Saffron is one of the world's most precious and expensive spices. Surprising when you consider that the production of one kilogram of the highest quality saffron requires more than 100 thousand flowers and about 400 hours of labor to manually harvest the small, fragile stigma of the flower. The price for one kilo is therefore more than thousand dollar. Various positive health effects have been attributed to saffron for centuries. Such as improving the mood, promoting a good memory, but also combating sleeplessness, which can lead to better concentration, among other things.

Saffron, The Spice That Makes You Happy

With saffron we can give dishes the characteristic yellow-orange color. For example, it is often added to rice in Asia, so that it turns yellow. In small quantities, saffron has a subtle taste and aroma. It goes well with savory dishes such as paellas, risottos and other rice dishes. To use the threads, they are best soaked in hot but not boiling water first. Yes, it is a precious spice, but fortunately you only need small quantities to give your dishes a subtle, special taste. Saffron is therefore the spice that makes you happy in several ways.

Where Does Saffron Come From?

Saffron is native to the Mediterranean region and the Persian countries of Afghanistan and Iran. You cannot grow saffron everywhere, because the herb needs to be grown under suitable climate conditions. This flower require enough rain at the right times of the year, the right temperature, fertile soil and lots of sun. In addition, it is important that cheap labor is available in the production region. Because the production work requires a lot of manual work. For example, you need about 150,000 saffron flowers for one kilo of saffron threads. These must all be picked from the field by hand. You can also buy Persian rock called Naba. The saffron rock candy is actually made of 100% organic and pure Saffron.

What Does Saffron Taste Like?

Saffron threads have a very unique taste that is indescribable to many. From our customer survey, the majority say they taste an earthy, honey flavor, but at the same time have a slightly bitter accent at the end. These tasteful properties go well with dishes such as Paella, Risotto and Persian rice. Adding the threads or powder to your dish gives the dish a warm aroma and a beautiful yellow color. Once you smell the aroma, you will better understand why people are so in love with this royal herb!

Some of the other benefits of saffron are:

  • Only 30 milligrams (0.03 gr) of saffron per day has an extremely positive effect on your health.
  • Saffron contains carotene. Carotene creates more red cones on your retina, which prevents night blindness.
  • Saffron has an anti-cancer effect. The plant holds promise as a new and alternative treatment for various cancers.
  • Saffron is a good cough medicine and can cure chronic bronchitis.
  • Saffron contains crocetin, crocetin reduces blood pressure.
  • Boiled saffron in water used as nasal drops relieves headaches and combats insomnia.
  • Saffron is analgesic for toothaches and prevents tooth decay, is good for cramps and skin problems.
  • Doctors also use it to cure dysentery, measles, fever, jaundice, cholera, diabetes and urinary tract infections.
  • Furthermore, Saffron is an excellent remedy for abdominal pain, cramps, constipation and promotes digestion and appetite. It works with kidney problems, arthritis, impotence, infertility and is stress-reducing.
  • Saffron is also used in cosmetics, such as in beauty products.
Author's Bio: 

Misty Jhones