Why Heray Spice?
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.
The Beauty of Herati Saffron
Herat’s unique climate and centuries-old cultivation methods make it one of the best places in the world for growing saffron. Our saffron threads are hand-picked at dawn during the short harvest season (November 10th to November 30th), when the flowers are at their most vibrant. The result? A deep red color, rich aroma, and unmistakable flavor that elevate every dish.
Backed by ISO 3632.2 lab testing in the U.S., our saffron consistently exceeds international standards for ultra-premium quality. In short: this is saffron that shines like the stars.
Crafted with Care and Purpose
We are proud to be a Chicago-based company dedicated to cultivating, packaging, and distributing Afghan saffron with transparency and purpose.
We work directly with 186 smallholder farmers in Herat through a cooperative and sustainable farming model. Fair trade isn’t just a buzzword for us—it’s our foundation.
Every year, we provide jobs for over 200 individuals—primarily women—during the harvest season. In a country where economic opportunities are scarce, especially for women, saffron farming offers a dignified, meaningful livelihood.
Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities
Saffron is one of the few crops in Afghanistan that gives women the opportunity to earn their own income.
By choosing Heray Spice, you’re directly supporting these brave women who rise with the sun to harvest the flowers, separate the threads, and bring the spice to life—thread by thread.
With your help, we’re not just growing saffron—we’re cultivating futures.
A Harvest of Impact
In 2004, Afghan farmers could produce more than 8 kilograms of saffron per acre. Today, due to changing conditions, it takes nearly 2 acres to produce just 1 kilogram.
And with approximately 175,000 flowers required to produce that single kilogram, every thread is truly precious.
That’s why each jar of Heray Spice saffron is a testament to resilience. It represents thousands of hours of labor, immense care, and the power of global support to transform local lives.
Purity You Can Taste
Our saffron is:
• Lab-tested for purity and potency in the USA
• Non-GMO Certified
• Kosher and Halal
• Packaged with care to preserve freshness and flavor
Each batch comes with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and ISO lab report, so you can trust what you’re using in your kitchen or serving to your customers.
Whether you’re a chef, tea maker, spice company, wholesaler, or home cook, we’re here to bring you the best saffron on earth—straight from the source.
How to Store and Use Heray Saffron
Storage Tips:
• Store in a cool, dry, dark place like a pantry or wine cellar.
• Keep in an airtight container to avoid light and heat.
• For extra protection, wrap the jar in foil.
Usage Tips:
• Just a pinch goes a long way.
• Soak the threads in hot (not boiling) water, broth, or milk for 5–20 minutes to release their full essence.
• Add both the saffron and soaking liquid to your recipe for the best flavor.
Join Us in Making a Difference:
When you buy Heray Spice saffron, you’re enriching more than just your dishes.
You’re becoming part of a movement to empower farmers, support women, and sustain a centuries-old tradition in Afghanistan.
With your support, we continue to cultivate hope—one saffron thread at a time.
If you’re looking for authentic, high-quality saffron with a powerful story behind it, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us today. Let’s cook with purpose.
