I ran into a similar issue last year.
Ive come across many recipes ( mostly rice) that called for saffron over the years. I tried it once or twice and wasn't really thrilled. Not that I didnt like it, I just didnt see what the big deal was. I chalked it off as a been there, done that kinda thing.
Last year while looking through some garden catalogues, I came across some Saffron crocus bulbs. I decided to purchase them for the heck of it. Its was about bulbs, which all bloomed and I plucked out he saffron threads from each of them, which basically gave me enough to cook one dish with ( a pinch once dried).
I was hoping he saffron I had freshly picked would have aa better taste than the stuff I had purchased, and was likely on the shelf for who knows how long.
I made a rice dish, the color was great, but the taste was just OK. Once again, I wasn't blown away by the flavor, and honestly, I didnt see what the big deal was. Sometimes there are things that I dont like, but I can see how people love it. With this, I just dont get it . Definitely not worth the price IMHO.
Not trying to discourage anyone from trying it, I just wasnt every impressed .
All the being said, Im hoping the bulbs bloom again this year, cause I will harvest and try it again if they do.