Saffron, red gold
You cannot find a single name to talk about saffron because it is a medicine, a spice, a flavoring, a brew and a food decoration. Although this substance is very expensive, its special properties and benefits are worth more than this. Have you ever wondered how this strange substance is obtained and where did it first come from?
If you want to know more about this amazing and multiple substance and read a brief history about that, it is better to join us.
Where does saffron come from?
Saffron has been cultivated for the first time in Iran. Of course, there are claims that saffron was first found in Greece. However, this claim has never been proven. What is completely clear is that Iran is the first country to bring this substance to the stage of productivity and export.
The history of human familiarity with saffron dates back to four thousand years ago. This substance, which is known as golden spice, belongs to the genus Asparagus and the genus Lily. Saffron is achieved from cleaning saffron flowers that named saffron crocus. In addition, saffron flowers are formed from the growth of saffron bloom in the soil. That is, saffron bloom should be planted in the soil and taken care of so that eventually this saffron bloom becomes a saffron flower. Each saffron flower has three branches of saffron, which after picking saffron flowers from the ground, separate the saffron from the petals of the saffron flower.
Why is the saffron market so prosperous?
The prosperous market that exists in the sale and purchase of saffron has caused the price of this substance to be extremely high. Of course, the reason for this is various factors, which we will discuss below
- Rarity: One of the reasons saffron is so valuable and expensive is that a field the size of a football stadium full of saffron flowers produces only about half a kilogram of dry saffron. In fact, to get one pound of dried saffron, more than 50,000 saffron flowers are needed. On the other hand, each saffron flower has only three very delicate stigmas.
Also saffron crocus only blossoms during a short period in the fall. This flower only lasts one day and then withers and becomes unusable. So it must be harvested quickly. Saffron must be harvested before sunset; otherwise, it is no longer productive. In addition, the sensitivity and delicacy of this plant makes it can be harvested only by hand.
- Wide usage: Another reason why saffron is expensive is the different uses as medicine, Flavors, spices, food coloring, herbal tea it has in people’s day life.
What is the use of saffron?
The use of saffron falls into two general category:
- Therapeutic: This substance is used as a medicine in the treatment of some diseases as well as temperament correction. Saffron has a warm nature and can be used to treat bloating and phlegm. In addition, it is invigorating and anti-depressant. As an antioxidant, it helps improve the function of the immune system and increases energy levels. This substance is used to treat asthma, Muscle cramps, Stress, anxiety, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Treatment of insulin resistance, Diabetes, Cancer, Diseases associated with nerve cell destruction, disorders Anemia and heart failure.
Saffron also has antiviral properties and prevents viruses from entering the body’s cells. This substance improves sexual function, improves Alzheimer’s as well as premenstrual symptoms. In order to benefit from the healing properties of saffron, it can be brewed independently or with tea and other herbs or added to food.
- Cooking: saffron gives food both flavor, aroma and color. What other substance can have such benefits? Saffron adds golden yellow color to food and creates an intoxicating aroma in food. In addition, food with saffron tastes very different and delicious. Therefore, foods and desert before and after adding saffron is not comparable. From a variety of foods to colorful desserts, with this unique ingredient, it has taken on a different taste and color.
The best way to use saffron
Saffron can be used as a spice in food and give a unique taste, color and aroma to food. To use this substance, saffron can be brewed like tea and coffee. This brew of saffron is a drink too. Turn saffron stigmas sold in various packages. You have to exchange that into saffron powder. Then add boiled water to a small teapot for brewing saffron. If you do not have a special saffron teapot, you can use a small cup. Of course, the water you add to powdered saffron should be very little. For example, for a quarter of a teaspoon of saffron, you should add a tablespoon of boiling water. The taste, color and aroma of saffron are very strong, so do not overuse it. A teaspoon of this powder can add color and flavor to a large party meal.
Iranian Unique Saffron
Iranian saffron is known all over the world as red gold. As the largest exporter of saffron, Iran distributes quality products throughout European, Asian and American countries. In fact, 95% of the world’s saffron is produced in Iran. It exports saffron to forty-six countries. Iranian saffron has a unique taste, color and aroma and is a powerful medicine for many diseases.
The largest regions of Iran where saffron cultivation is common are Khorasan, Fars, Isfahan and Qom, respectively.
However, the best and most famous saffron in Iran is Ghaenat in Khorasan province and also Estahban in Fars province. Khorasan saffron has a better taste and creates a high concentration in food. While Estahban saffron has more color and smell.
The best time to visit saffron farms in Iran
Saffron cultivation land is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Iran. The purple color of saffron plants has such an effect that it dazzles everyone. This can even be considered as one of the spectacular attractions of saffron growing cities. The best time to visit saffron fields is autumn, November and Early December.
Best way to recognize the original Saffron
Since saffron is sold at a high price in the market and always has its own consumers and buyers, there are counterfeit and low quality samples of this product. The best way to distinguish high quality and original saffron is to buy this product from reputable suppliers and great brand in this field.
How to purchase original Iranian Saffron
Iranian saffron is sometimes mainly exported to foreign countries and then packaged and sold at a higher price. Therefore, if you are planning to start a saffron business or even looking to buy genuine saffron at a fair price for personal consumption, we can help you. We can introduce you to the most reputable Saffron suppliers in Iran. In this way, you will buy marketable saffron at the right price and make a notable profit.
