Saffron

Scientific Name: Crocus Sativus

Origin: Greece and Southwest Asia

Saffron Threads

Additional Information: Why is saffron so expensive? The question asked by many cooks. Saffron threads (the stigma) are found on the Crocus Sativus plant which produce purple flowers, each flower bearing only 3 stigma (saffron threads). Due to the plant only being male, the flowers do not produce viable seeds, it takes human intervention to harvest the bulbs, break them apart and replant them. To get 1g of saffron, 150-200 flowers must be picked, hence why saffron is so pricey. 

Crocus Sativus

Medicinal Qualities: Research studies have hinted that saffron has possible cancer-suppressing, mutation-preventing and antioxidant-like properties. Saffron may also be helpful for depression sufferers

Food Applications: Saffron has a sweet taste and a hay-like fragrance. Saffron is mostly used as a colorant for certain dishes as it gives a golden-yellow hue. Traditionally used in risottos, paellas and soups.

Safflower buds

Note! Don't be fooled by saffron lookalikes, known as Safflower, which is normally used to make safflower oil. The flowering buds on the plant look similar to saffron and can be sometimes mistaken for the real thing.

Blog Recipes: (Click to Open)

• Saffron Infused Potato and Leek Soup