It is widely cultivated in many countries such as China, India and the Middle East regions. It is a perennial herb growing 10-25 cm tall and when autumn begins, it blooms into purple-coloured flowers. The vivid red-coloured three filament ‘stigma’ of this flower is dried to make the spice ‘saffron’
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Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a plant. The dried thread-like parts of the flower (stigmas) are used to make saffron spice, food coloring, and medicine. Saffron contains chemicals that might alter mood, kill cancer cells, decrease swelling, and act like antioxidants.It is also used as an insecticide or pesticide! – Modern medicine has discovered saffron as an active anti-mutagenic, immune modulator, anti-depressant, antioxidant and sex-stimulant. – It is believed to help in ailments like indigestion, high blood pressure, menopausal problems, gastro intestine and scabies
Almost all saffron grows in a belt from Spain in the west to Kashmir in the east. Iran is responsible for around 45% of global production. Afghanistan and Spain are secondary producers, while the United Arab Emirates, Greece, and Morocco are among minor producers.
To put it plainly, it’s an incredibly labor-intensive crop to harvest. Each saffron flower only produces three threads, so it can take thousands of flowers to get just one ounce of saffron
Saffron can only be harvested and processed by hand as its petals must be peeled away gently to collect the delicate saffron threads. Consequently, an ounce of saffron is valued at more than an ounce of gold.
The dried thread-like parts of the flower (stigmas) are used to make saffron spice, food coloring, and medicine. Saffron contains chemicals that might alter mood, kill cancer cells, decrease swelling, and act like antioxidants. It can take 75,000 saffron blossoms to produce a single pound of saffron spice.
Saffron health Benefits.
Research has also shown that the antioxidants in saffron may be healthy for your brain and nervous system. Crocetin, crocin and safranal, three antioxidants found in saffron, may help improve memory and learning ability. These substances may also help prevent neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
Saffron Benefits for Skin
Saffron can help you achieve a radiant complexion if you add it to your skincare regimen: Soak a few strands of saffron in a carrier oil (such as almond or jojoba oil) and apply it to your face and neck to make a saffron-infused face serum or oil.
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: Protecting Your Skin from Free Radicals. …
- Brightening and Lightening: Attaining a Luminous Complexion. …
- Anti-Aging Wonder: Reducing the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles. …
- Acne-Fighting Properties: Clearing Blemishes and Preventing Breakouts.
Saffron Tea for Health Benefits.
Heat water in a pan over medium-high heat. Once the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low. Add saffron, cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and dried rose petals to the pan and let the water simmer for 3-4 minutes.
