MEET OUR FOUNDER
Mina Sahar Saffron was founded by Palwasha Raqib, a passionate advocate for ethical saffron production in Afghanistan and empowering Afghan farmers by bringing the finest and freshest saffron to her community.
Drawing from her rich heritage, Palwasha grew up immersed in the fragrant spices of her mother’s kitchen and has been cooking since the age of 5.
Known as the "Saffron Queen of Brooklyn," she combines generations of traditional knowledge with modern expertise. Palwasha is constantly experimenting, researching, and teaching others about the magic of spices, while sharing the joy of Afghan cuisine and its unique flavors with her community.
“Spices transcend borders and bridge cultures. We are all connected.” — Palwasha Raqib
PALWASHA’S story
Born in Afghanistan, Palwasha moved to the U.S. as a refugee during the early ‘80s. Her mother lovingly cooked traditional dishes for her six daughters and instilled in them that food is love, history, and pride of heritage.
These strong connections helped spark the idea for Mina Sahar Saffron named after Palwasha’s two nieces, Gul Mina and Sahar: the next generation of strong Afghan women. (Palwasha pictured with Gul Mina and Sahar).
SAFFRON BRINGS HOPE to a WAR-TORN NATION
In Afghanistan where 80% of jobs are tied to agriculture, Mina Sahar Saffron has a social mission to strengthen economic development through the creation of agricultural jobs.
We strive to give back to Afghan communities and financially empower women, the main harvesters of saffron.
MEET our FARMERS in AFGHANISTAN
BIBI GUL
Bibi Gul is pictured meticulously picking saffron flowers in the field.
Saffron is harvested by hand once a year. The female farmers arrive early in the cold Herat morning to work.
Saffron farming is extremely labor-intensive. Each purple flower has three stigmas that are carefully handpicked. It takes 75,000 flowers to make 1 pound of saffron!
BIBI SHAH
Bibi Shah is a widow who is very grateful for saffron cultivation because it’s one of the only economic opportunities for Afghan women.
Working on the saffron farm has empowered her to take care of her family financially.
She prays that Afghan saffron production will continue to grow and flourish in her community.
NISAR AHMAD JAN
Nisar oversees the saffron farm in the Injil District in Herat along with his seven brothers.
Saffron cultivation provides him a dignified way to support his family and keep his extended family together.
He no longer has to endure the hardship of laboring in Iran for six months out of the year. He can live in Afghanistan with his family all year long.
the SPICE SISTERHOOD
Mina Sahar Saffron is galvanized by Palwasha’s family, especially her sister Mariam Raqib, who has operated a philanthropic nonprofit, Afghanistan Samsortya, for the past 13 years. Samsortya projects improve the lives of ordinary Afghans affected by decades of war.
Together, the sisters navigate business in a challenging environment, inspired by the trust and respect they have established after years of doing good for the local population. (Pictured: Mariam inspecting seedlings for Afghanistan Samsortya).
“We are part of the diaspora, but tied to the soil.”
— PALWASHA RAQIB
ON THE BLOG…
Spice Stories From Afghanistan and My Brooklyn Kitchen.
Discover the stories behind our beautiful spices—from their fascinating history and excellent farmers we work with to their culinary uses and health benefits.
