INR 3,29,000/kg- this is the price of the most expensive spice in the world. We know you might have to drink water after reading the price and you might be wondering why is it so expensive? What is so special about saffron and why are people even buying it? Well, don't you worry, because in this blog we are going to talk about saffron and everything that makes it worth every penny you spend on it.
Saffron and its cultivation
The term "saffron" refers to the flower's thread-like structure also known as stigma. Saffron first originated in Greece and has ever since been famous for its medicinal uses. It can take about 75,000 saffron blossoms to make a single pound of saffron strands. Saffron is carefully handpicked, laid on a sieve and cured on heat to intensify the flavour. The process of making saffron is a labour-intensive job and is the major reason behind the hefty price of this spice. Saffron is cultivated in select regions like Spain, Iran, Kashmir, Morocco, Italy and Greece. Iran is a major producer of this spice in terms of volume and quality while Spain is the largest importer.
Benefits of Saffron
Powerful antioxidant: Saffron contains essential plant compounds or anti-oxidants like crocin, crocetin, safranal and kaempferol. Crocin and Crocetin give saffron its distinctive red colour and have anti-depressant properties, reduce inflammation, appetite and help in weight loss. Safranal gives this spice its aroma and taste and is known to improve mood, memory and learning ability. Kaempferol helps in reducing inflammation and has anti-depressant properties. For the same reason, saffron is also known as the "sunshine spice".
Reduces PMS symptoms: Saffron can help in reducing PMS symptoms like cramps, cravings, irritability and headaches.
Lowers blood sugar levels: Not much studies have been done in this regard, but saffron might help in lowering blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity.
Provides relief from cold: Saffron is very effective in treating cold, cough and fever. Saffron strands mixed in warm milk and applied over the forehead provides relief from cold.
Good for skin: Saffron is extremely beneficial for skin, it reduces inflammation, hyperpigmentation, heals the skin, protects against UV rays. For this reason, saffron is commercially used in face packs, cleansers, soaps and moisturizers.
How to make the most of Saffron?
Saffron finds its major usage in cooking and sweet dishes. It has a beautiful colour and aroma when infused properly, this bright yellow-orange hue can be used to impart colour to curries, rice dishes like biryani, confectionaries, desserts (gulab jamun, kulfi, ice-cream, lassi), liquor, tea, meat dishes and soups.
Tassyam Premium Saffron is handpicked straight from the gardens of Kashmir and will surely add the goodness of this spice to your foods and desserts. Tassyam Teawery Kashmiri Kahwa is also infused with the benefits of saffron along with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and rose petals.