In this video, I introduce you to the Founder of Heray Spice, a Chicago-based company working closely with a cooperative of farmers across his native Afghanistan to source the most beautiful, high quality saffron you’ll find (among other lovely ingredients such as wild cumin, and more). Listen in to Mohammed’s story as well as journey to becoming an entrepreneur and social impact leader. We discuss a lot of great things in this piece- it’s one of my favorites to date! Please leave your comments over on YouTube below the video and be sure to give us a like and subscribe to my channel.
This is my version of Karak Chai, a milky tea popular in Gulf countries and South Asia, this one utilizing beautifully aromatic saffron by Heray Spice, a Chicago-based company, sourcing their products from farmer cooperatives all throughout Afghanistan.
It’s less sweet, as I’ve opted to swap out milk + sugar (you can also use honey) for the typically used sweetened condensed milk in this recipe: What makes this extra special? The Afghan saffron by Heray Spice.
To make Milky & Sweet Saffron Tea, use the following ingredients
Makes 2 teacups
Ingredients
1/8 teaspoon Heray Spice Saffron, soaked in 1/2 cup warm water for at least 10 minutes
5 cardamom pods, crushed
2 black tea bags (English Breakfast is perfect). You can also use loose tea, but you will have to strain the final mixture well.
1 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon raw cane sugar, or to taste. You can also use honey, but add this at the end when the tea has cooled somewhat.
Directions
In a small saucepan, bring the water-soaked saffron to a boil. Add the cardamon and the tea bags and continue to boil for 1-2 minutes.
Add the milk and lower the heat to medium simmer. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, adding the sugar in the meantime.
Pour the mixture into teacups immediately before serving.
Several months ago, I was approached by Mohammad Salehi, Founder and Owner of Heray Spice, asking me to try his saffron. So often I’m approached by a variety of vendors of really great products- some better than others and some more interesting than others. Mohammad’s products are fantastic, but his story is something I appreciated even more.
(To listen to Mohammad’s full story, join our podcast on Aug. 30. You can subscribe to my new Everyday Mediterranean Newsletter on Substack to get the update.
As he explained to me, he’s from Afghanistan and never thought he would start a saffron business, but once he came to the U.S. he quickly saw a gap in the market for high quality saffron, and a way that he could sustainably and ethically source this rare, fragrant and much-loved ‘spice’ by working with a variety of farmers throughout his country. And that is pretty much the sum of parts in how Heray Spice was formed. On the daily, I see his persistence and hustle and how much passion and belief he has in his products, but most of all I see how determined he is to help those back in his home country to live with honorable work, as well as to provide those in his new country to experience pure ingredients that not only enhance one’s cooking but also one’s health.
Products
Heray Spice, although most known for their high-quality authentic saffron, also sells this amazing wild cumin that is just perfect for cooking your favorite Middle Eastern recipes. I love that it comes whole because you can roast and grind them fresh for the earthiest flavors possible in your recipes.
Harissa Spice Blend is a wonderfully aromatic blend of Afghan spices unique to Heray Spice.
Contact Information
To follow, contact, or order Heray Spice blends or individually bottled spices:
You can often find Mohammad and his Heray Spice products in and around Chicagoland where their family business is based. He is often seen at shows, conferences and farmers markets displaying and selling his products beautifully. How delightful to experience these spices in person!
