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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.
Afghanistan has a diverse climate due to its location in Central Asia and the Hindu Kush Mountain range. Different parts of Afghanistan experience varying climate conditions depending on their altitude and location.
Afghan saffron has gained international acclaim for its exceptional quality, rich aroma, and deep crimson color. As the world’s best saffron for the last nine years, Afghanistan’s saffron industry is a symbol of resilience, economic empowerment, and global prestige. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about Afghan saffron, its history, impact, and future.
Can saffron really improve my mood?
Yes! Saffron contains two key compounds, safranal and crocin, which help regulate mood-enhancing neurotransmitters. Safranal supports serotonin levels (the “feel-good” hormone), while crocin stimulates dopamine (the “happy hormone”). Studies show that regular consumption of saffron can help reduce stress, anxiety, and irritability.
