It takes 70,000 crocus flowers to produce one pound ( 454 grams ) of saffron. Only three stigmas are produced by each crocus flower, and the delicate stigmas can only be picked by hand.
Two spices are sometimes used to achieve the same yellow color: turmeric and achiote. But neither of them can produce saffron’s unique flavor and medicinal benefits.
Saffron may be expensive to grow, but it is cultivated in several countries. It is cultivated in western Asia, Spain, France, Italy, India, and other nations. The finest quality saffron comes from Kashmir.
Always buy whole saffron threads, instead of powdered saffron, which may be cut with non-saffron ingredients. Saffron should be kept in Cap-Closed Borosil Glass or Sterling Silver containers & away from direct sunlight.As it is a Natural Herb it is advisable to avoid any Plastic Material & Should Not Be Refrigerated.
It is better to consume it as fresh as possible, though it can be kept for 2 – 3 years. When kept for longer periods it loses its Aroma.
Though when saffron is kept for longer periods it loses its aroma but it still retains its medicinal value if it is mixed with milk to make a paste and & is used to gently massage under the eyes to remove & avoid development of Dark circles, this paste can also be applied to the Neck & Elbows so that black patches are not formed.
ML Saffron is Natural Kashmiri Saffron.
Children can be given 1(one) leaf of saffron in hot milk on a daily basis. It is advisable that one leaf of saffron in hot milk given to children from Diwali to Holi keeps them away from normal cough, cold & congestion, it also helps build immunity ( resistance to diseases ) in the body and improves memory.
In olden times in India, the yellow color produced by soaking saffron filaments in milk was called the very perfection of beauty. The use of saffron as a face mask to remove pimples and soothe rashes has been used since ancient times. Saffron is antiallergenic and a paste made from saffron, applied on the face and exposed parts of the body is used in the same way as foundation makeup is used. Saffron paste impart smoothness to a woman’s skin, it also gives the skin a golden tint
Medicinal Applications
Action Alterative, anodyne, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, appetizer, carminative, emmenagogue, expectorant, sedative, stimulant, rejuvenative
Uses
Saffron is used in small doses only, for coughs, whooping cough, stomach gas, gastrointestinal colic and insomnia. As an ingredient in herb liqueurs, it serves as a stimulant to appetite; and it is sometimes made into a salve for treatment of gout.
Saffron is used in sedatives, as an antispasmodic and for flatulence. It is used in small doses in fever, melancholia, enlargement of the liver, and asthma. Saffron is also useful for treating anemia, chlorosis and seminal debility.
Saffron is considered to be a sovereign remedy, not to be excelled in virtue by any other drug as a stimulant and aphrodisiac. . It is also used in perfumes and dyes.
Other Other uses of Saffron:
for rheumatism and neuralgia
for looseness of the bowels to relieve flatulent colic, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhoea
for painful affections of the uterus for headaches
for bruises and superficial sores
hemorrhoids.
snake bite
Saffron lowers the rate of heart disease. The spice is used by traditional healers to alleviate fatigue and exhaustion, as it strengthens the heart and nervous system. It is also known to improve the mood and clear the brain. Saffron is high in thiamin and riboflavin, two vitamins that are known to promote a healthy heart.
It is also relieves renal colic, reduces stomachaches and relieves tension. It has been used as a drug for flu-like infections, depression, and as a sedative. It is also considered that in small quantities it regulates women’s menstruation, and helps conception.
Good quality saffron gives a strong smell, taste and color. Less amount of product is actually required thus saving money. Buying poor quality actually doubles per serving cost. Quality Saffron also allows a consistent amount to be used over and over.
Saffron quality is determined by its ability to saturate a specific quantity of water with its yellow-red dye. In the laboratory, a photospectometry test is performed to determine this Coloring Strength (110 to 250+). This test specifically looks at crocin (color), and it ultimately determines picrocrocin (taste) and safranal (smell).
The following tests are conducted in a scienticfic laboratory for the analysis of saffron : –
1. Total ash% by mass.
2. Acid insoluble ash% by mass.
3. Moisture & volatile matter.
4. Solubility in cold water.
5. Bitterness ( u-v absorbance).
6. Safranal (u-v absorbance).
7. Colouring strength ( u-v absorbance).
8. Total Nitrogen % by mass.
9. Crude fibre % by mass.
Saffron is used to flavor and tint many dishes around the world.. Saffron is also still used as a color dye in manufacturing and textile industries.
his winter ,add 5-6 leaves of Saffron in 200ml boiled water in a glass container & cover it with a glass lid only( do not use any plastic glass or lid). Let it stay for 30 – 45 minutes till proper color & aroma is achieved. Drink it sip by sip for best results.
If you’re going to buy the world’s most expensive spice, don’t be chintzy. It’s worth getting a top quality saffron, even if it costs more. You’ll taste the difference immediately. Look for threads with a dark, deep reddish-orange color..
When the fresh crop of saffron is tested according to the prescribed quality parameters it passes all the tests, But as a Natural Characteristic even Grade I saffron shows some deterioration in properties with the passage of time which is beyond anyone’s control. The company tries to ensure that the quality of saffron is not compromised at any point.
When Other saffron is kept in hot water the release of color will stop after 1 or 2 hours but when Grade I saffron is kept in hot water it will keep releasing color even if the glass is refilled again with the same saffron threads.