SAFFRON

Submitted by ub on

Did you know that Saffron is a very special spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, also known as the "saffron crocus"

— Saffron is a powerful spice high in antioxidants. It has been linked to health benefits, such as improved mood, libido, and sexual function.

It is a brightly-colored spice that's high in health-promoting compounds, such as carotenoid antioxidants. Research findings suggest saffron has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and may improve heart health, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve sleep, and protect eye health.

The stigmas, or pollen-receiving structures, of the flower are dried and used as a spice and dye. Saffron has a strong, bitter taste and exotic aroma. It's used to flavor and color many Mediterranean and Asian dishes, especially rice and fish, and English, Scandinavian, and Balkan breads. It's also an important ingredient in bouillabaisse soup

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Since such a small part of the flower is used, it takes 75,000 saffron flowers to make one pound of saffron spice. The small amount of saffron spice per plant, along with the fact that harvesting must be done manually, leads to saffron's being majorly expensive.