Saffron is known as kesar in India, is one of the world's most expensive spices.
Saffron spice is the dried stigma (i.e., the thread-like parts in flowers) of the flower of the saffron tree. Each flower contains only three strands of saffron, which must be picked by hand. It can take about 4,500 flowers to make just 1 ounce of saffron. Therefore, since saffron is largely cultivated and harvested by hand and available in small quantities, it makes this spice very expensive.
For many, many years, saffron has been known for its colouring, flavouring, aromatic, and medicinal properties. It consists of the essential oil safranal that gives it the pleasant flavour.
The origin of Saffron is not clear, but it is commonly believed to be Minor Asia. Today Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, Iran and the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir are the largest producers of saffron.
The first historical reference of saffron comes from Ancient Egypt, where it was used by Cleopatra as a fragrant and seductive essence and to prepare ablutions in temples and sacred places. It was also widely used in ancient Greece as a remedy for sleeplessness, to reduce hangovers caused by wine, to perfume baths, and as an aphrodisiac.
Today as well as in the past, saffron's high price has led to its adulteration. In the past, such an act was often severely punished. However, today we need to be very careful when buying saffron. There are three red flags you need know - 1. Long red threads -- this means that the thread has been dyed. 2. A very uniform red color -- this also indicates that the thread has been dyed. 3. Streaks of yellow across the thread -- this can happen when saffron is dyed, as one thread covers another causing an uneven dying process.
Fortunately, given its high price, just a few threads of saffron are needed to flavour and colour an entire dish.
Product attributes
- Organic
- Aromatic
- Pungent
- Strong earthy flavour
- Yellow orange in colour
How to use
- For flavouring rice dishes
- For flavouring sweet dishes
- For flavouring milk, tea, and coffee
- For flavouring baked goods like bread
Benefits
- Contains manganese Saffron contains a good amount of manganese, which helps to regulate blood sugar, metabolize carbohydrates, and absorb calcium in the body. It also helps to form tissues, bones, and sex hormones.
- Good source of vitamins and minerals Saffron contains a good amount of vitamin C, iron, and vitamin B6. Vitamin C helps to fight infections; iron purifies the blood, and vitamin B6 helps in the production of red blood cells and makes sure that the nerves in the body function normally.
- Other Benefits saffron is known to contain active components that have therapeutic applications in many traditional medicines, such as antidepressants, antioxidants, digestives, antispasmodics, and carminative medications.
How to store
Store saffron in an airtight container in a cool dark place for up to 6 months, or in the freezer for up to 2 years.
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Returns Policy
You may return most new, unopened items within 10 days of delivery for a full refund. We'll also pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.).
You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).
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Shipping
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