Around the world, saffron is known for being a precious spice, particularly in countries like Iran and India, where saffron is a vital part of the culture. It's even called "red gold" since it's one of the most expensive spices. Its cost is due to how difficult it is to harvest—it takes 75,000 saffron flowers to make one pound of saffron spice because only a very small part of each flower can be used. It can also only be harvested by hand, so it makes sense the spice is pricey.
When used in cooking, saffron gives food a distinctly golden hue and a mild, faintly sweet taste. In perfume, the spice is a game changer. It has a subtle but distinctive smell that can transform any scent into something luxe and special. Saffron smells sweet, bright, and tangy.
It's no wonder that saffron has begun to inch its way into some of the most high-end fragrances on the market (luxury brands like Tom Ford, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, and Byredo have found a way to weave the opulent spice into their scent blends). Any scent with saffron in it has an added layer of complexity that renders it practically irresistible. Keep reading for our favorite perfumes that are laced with the spice.
Key notes: May rose, saffron, black pepper, Turkish rose, Bulgarian rose, coffee, patchouli, incense, sandalwood, amber
Tom Ford's newest perfume is irresistible. Leave it to Tom Ford to reinvent the rose by weaving in surprising elements like saffron, coffee, and patchouli. The result is a perfectly balanced floral that can easily be worn day or night.
Key notes: jasmine, saffron, cedar, ambergris
Thanks to TikTok and word-of-mouth reviews, Baccarat Rouge 540 has become one of the most popular scents available. Hints of amber and woods help keep this scent subdued, while saffron and jasmine add a bit of sparkle.
Key notes: saffron, nutmeg, leather
This spicy scent from Zara pays homage to the city of Dubai. Saffron, nutmeg, and leather blend together beautifully for a warm, unique scent.
Key notes: pomelo, saffron, juniper berry, black violet, accord cuir, cristal rose, blonde woods, raspberry, vetiver
For Byredo's founder, Ben Gorham, saffron was rooted in his Indian upbringing, as it's an important part of the culture in India. He wove the precious spice with effervescent notes like pomelo, raspberry, and vetiver into his Black Saffron scent.
Key notes: Kashmiri saffron, frangipani,
gardenia, yellow lotus attar, damask rose, Sri
Lankan sandalwood, vetiver
Like Byredo's Black Saffron, D.S. & Durga's D.S. also pays tribute to India. Each note is the perfect celebration of the vibrant country.
Key notes: black violet, saffron, juniper berry
This subtle fragrance is the kind of scent you'd wear if you want people to think you naturally smell good. It's perfectly balanced and clings close to the skin.
Key notes: saffron, orange flower, lavender
A hint of saffron transforms this floral-forward fragrance into something more complex. It's perfect for anyone who wants a sultrier floral.
Key notes: saffron, coriander, myrrh, coffee absolute, narcissus, vanilla, suede
If there's one thing Tom Ford knows how to do, it's blend together unexpected notes and turn them into a perfectly balanced scent. Saffron and coriander add a spicy edge to sweeter notes like coffee and vanilla.
Key notes: pink pepper, cardamom, orange flower, saffron, jasmine sambac, mimosa, iris, patchouli, copaiba
As the penultimate scent in Aesop's Othertopias collection, Gloam bridges the gap between dreams and reality. Pink pepper, cardamom, and saffron turn this earthy, floral scent into something headier.
Key notes: lemon, saffron, violet, magnolia, bamboo, sandalwood, amber
This bright, citrus-leaning scent will transport you to a coastal house on a long weekend.
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