MEET OUR FOUNDER
Palwasha Spice was founded by Palwasha Raqib, a passionate advocate for ethical spice production in Afghanistan.
Drawing from her rich heritage, Palwasha grew up immersed in the fragrant spices of her mother’s kitchen and learned to love cooking since the age of five.
Affectionately known as the Saffron Queen of New York City, Palwasha blends generations of traditional knowledge with modern expertise, researching, experimenting, and sharing the magic of Afghan spices to bring joy and connection through food.
“We dream of a modern Silk Road that Afghanistan was once an integral part of, where spices, knowledge, art, and people move freely, learning from one another.”
— Palwasha Raqib
The word Palwasha means the light that breaks the day in Pashto.
It is dawn, the moment when the enchanting saffron crocus chooses to blossom, and also “light bringer.”
This name embodies our hope for the renewal of Afghan saffron and spices and our mission to share their excellence with our community here in the USA.
PALWASHA’S story
Born in Afghanistan, Palwasha moved to the U.S. as a refugee in the early '80s. She found comfort in the fragrant spices of her mother’s kitchen who lovingly cooked traditional dishes for her six daughters and instilled in them a belief that food is a reflection of love, history, and heritage.
Years later, during her career as a lawyer, Palwasha uncovered saffron's potential to bring hope and opportunity to her homeland.
These strong connections helped spark the idea for Palwasha Spice.
SAFFRON BRINGS HOPE to a WAR-TORN NATION
In Afghanistan where 80% of jobs are tied to agriculture, Palwasha Spice 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
Palwasha Spice is galvanized by Palwasha’s family, especially her sister Mariam Raqib, who has operated a philanthropic nonprofit, Afghanistan Samsortya, for the past 20 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.
