Organic Kesar (Saffron), Pure & Sure (0.5gm)

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The first historical reference of saffron comes from Ancient Egypt, where it was used by Cleopatra as a fragrant and seductive essence and to prepare ablutions in temples and sacred places.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.