Saffron Spice Benefits and Recipes

Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of the saffron crocus. It is the worlds most expensive spice.It has been used as a seasoning, fragrance, dye and medicine for more than 3000 years. Cleopatra it was said used it in her bath for coloring. Saffron is known as kesar in Hindi. Saffron is available both in filaments and powder and is one of the essential ingredients in the popular Spanish paella valenciana and is responsible for its characteristic brilliant yellow coloring.This spice has curative qualities and is used in several medicinal applications. It should be stored in air-tight containers in order to minimize contact with atmospheric oxygen and away from too much light to increase its shelf life. This spice is native to Southwest Asia.The major saffron producing countries are Greece, Spain, Turkey, Iran, India and Morocco and its importers are Germany, Italy, U.S.A., Switzerland, U.K. and France.

Saffron is used in many cuisines. Saffron gives a luminous yellow-orange coloring and a wonderful aroma to foods. When using on food crush it well or soak it in a cup of water and distribute it uniformly for the best color and aroma. Saffron has many benefits and one of the ways to incorporate it into your diet is by taking Saffron Milk which can be made by dissolving one small pinch of Saffron dissolved in a glass of 200ml milk. You may add honey or sugar for taste if required. The regular intake of this drink is said to increase the body’s resistance against a lot of common diseases. However, make sure that the Saffron is only consumed in small quantities as it can cause nausea otherwise and that it is not adulterated. True saffron is often confused with American saffron which is less expensive and often used to adulterate true saffron. Be careful when purchasing this exotic spice. Because of its high price, adulteration is quite common from sellers of this spice. It is sometimes adulterated with other spices of the same color. True saffron is expensive and has a deep orange to brownish red color. The redder the strand, the better is the quality. It is better to choose saffron threads over powder saffron for less adulteration, better flavor and better curative qualities.

Saffron is widely used in Ayurvedic, homeopathy treatments and Natural Home remedies. Folkloric uses of saffron have included its use as a sedative, expectorant, aphrodisiac and diaphoretic. It is said to be beneficial in curing conditions like Sore gums, Heart and Lungs diseases, Common colds, kidney stones, Alcoholism, cramps, Insomnia, Menstrual problems, Diabetes, Asthma, Depression etc. It is also known to have anti aging properties and used in Skin lightening and anti aging Creams and other beauty products. It is also is a potent antioxidant that relieves both pain and inflammation. A few drops of Saffron essential oil may be mixed with half a teaspoon of almond oil and rubbed directly into the joints for this purpose. Saffron is said to help in digestion and increases appetite. It is also used to get relief from renal colic and stomach aches.

Saffron is loaded with natural compounds that have potential health benefits and therefore is widely used as an ingredient in both western and eastern medicine to treat several diseases and disorders. It is said to have active ingredients that lower blood pressure. It also has compounds which increase anti-bacterial and anti-viral physiological activity in the body. The presence of crocetin makes it helpful in reducing the blood cholesterol levels and triglycerides and strengthening the heart and nervous system. Researches have demonstrated the memory-enhancing, anti-cancer and anti-oxidant activities of saffron extracts. However, it has to be used in moderation only and excessive use can cause problems and can results in risks like spontaneous abortion in case of pregnant women.