optional means ‘should’

i have a new recipe i’m going to try for a fish soup. it really has fish and shrimp in it so it’s not really solely a fish soup, but whatever. well, it has an optional ingredient of saffron threads. i usually figure optional isn’t optional in new recipes i try. i’ve never bought or used saffron though i do think i’ve had it in a something i’ve eaten. anyways, this tripped me out to buy. a seasoning jar with 4 individual jars inside it.