Saffron is the most famous, most eminent and most expensive spice in the world, and it remains so to this day. Saffron-dyed golden robes were once worn by monks and great rulers. The aroma of saffron is comparable to that of expensive perfumes, and spice-based remedies have become famous as cures for all diseases.
Saffron – a fragrant spice
On the shelves of spice shops, you have probably come across a seasoning in the form of dark orange fibers. Meet this – saffron, the oldest spice in the world. It is first mentioned in records made in Mesopotamia 30 centuries BC. There is a mention of saffron in the Koran and the Bible – in the “Song of Songs”. Impressive, right? Truly, saffron has a place on a par with the Egyptian pyramids, papyri and other monuments of human history and ingenuity.
What is saffron spice? The dark golden fibers are the dried stigmas of the crocus sowing flower, a plant of the iris family. By the way, to get just one gram of saffron, you need to collect the stigmas of one and a half hundred flowers. The name of the spice comes from the Arabic word azafran, which means “yellow”.
In the Caucasus, the so-called Imeretian saffron is used in the Caucasian cuisine, but the raw material for it is not crocus, but marigolds. Sometimes, under the guise of saffron, they try to sell the so-called Mexican saffron (safflower flowers) and Indian saffron – turmeric. These are also wonderful spices, but they have nothing to do with real saffron.
The main differences between real saffron are color and aroma. Only real fibers have a noble reddish tint and a dry, piercing scent of expensive perfume. Another difference is the price. No spice in the world is worth as much as saffron.
In medieval Europe, the phrase “expensive as saffron” was in circulation. And trying to pass off something else for saffron was punishable by death.
The most expensive condiment in the world
It is not for nothing that saffron is called a gem in the spice world. This epithet suits him like no other. Saffron’s golden color, exquisite aroma and high price make it truly precious. To this day, this spice remains the most expensive in the world. 1 gram of saffron is comparable in value to 1 gram of pure gold.
Another reason for the high cost of saffron is hand picking. There are only three stigmas in each crocus flower. To this day, they are harvested by hand, cutting them along with part of the column from the newly blossoming flowers. Sometimes the flowers are first picked and only then the stigmas are chosen from them. Saffron is harvested in the fall, and the harvest lasts only one week.
Useful properties of saffron
Saffron is most commonly used in food today. Even a few fibers of this spice give the dish an appetizing golden color and delicate aroma. The spice enhances digestion and promotes better absorption of nutrients by the body.
The aroma of saffron is considered one of the finest in the world. According to its aromatic properties, saffron is on a par with sandalwood, frankincense, amber and other famous aromatic substances.
In addition to its outstanding nutritional qualities, saffron has found application in folk medicine. Since ancient times, this precious spice has been used in the treatment of all kinds of diseases. For example, such as:
– neuroses; – diseases of the cardiovascular system; – diseases of the nervous system; – respiratory diseases; – diseases of the reproductive organs; – urolithiasis disease; – autoimmune diseases; – diseases of the organs of vision; – pain syndrome; – many others.
Experts studying the properties of saffron argue that the spice has the strongest antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic properties, and is capable of preventing the development of malignant tumors. In ancient medicine, saffron was often used as a remedy for labor, a cure for insomnia, a mental stimulant, and a diuretic.
Application of saffron
How to make a medicine from saffron stigmas? There are many ways. The easiest is to make saffron milk. It’s easy to cook. 9-10 pre-ground saffron fibers are added to a liter of hot boiled milk. Then dissolve 2 tablespoons of liquid honey in milk. If desired, you can add ground pistachios, cloves or nutmeg to the drink. It is best to drink this remedy for all diseases hot.