Saffron

Saffron


Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the "Saffron Crocus". The only three places in the world where saffron very naturally grows. Kashmir has the proud privilege of being one of these places. This Kashmiri saffron is 100% pure, premium quality, and sold in a premium quality spice jar sealed in air tight plastic packaging.

Saffron, spice derived from the Crocus Flower is one of the most popular ingredients used for coloring, and is widely used in Kehwa - popular Kashmri saffron tea. Saffron extracts are used as in perfumes to add the fragrance and in dyeing the clothes. Historically, saffron was brought to India by the Persian rulers around 500.B.C. However, Kashmri historians believe, saffron has been grown in the Kashmir valley for hundreds of years. Today, Kashmir is India's prime producer of saffron and also among the largest producers behind Iran and Spain.

Saffron has also been used as a fabric dye and in perfumery, particularly in China and India.

- It is also used as an insecticide or pesticide!
- Modern medicine has discovered saffron as an active anti-mutagenic, immune modulator,
   anti-depressant, antioxidant and sex-stimulant.
- It is believed to help in ailments like indigestion, high blood pressure, menopausal problems,
   gastro intestine and scabies.

Saffron as a spice, is generally regarded as safe, however it is not recommended during pregnancy and nursing. It also must also be pointed that large doses i.e. more than 1 or 2 table spoons can be toxic, although saffron poisoning is very rare.

With these kesar benefits known to us, this culinary treasure has to be used and especially in the winter months.



 Here are some serving ideas:

1. For a wonderful marinade for fish, add saffron threads, garlic and thyme to vinegar.
2. Use saffron to give cakes, pastries and cookies a buttery golden hue and a rich aroma.
3. Cook biryanis with saffron combined with cloves, cinnamon, Indian bay leaves and nutmeg
    for a memorable treat.
4. Crush a tiny piece of saffron into a glass of champagne or sparkling apple cider and turn the
    drink into a golden elixir.
5. Coffee spiced with saffron and cardamom is a soothing and heart healthy drink.
6. Add saffron and cinnamon to whole milk or yogurt and honey for a simple version of the
    famous Indian yogurt drink, lassi.

Health Benefits Of Saffron (Kesar)

Are you looking for health benefits of kesar? If yes, then you have come to the right place. But, first let's learn some important facts about this wonder spice. Saffron is a small, bulbous, perennial spice, a member of the lily family. To produce saffron, the stigmas [the part of the flower, which catches pollen] must be painstakingly handpicked, cut from the white style and then carefully laid on a sieve and cured over heat to deepen the flavor- a process so labor intensive that saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. Currently saffron is commercially produced in Iran, Greece, Morocco, Spain, Kashmir and Italy. Iran is the most important producer of saffron both, in terms of volume and quality, and Spain being the largest importer of the spice. Saffron is a labour intensive crop, which makes it so expensive. It has three delicate crimson stigmas in the centre, which are hand-picked, placed on a riddle, and cured over heat to amplify its flavour. Apart from being the most expensive Spice, there are many benefits of saffron, which makes it even more special.

Health Benefits Of Saffron (Kesar)

•  Protects against cancer
•  Promotes learning and memory retention
•  In delayed puberty
•  To increase vitality
•  In patchy baldness
•  Protection against cold
•  Food Additives