Saffron, the most expensive spice in the world and favoured by everyone, would be used in sweet and savory dishes. There are many reasons why Saffron is very expensive; it is cultivated and harvested by hand.
It takes 120,000 Saffron blossoms to make one kilogram of the colourful, delicious and aromatic spice. The part that we use from Saffron is the dried stigmas of the flower.
Apart from being the most expensive spice, there are many health benefits of saffron, which makes it even more special:
* Saffron is used for asthma, cough and sore throat.
* Effective to relieve sleeping problems (insomnia).
* Saffron extracts are used as fragrance in perfumes.
* Protects against cancer The golden colour of saffron called crocin, has been found to trigger apoptosis a number of different types of human cancer cells.
* Recent studies have demonstrated that saffron extract, is useful in the treatment of age related mental impairment. Saffron also promotes learning and memory retention.
* Some chemicals in saffron work to alter mood, increase vitality, decrease swelling, and act like antioxidants.
* Saffron would be used in cooking to add flavour and colour to cakes, cookies, rice and some sauces.
