Do you want to know what are the key benefits of saffron? Or why should you bother to make it an essential part of your culinary creations? Well, there are many reasons why this spice is a favorite despite its expensive price. Before proceeding to know the many benefits of saffron let’s learn some important facts about this spice.
What is Saffron?
Saffron is one of the world’s highest expensive spices. It is a bulbous, small, perennial spice that belongs to the lily family. The thread-like red stigmas and the yellow hue they impart are legendary things. Yet, what exactly is saffron? No matter how many tales about the spice have been told, many of us still don’t know what to do with it, or if it’s worth the high cost.
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What is the Origin of Saffron?
The spice comes from a flower widely known as the “saffron crocus” called crocus sativus. It is assumed that saffron originated and was first grown in Greece, but today the spice is grown mainly in Iran, Greece, India, and Morocco. Although there is micro-scale saffron production in the United States, it imports much of the saffron found here.
What is the Taste of Saffron?
Saffron is very soft and fragrant. The luxurious, slightly sweet taste is utterly elusive. It is difficult to explain but its taste is clearly recognizable in the food if it is added.
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The Key Benefits:
Now coming towards the key benefits of saffron. The benefits of this highly-priced spice and the therapeutic properties make it a popular culinary product worldwide. Current work indicates that saffron can be used as an aphrodisiac, diaphoretic [to induce sweating], carminative [to avoid gas] and to increase menstruation. Some other benefits are as follows.
1. It Protects from Cancer:
Saffron contains a water-soluble, dark orange carotene called crocin which is responsible for the golden color of much of the saffron. A variety of different types of human cancer cells, ovarian carcinoma, leukemia, colon adenocarcinoma, and soft tissue sarcoma have been found to cause apoptosis which is programmed cell death. So saffron helps in protection from cancer.
2. It helps in memory retention:
Recent research has also shown that saffron extract, its Crocin, in particular, is useful in the treatment of mental illness linked to age. Saffron is encapsulated in Japan and used for treating memory loss, inflammation and Parkinson’s disease.
3. It treats delayed puberty:
Saffron has an overall stimulant impact on underdeveloped girls. Hormones can be stimulated to achieve puberty by drinking a pinch of saffron crushed in a tablespoon of milk.
4. It assists in increasing vitality:
In the case of low libido, saffron acts as a sexual stimulant and can be eaten in the form of a pinch of it dissolved in a glass of milk before going to bed.
5. It induces hair growth:
Saffron also helps in inducing hair growth in the case of alopecia by application of saffron mixed with milk and licorice.
6. It prevents cold:
Saffron is a tonic stimulant and is very useful for treating fever and cold. Saffron combined with milk and rubbed over the forehead easily alleviates cold.
7. It can be used as a food additive:
It can also be used in place of a food additive such as FD and C yellow no 5. The glorious yellow saffron could be an appropriate hypoallergenic alternative.
So you must include Saffron to your dishes and not only make them tastier with its different flavor but also avail its various health benefits. You can try the ground saffron powder from Saffron and more and enjoy this Persian staple spice in broth, rice, tea, and oil, etc. Its quality is excellent and it adds a unique flavor, aroma, and color to your food.