Saffron and Its Medicinal Benefits
Saffron and Its Medicinal Benefits : To produce one kilogram of saffron, around 100,000 flowers are required, making saffron one of the most expensive substances in history.
The saffron plant, a member of the lily family, has been known among various nations for its culinary and medicinal uses. Its beautiful purple flowers are harvested by hand in the autumn, before dawn, and then the red stigmas are separated and dried. Today, Iran is the world’s largest producer of saffron, with most of it being grown in Khorasan.
Traditional Medicinal Uses of Saffron and Its Medicinal Benefits
Saffron and Its Medicinal Benefits : In traditional medicine, saffron is considered to have a warm and dry nature. It has several beneficial properties, including being a tonic, stimulant for the senses, astringent, and effective in relieving blockages in various organs like the head, liver, and stomach. Saffron, when consumed with honey, is known to help expel kidney stones.
Saffron can be used in different ways, including inhalation, to treat severe headaches and insomnia.
Counterfeit Saffron
Saffron and Its Medicinal Benefits
The high price of saffron has made it vulnerable to various types of fraud. Some common fraudulent methods include:
- Coloring, adding weight, mixing with corn stigmas, or adding oils are the most common methods of creating counterfeit saffron.
- The most dangerous method is the use of artificial colorants, which can be detected in the lab because of their poor coloring ability. These artificial colors are harmful to human health.
- A more subtle fraud involves using the natural color of the saffron plant to color other parts of the saffron, which is unfortunately a common practice. These fraudulent sellers may even swear by the purity of their saffron, claiming that they use no substance other than saffron.
How to Identify Genuine Saffron and Its Medicinal Benefits
- Identifying genuine saffron is easiest by looking at the stigma’s branches, which are typically three-pronged and gradually become thinner as they approach the base.
- If the saffron stigmas are too shiny, it is a sign of potential fraud.
- Saffron filaments, unlike corn silk, have a curled shape.
Tests for Genuine Saffron
- Place saffron threads over a flame; genuine saffron will turn purple or orange, while counterfeit saffron will turn yellow.
- If saffron threads are pressed between absorbent paper, they should not leave an oily mark—if they do, they are likely counterfeit.
- Saffron threads should not dissolve in gasoline. If they do, it is most likely counterfeit.
Does Saffron Have Alternatives?
In Persian culture, saffron is the main ingredient in many dishes and sweets, used for its flavor, color, and fragrance. However, due to its high cost, other colorants may sometimes be used as substitutes, particularly in large-scale cooking. Common alternatives include marigold and turmeric, which resemble saffron’s golden yellow color.
Safe Consumption Amount of Saffron and Its Medicinal Benefits
The recommended daily amount of saffron is up to 1/10 gram for an adult. In medicinal uses, the maximum recommended dosage is 1 gram. Consuming over 3 grams of saffron can lead to serious health risks, including heavy bleeding, miscarriage, and even death in extreme cases. Some reports indicate the consumption of 5-9 grams leading to fatalities.
How to Store Saffron
Saffron should be stored in a dark, dry, cool place away from light and moisture. The best containers are metallic or colored glass containers, as plastic containers may cause saffron to lose its potency and flavor over time.
It is best to grind saffron just before use. When saffron is ground, it produces a stronger color. It is recommended to use a marble mortar for grinding saffron to get the best results.
How to Keep Dissolved Saffron in the Refrigerator?
Saffron and Its Medicinal Benefits : Ideally, saffron should be used fresh to preserve its beneficial properties. However, if storing it in the refrigerator for a longer period is necessary, it is recommended to grind the saffron without any added sugar or other ingredients and dissolve it in a small amount of boiled water. You can also brew it over a kettle to help preserve its properties.
Some people also use ice to prepare saffron. They place a piece of ice over the ground saffron, which helps extract the color and flavor effectively.
Conclusion on Saffron
Saffron and Its Medicinal Benefits : Saffron is a versatile and precious spice known for its medicinal and culinary applications. By understanding the potential frauds and methods of identifying real saffron, consumers can ensure they are purchasing genuine saffron. It is also important to remember the safe usage amount and the proper storage techniques to maintain the quality of saffron over time.
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