Everything you need to know about saffron

Saffron is one of the spices known since ancient times for its color, taste and medicinal properties. This exotic spice is also native to southern Europe and is used in many parts of the world, especially in Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, Iran, India, and Kashmir.

The scientific name of saffron is Curcus satius, which belongs to the lily family. Saffron is a spice that comes from the dried stigma of the saffron flower. Using saffron is 3500 years old. This material has been one of the most expensive materials in the world throughout history.

Iran is considered the largest producer of saffron in the world, and nearly nine-tenths of the world's saffron is produced in Iran. Now we will examine some characteristics of saffron.

The characteristics of saffron are as follows:

• The saffron onion is thick and spherical.

• Each bulb produces 9 to 6 narrow leaves like grass leaves.

• The saffron flower appears first of all in early autumn.

• The flower cover consists of three sepals and three petals of the same purple color, which makes it difficult to distinguish the sepals from the petals.

• The roots of saffron are of the spreading type that grows from the base of the onion and its peripheral circle.

• Saffron does not grow in summer and starts growing in late summer.

• Sargol saffron is one of the common names for saffron.

• The use of saffron in arts such as calligraphy and painting, as well as in silk carpets with natural colors has been common and has worldwide fame.

• The division of saffron is based on grades A, B, and C and on saffron quality.

• Saffron has valuable and durable essence.

What is the use of saffron?

This plant gives food a unique aroma and color. For this reason, it is used in food industries such as cake making, confectionery, cake powders, pharmaceuticals to make anti-depressants, textiles to dye silk fabrics, and flavors. Also, if you are a fan of tea, be sure to try the combination of saffron tea. It should be noted that the benefits of saffron tea are also very high, so saffron tea will be advantageous for you.

History of saffron

Iranians have been interested in saffron for a long time, and they present gold and saffron to elders at parties. During the Achaemenid period, saffron was used to decorate bread and flavor food. According to what has been said about Dariush, he perfumes his body with a mixture of sunflower oil and saffron. During the time of the Parthians, Iranian saffron was exported. Iranians give saffron to many nations, such as Romans, Chinese, Arabs and Greeks. Saffron has been essential for the people of Egypt, and it is mentioned in the old Indian books.

Some people may know this product as a flavoring or food coloring. But from the point of view of traditional medicine, saffron has a lot of particular nutrients that have many benefits. Saffron is one of the medicinal plants which is very strong when consumed as a drink. But if it is consumed in excess, it causes laughter or giggles.

Saffron is used for asthma, cough, and sore throat. It is also suitable for insomnia, cancer, hardening of the arteries, vomiting, intestinal gas, depression, anxiety, memory control, Alzheimer's disease, labor pain, heartburn, a skin disease called psoriasis and dry skin. Applying a saffron mask to your skin will increase the softness and freshness of your skin.

Since the saffron market has always been hot and still is, buying it requires identifying original saffron from fake saffron

How to consume saffron and its limitations

Consumption of 3 grams of saffron per month is very healthy and beneficial. But more than 5 grams per person per month is harmful, even using it in food may cause human death or cause side effects such as dizziness, nausea and decreased heart rate.

Along with all the advantages that come from this flower, it reduces the amount of its consumption, don't be surprised by its excessive consumption.

1. You should not overdo it with saffron because it can lead to poisoning and even death.

2. Excessive consumption (above 50 mg) will increase body temperature and affect some internal glands, such as the liver.

3. This substance is recommended for pregnant women with special conditions.

4. Excessive consumption of this plant can cause abortion in the early months of pregnancy.