Zac Posen is an internationally acclaimed fashion designer and cookbook author who appeared as a judge on six-seasons of Emmy-nominated Project Runway. As an avid cook, we've enjoyed working with Zac through the years for all his cooking needs.

This exceptionally bright and aromatic saffron comes from Herat, Afghanistan, home of Heray Spice’s founder, Mohammad Salehi. Mohammed started this project in 2017, after years of working as a US Army interpreter in Afghanistan before relocating to Chicago, in a program specifically for individuals who had risked their lives in support of anti-Taliban efforts. Determined to sustain a valuable and impactful relationship with his homeland and to showcase its potential for phenomenal products, Mohammed organized a collective of several farmers around the production of the world’s finest saffron. In the four years since its inception, Heray has increased its farmer membership almost tenfold, weathered wildly complex and precarious positioning with the return of the Taliban, and nonetheless followed through on its mission — help farmers, support children’s education in Herat, and introduce western chefs and kitchens to an incredible product. 

Making all of this happen is neither simple nor straightforward, but in any interview you’ll find with Mohammad, he states unambiguously that he views Heray foremost as a vehicle for impact, and secondarily as a traditional “business.” 10% of the company’s profits go directly toward educational non-profits in Herat, and the farmers and seasonal workers who actively farm the flowers and harvest the saffron are paid 30 - 50% more than the national standard. In addition to upholding the company’s impact aspirations, these measures are necessary in order to incentivize farmers to stick with saffron, despite it being more tedious and less profitable in the short-term than opium. However, if done well and targeted to a strong market, saffron will outperform opium after its second year, rewarding both the company’s investments and the farmers’ commitments. 

Japanese Sakura Cherry Blossoms are picked each spring, at the peak of their blossoming. To preserve their bright pink color and shape, they are carefully salted just after picking. 

These delicate flowers have a fantastic fruity and floral flavor with sweet almond undertones.

To ready the blossoms for use, soak in a bowl of water to remove the salt, and lay to dry on a clean towel.

Sold in 1kg container

Ramps are a wild allium that signal the arrival of spring. With flavors reminiscent of shallots, leeks, and wild garlic, what sets ramps apart is that they evoke these harsher alliums with a sweeter, mellower, and more palatable balance. Extremely versatile in the kitchen, ramp bulbs can be pickled and preserved, while their bright green tops are typically pureed and whipped into butter or minced to create a pesto. In the northeast, ramps are a fleetingly beloved pizza topping for their brief season each spring.

Sourced from Virginia, Michigan, Vermont, and Upstate New York.

1lb washed wild ramps