Saffron is one of the most precious spices in the world. The threadlike red stigmas—and the yellow hue they impart—are quite literally the stuff of legend.
But what is saffron, exactly?
The spice originates from a flower called crocus sativus—commonly known as the saffron crocus. It is believed that saffron originated and was first cultivated in Greece, but today the spice is primarily grown in Iran, Greece, Morocco, and India.
Saffron is extremely subtle and fragrant. The slightly sweet, luxurious taste is enigmatic—it’s tricky to describe but instantly recognizable in a dish. As annoying as it is to say, you know it when you taste it.
Each flower produces only three threads (stigmas) of saffron, and it blooms for only one week each year. The saffron must be harvested—by hand!—In the mid-morning when the flowers are still closed to protect the delicate stigmas inside. It takes about 1,000 flowers to produce just one ounce of saffron.
Kesar is also known as Saffron is an ancient spice, which has been no less than a treasure trove. This exquisite and expensive spice has been a part of our rich culinary heritage.
Saffron popularly known as Kesar in Hindi has been one of the oldest herbs known to mankind.
How was saffron used and why adding it to the diet is a good idea?
According to the Nutritionist, “The history of saffron can be outlined back to 3000 years. Kumkuma or saffron is one of the costliest spices used in Ayurveda. It balances the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas in our bodies. It has antioxidants that boost immunity and have anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties.
The medicinal properties of saffron are numerous. It has positive effects on the skin, digestive system, circulatory and excretory system, nervous system (uplifts mood and fights depression; hence it is also known as a sunshine spice.
There are numerous ways of adding this wonder spice to the diet but the best way to originate its maximum benefits is by drinking saffron milk around bedtime or saffron water on an empty stomach.”
Health benefits of Saffron:
Saffron has been a great spice to boost immunity and keep seasonal ailments at bay. As the world is battling the toxic pandemic Covid-19, the need to stay fit and healthy has become even more important.
Immunity-boosting foods to the daily diet can help in improving health. What makes this spice a magical herb is that it is loaded with carminative, diaphoretic, and aphrodisiac properties.
1.Reduces blood pressure and improves heart health:
Loaded with the goodness of potassium, consuming saffron every day helps in dilating the blood, which further removes the blockage from the arteries. This further reduces blood pressure and prevents heart attacks and strokes.
2.Increases sexual drive:
Enriched with the goddess of nature, saffron naturally increases sexual vitality both in men and women.
Saffron has been used for treating age-related erectile dysfunction. It has strong aphrodisiac properties, which can further help in improving androgen levels in females. Adding Saffron to your diet can have magical benefits on your health if taken in moderation.
Saffron is a superfood as it boosts immunity power and strength. Research has proven that saffron is effective in treating infertility.
3.Reduces depression:
The hectic lifestyle and increasing stress have pushed people to a level where they end up suffering from several physical and mental issues.
Where there’s always a quick treatment for physical ailments, finding a cure for mental ailments does take time. Saffron is one of the most highly-prized spices that works wonders when consumed regularly.
