India is worldwide famous for its spices. Among these spices Kesar not only holds a special place in the hearts of Indians but in the hearts of foreigners also. Kesar holds the distinction of being the costliest spice in the world. It is also known as RED GOLD. This golden spice of Pampore ( in Kashmir ) is considered to be the best one.
Jammu & Kashmir is the second-largest producer of saffron in the world. The best quality of saffron is grown in Jammu and Kashmir. Its color, intensity, flavor, and fragrance are spectacular.
Botanical Name
The botanical name of wild saffron is CROCUS CATWRIGHTIANUS whereas commercially cultivated saffron is botanically called CROCUS SATIVUS.
Production
The largest producer of saffron is Iran and the second spot is held by India. It is a labor-intensive crop. It is considered to be more costly than gold. Every flower of saffron has three stigmas that are collected very carefully with hands and then dried to convert it into saffron spice. Thousands of flowers have to be collected manually and dried to obtain a few grams of saffron.
Identification Of Purity
Pure and best quality saffron has a deep red color, honey-like aroma, and a musky taste.
Season Of Cultivation
Pampore in the Pulwama district of Kashmir is the main center from where saffron is cultivated during the late autumn. It starts nearly from late October till mid-November.
How To Take Saffron
Saffron should be taken in small quantities to add taste and aroma. It has the right combination with savory dishes like paella and rice.
Best Way To Use Saffron
Dip the threads of saffron in hot water. Let the threads remain in hot but not in boiling water for some time. Then add the threads along with the water to your recipe to get the richer flavor.
Availability
You can purchase it from any shop selling dry fruits. It is available in both thread as well as powder form. It is best to purchase it in the form of threads to reduce the chances of adulteration.
How Much To Use It
One pinch of saffron is enough to add flavor and aroma to the diet.
Cost Of 1Kg Saffron
It may vary from Rs 2,00,000 to Rs 4,00,000 per kilogram depending upon the quality.
Saffron is not only famous for its fragrance, aroma, and taste but for its numerous health benefits also. Some of the major health benefits of consuming saffron are:
Major Health Benefits Of Saffron
1. Helps in improving depressive symptoms.
2. Cancer-fighting properties.
3. Reduces PMS symptoms.
4. Acts as an aphrodisiac.
5. Helps in weight loss.
6. Reduces heart disease risk factors.
7. Improves eyesight and memory.
8. Lowers blood sugar levels.
9. Acts as a strong antooxidant.
1. Helps In Improving Depressive Symptoms
Saffron is not only a bright spice but it may help brighten your minds also. A review of various studies showed that the use of saffron proved beneficial in treating people with mild to moderate depression.
One more study revealed that taking 30mg of saffron daily was as effective as Fluoxetine, Citalopram, and Fluvoxamine which generally are used for the treatment of depression by medical practitioners.
Not only threads but petals of saffron were also found to be an effective treatment for patients suffering from mild to moderate depression.
2. Cancer Fighting Properties
During a scientific trial, it has been proved that saffron and its compounds have shown a tendency to kill colon cancer cells. Saffron has a positive effect on bone marrow, skin, lungs, and several other cancer cells.
Studies have proved that CROCIN the main antioxidant in saffron makes cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs. The presence of high quantities of antioxidants makes it beneficial for health.
3. Reduces PMS ( Pre Menstrual Syndrome ) Symptoms
Another scientific trial revealed that the consumption of saffron daily may help in treating PMS symptoms. Even smelling saffron for 20 minutes helps reduce PMS symptoms like anxiety, stress, etc.
At least 30mg of saffron can be consumed daily for the treatment of PMS.
4. Acts As An Aphrodisiac
Aphrodisiacs boost LIBIDO levels in the body. Secretion of Libido gives our body pleasure, and a happy feeling, and helps maintain a good mood. People who are on antidepressants can get the benefits by consuming it.
A study also showed that taking 30mg of saffron daily improved erectile function in patients on antidepressants.
In women, taking 30mg of saffron daily for four weeks reduced sex-related pain and increased production of lubrication.
5. Helps In Weight Loss
Consumption of saffron helps in curbing your appetite. Studies showed that people consuming saffron daily snacked less and lost more weight. It helps in reducing appetite and hence helps in weight loss.
6. Reduces Heart Disease Risk Factors
Saffron’s antioxidant properties lower blood cholesterol and don’t allow the arteries and veins to clog. It helps in the smooth circulation of blood in the body.
7. Improves Eye-sight And Memory
Saffron consumption reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, helps in controlling free radical damage in our eyes, and helps in improving vision-related problems.
8. Lowers Blood Sugar Level
Its consumption increases insulin sensitivity thereby reducing blood sugar levels.
9. A Strong Antioxidant
Saffron contains a large amount of antioxidants that protect our cells against free radicals and oxidative stress.
Saffron has CROCIN and CROCETIN pigments which help curb depression, protect brain cells, reduce inflammation, reduce appetite, and reduce weight.
SAFRANAL is also present in saffron. It helps in improving mood, memory, and learning ability.
KAEMFEROL present in saffron helps in reducing inflammation, reducing chances of cancer, and relieving depression.
FAQ’s
What happens if saffron is taken daily?
Saffron is safe when taken as a medicine up to 100mg daily for 26 weeks.
What are the side effects of consuming saffron every day?
In some people, it may show signs of drowsiness, stomach problems, and nausea or vomiting. Some people may also show some allergic symptoms.
Who should not take saffron?
People who are allergic to some plant species like Lolium, Olea, and Salsola plant species should not consume it.
Who can consume saffron?
Generally, it is safe for most of the people. Evidence suggests that it helps in fighting oxidative stress and acts as a mood booster by increasing the secretion of Libido.
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