Saffron is the slender, dried, flattened
Stigma of a small crocus of the iris family. Often called 'The Golden Spice',
Saffron is a culinary and medicinal spice used since time immemorial.
This bright orange-red strands is
an expensive spice appreciated for its delicate, distinctive flavour and
striking colour. It has a peculiar, exotic, bitter taste. It is used in special dishes,
especially in the preparation of different type of sweets. It is also used in
perfumes and dyes.
Expectant mothers drink a solution
of saffron and milk in the belief that the beauty and complexion of the baby
would markedly improve.
Indian Saffron is cultivated on a large scale in Jammu
and Kashmir.
Saffron holds the distinction of being the world's costliest
spice. The yield of Saffron stigmas is quite small. It takes
30,000 to 35,000 hand-picked blooms to obtain just one pound of dried Saffron.
Types of Spices