Believed native to the Mediterranean area, Asia Minor, and Iran, the saffron crocus has long been cultivated in Iran and Kashmir and is supposed to have been introduced into Cathay by the Mongol invasion. It is mentioned in the Chinese materia medica (Pun tsaou, 1552–78).
Where does saffron grow naturally?
Saffron is thought to be native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia, but is grown widely across Iran, as well as parts of Spain, France, Italy and India. Saffron strands are the stigmas of the saffron crocus, Crocus sativus.
Where was saffron first found?
Greece
It likely was first discovered in Bronze Age Greece, yet it now grows throughout Europe and Asia. Saffron is as old as time.
Who brought saffron to Europe?
In France, saffron cultivation probably started during the 13th century. Crocus sativus was likely introduced from Spain and from the Middle-East by pilgrims, merchants, and Knights. Its first uses are documented in the south-west of the Kingdom around 1250.
Why is saffron so rare?
There are only three of the orange-yellow stigmas in each flower, which means it takes a lot of flowers to make a little bit of saffron. Each pound of saffron contains between 15 and 20 thousand stigmas. If you were to grow your own saffron, you would need 75 thousand of these flowers to get a single pound!
Is saffron worth more than gold?
Saffron (Crocus sativa) is a spice that is worth more than its weight in gold. Over the past three decades there has been renewed global interest in saffron cultivation for use in cosmetics, the food industry and for its health benefits, which is why this spice has been coined “Red Gold”.
How much does 1 gram of saffron cost?
Cost $160.00 – 28.35 gr = (ounce) = $ 5.64 per gram.
Which country has best saffron?
Iran is the world’s leading producer of saffron, producing 430 tons in 2019. That year, India was the second largest saffron producer with only 22 tons of production.
Why is saffron expensive?
Saffron is one of the most precious spices in the world, retailing for more than $500 an ounce. It is so expensive because it is an extremely labor-intensive crop. Crocus sativa, or the saffron crocus, flowers in the fall. Each flower has three tiny, threadlike stigmas in the center.
Is saffron a hallucinogenic?
Newly discovered sources demonstrate that the perception of saffron was a complex phenomenon that builds on the sensorials but surpasses them: as a tonic, mood elevator, antidepressant, and hallucinogenic drug saffron could be used to achieve various altered perceptions ranging from heightened sensitivity to states of
What are the side effects of saffron?
Some common side effects include drowsiness, stomach problems, and nausea or vomiting. Allergic reactions are also possible. Taking large amounts of saffron by mouth is possibly unsafe. High doses of 5 grams or more can cause poisoning.
Is saffron going extinct?
“Saffron is endangered,” he says. He predicts that in the next 10 years Iran’s saffron harvest—some 200 tons— will drop by half.
Which is the best saffron in the world?
Kashmiri saffron
While the myths arouse discord, there’s one item of consensus: Kashmiri saffron is the sweetest, most precious spice in the world. Its strands are thicker and more fragrant than its counterpart from Iran, which accounts for more than 90 percent of the world’s saffron production.
What is the most expensive spice on earth?
saffron
Most expensive spice
Across the world, saffron is used in products ranging from food to medicine and cosmetics. A kilogram (2.2 pounds) requires the stigmas of about 150,000 flowers and can easily sell for $3,000-$4,000.
How can you tell if saffron is real?
An interesting experiment is to dissolve a small amount of baking soda in water and mix it. After that, add the saffron to the liquid. If the water-baking soda mixture contains pure saffron, it will turn yellow. The fake will become a pale crimson.
How much is 1kg of saffron worth?
And real saffron can cost you over $10,000 per kilogram. Sought after for thousands of years as a spice, a dye, and a medicine, you need over 150 flowers to make just 1 gram of saffron. And the stuff you have at home in the cupboard could well be fake. So just what makes this spice so expensive?
Is saffron easy to grow?
Saffron is a purple fall-flowering crocus that is extremely easy to grow and should be planted in the late summer for blooms in just weeks. It yields the rust-colored, edible spice.
How long does saffron last?
Store saffron in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to six months for maximum flavor. Saffron, like other herbs and spices, is sensitive to light, so wrap the packet in foil to protect it further. Saffron will not spoil, but it will lose increasingly more and more of its flavor with age.
How long does saffron take to grow?
Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus) create quick jewel-toned flowers in the fall garden in about 6-10 weeks (sometimes as little as 4-6 weeks) after being planted. They can be planted in the garden in zones 6-10 or can be used in containers on a patio or grown indoors.
Why is Spanish saffron so cheap?
Due to the high supply in the market, the saffron is sold for a much lower price. Additionally, Iran also has large farms and cheap labour, making the selling price of their saffron less expensive than the former.
Does saffron have any health benefits?
Saffron is a powerful spice high in antioxidants. It has been linked to health benefits, such as improved mood, libido, and sexual function, as well as reduced PMS symptoms and enhanced weight loss. Best of all, it’s generally safe for most people and easy to add to your diet.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.