’s a story. A story of heritage, hard work, and hope rooted in the golden fields of Herat, Afghanistan. Every thread of our saffron carries the soul of our land, the dedication of our farmers, and the dream of a better future.
Mohammad Naeam Salehi (the founder) of Heray started grew up in a farming family in Herat Afghanistan. He later became a Local US Army Interpreter and eventually recived a visa to come to US as an immigrant.
Heray or Herat is the city where Mohammad grew up. He started this company on the values of helping farmers with better wages. And making sure home chefs get fresh, high quality spices.
Growing up in a farming family, he noticed how his family and other farmers are struggling to make a basic living for their crops. So he started Heray Cooperative to make sure farmers make better living while being a part of a social and mission driven enterprise.
Many spice jars are left at warehouses for years before hit the grocery stores shelf.
In contrast, we import latest harvest, fresh spices in small batches.
Saffron is one of the oldest and most treasured spices in history, dating back to the Middle Ages or even earlier. Afghan saffron stands out for its exceptional aroma and deep red color, elevating dishes into luxurious culinary experiences. In this article, we’ll compare two of the finest saffron varieties in the world—Spanish and Afghan saffron—to understand their differences in quality, production, and global presence.
The process of cultivating saffron is both labor-intensive and costly. While planting can be done manually or with the help of machines, harvesting saffron flowers must always be done by hand due to their delicate nature. Regardless of whether saffron is grown using traditional or industrial methods, the process of picking and separating the saffron threads remains a meticulous, manual task.
Afghanistan’s saffron industry is experiencing remarkable growth, with international support bolstering production, empowering women, and positioning the country as a key player in the global saffron market.
