Saffron has been one of the most expensive, elite, luxurious spices in the world for many centuries. It has a specific aroma and a spicy bitter taste, slightly reminiscent of honey.
Name in English: saffron
Title in French: safran
Synonyms: crocus, karkum, zaferan, zaafran
How is saffron sold? dried or fresh stigmas of purple crocus flowers, powder
Where is saffron used?
You need to add this seasoning to dishes in a minimal amount, since an overdose can play a cruel joke: luxurious saffron will turn into poison for humans.
Just one gram of the product contains up to four hundred veins, and to prepare one serving, for example, pilaf, you will need at least five pieces. Helps avoid overdose traditional way use of this spice:
- saffron strings are lightly fried in a pan without adding oil,
- after that they are ground into powder and diluted in water, alcohol or milk;
- The resulting solution is added dropwise to the dish.
Due to the ability of saffron to give food a unique golden color, excellent aroma and spicy taste, this seasoning has long been highly valued by cooks and confectioners. A variety of soups, dishes from all types of meat and poultry, fish and seafood, vegetables and mushrooms are prepared with it.
One of the best combinations is saffron with rice, so it can be safely added to dishes such as:
- pilaf and risotto;
- porridge and casserole;
- rice pudding.
This spice is also highly valued in cooking. A tiny pinch added during kneading will greatly improve taste qualities and fragrance:
- of bread;
- pies and various pastries;
- fruit and berry desserts;
- jelly and ice cream.
By not combining this seasoning with others, you can make a great sauce, jam, mousse, cream or jam. Some nationalities in different regions of our planet traditionally add saffron to tea or coffee. It is included in the formulation of some liqueurs.
What goes with saffron
It is not for nothing that the unique properties of this spice have been highly valued in many cuisines of the world since ancient times. Saffron goes well with a huge number of products, such as:
- meat and poultry;
- Fish and seafood;
- vegetables, asparagus, mushrooms;
- cheeses and butter;
What can not be combined with saffron
Saffron is a very strong spice that is difficult to combine with others. That is why it is not included in any popular mixture, which is prepared like Provence or French herbs. It is extremely rare to find a combination of this seasoning with garlic powder or red pepper. In any case, professional cooks prefer to purchase pure crocus pistils.
The spice has the unusual ability to reduce appetite and lead to rapid satiety with a fairly small amount of food consumed. However, it is strongly not recommended to mix it with strong alcohol and wine, as it increases the degree of intoxication, headache and hangovers, so keep that in mind when choosing drinks. Nevertheless, in small quantities, saffron remains a permanent and excellent addition to liquors, exquisitely shading their taste and aroma.
Useful properties of saffron
The huge amount of nutrients found in crocus pistils make this spice an important addition in the treatment of many diseases. In its composition, the stigmas of the plant contain:
- carotene;
- essential oils;
- glycosides;
- lycopene;
- gum;
- Sahara;
- wax;
- trace elements of phosphorus and calcium;
- vitamins.
This seasoning not only reduces appetite and improves the digestive process, but also serves as an excellent antipyretic, improves metabolism, removes toxins from the body with sweat, bile and urine.
The plant is also useful for the functioning of the lymphatic system, spleen and lungs. Saffron is an ingredient in some cough and whooping cough medicines. By improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and liver, the plant increases immunity and resistance to infections, improves the general condition of the body and skin color. In addition, saffron is often used in complex therapy in the treatment of:
- oncological diseases;
- visual impairment;
- neuralgic conditions;
- depressions;
- hangover syndrome.
With the ability to increase the level of serotonin in the blood, this seasoning is actually a mild psychotropic substance that does not cause addiction and addiction. Aroma lamps with saffron help with insomnia by normalizing breathing, relieving headaches and reducing anxiety.
Contraindications for use
Saffron, which tones up the body and brings it into a state of strong excitement, is extremely contraindicated for people:
- survivors of heart attacks and strokes;
- suffering from cardiovascular diseases;
- in need of constant rest.
Always remember that a large amount of this spice added to any dish (overdose) can be fatal to humans. It is also highly undesirable to use this seasoning in the preparation of dishes for pregnant women. By increasing muscle tone, saffron can lead to an abortive effect.
- This spice has been known to man for more than four thousand years, although scientists believe that paints, which included crushed crocus pistils, were used by our ancestors for rock paintings as early as the Neolithic era.
- The value of seasoning has not been reduced for centuries. At one time, one could pay with one's life for counterfeiting spices, and exchange a pound of saffron in the market for the best Arabian horse.
- Until now, no more than three hundred tons of seasoning have been produced annually in the world, since the harvesting procedure is very delicate. On the very first day of crocus flowering, it is necessary to manually carefully collect the pistil veins from all blossoming flowers. Given the short flowering period and the relatively small amount of cultivated fields, it is not surprising that the cost of saffron is several times higher than the cost of any other spices.
- If you decide to buy this seasoning in the market, be sure to look for dried reddish brown or deep yellow veins. An expensive and rare spice is often counterfeited, instead offering powders from other plants of the same color.
- Perishable foods that have been prepared with this seasoning will last much longer than without it. However, saffron itself has a rather short shelf life. You should not buy it in reserve, because after six months it can deteriorate, turn pale and lose its exquisite aroma. Modern technologies trying to overcome this time dependency, so that in sealed packaging from manufacturers with a reliable reputation, saffron lasts longer.
In the East spice saffron they call it royal, because from time immemorial legends have been composed and sung about in verses about its spicy taste. This seasoning counts the most expensive, because it has a lot of positive qualities and is in demand in cooking, medicine and cosmetology.
Are you interested in what does it look like this magical condiment? Saffron is a fragrant rich yellow powder. On the site you can find out beneficial features spices and their use in culinary arts.
Indian saffron seasoning: application
What is Indian made of? powder? A spice is being prepared from the flowers of the crocus seed in the photo, you can see how beautiful this plant is. It takes only 3 stigmas to create a precious spice. Receiving features:
- The plant is collected only in dry weather.
- Collection time from 10 am to 11 am.
- The plant is not found in the wild. Therefore, it is grown only on special plantations.
The most popular varieties are Indian and Turkish. Most often used in Russian cuisine Imeretian spice.
Seasoning saffron: where to add?
You can add this spice to many dishes, as it is very useful for the human body:
- Stimulates digestion.
- Has an analgesic effect.
- It has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.
- Normalizes the menstrual cycle in women.
- Fights against cancer cells.
- Oxygenates the brain.
- Stimulates tissue regeneration, accelerates the growth of nails and hair.
- Restores liver cells.
- Improves metabolism.
- Eliminates manifestations of an allergy.
- Effectively fights flatulence.
- It is used in the treatment of dermatological diseases. Allowed in the form of masks and for oral administration.
- Disappear diseases of the genitourinary system in men - impotence and infertility.
- It cures hysteria, neuralgia and depression.
- With the help of infusion from the plant, the body is cleansed.
Diseases recede only with regular use of spices. But keep in mind that excessive use of spices can lead to poisoning!
The most expensive seasoning saffron: what is the price?
If you wish buy spice, then you should be prepared for the fact that it price pretty high. This is due to such factors:
- The plant is produced only on plantations with special conditions for growing.
- Crocus grows only 2 weeks.
- Collection by hand!
- Three stigmas are also torn off only by hand.
- Special harvest time.
In retail trade, you will pay $ 10 per gram of powder, and the wholesale batch will come out at least 3,000 euros.
Application in cooking
A where same added is this the royal spice? V cooking is used with such dishes:
- Meat.
- A fish.
- Clear soups.
- Pilaf.
- Vegetables and legumes.
- Amazingly delicious coffee.
- Creams for pastries and cakes.
- Delicious pastries.
Some nuances of using spices:
- It is considered a taste stimulant, therefore it is added in minimal quantities, otherwise it can spoil the dish.
- Rules introduction to the dish - dilute the powder in water, and then pour it into food.
- Reveals the taste characteristics of the dish.
- Baking the next day becomes more fragrant.
When using this powder, other spices must be discarded.
Since the time of the Sumerian civilization, saffron continues to occupy an honorable place among expensive spices. And no wonder, because this natural remedy has incomparable healing properties.
Saffron is the dried stigma of the crocus flowers.
Saffron is a well-known expensive spice obtained from the stigmas of saffron crocuses.
During the Middle Ages, 1 pound of saffron could be exchanged for 1 slave or an Arabian horse.
The high price of saffron is due to unsurpassed beneficial properties and incredibly labor-intensive production.
Crocuses, which are needed for the production of spices, bloom only 10-18 days a year. And given that the lifespan of one flower is only 2-3 days, and the stigmas need to be collected only at dawn, on the first day of bud opening, the collection and processing of pistils has to be done manually.
To obtain 1 kg of saffron, it is necessary to process about 130,000 flowers. 1 hectare of plantation in the first year after planting can give only 6 kg of the finished product, and in subsequent years - up to 20 kg.
How to distinguish it from Indian saffron - turmeric?
Saffron best quality is a tangled ball of dark red, soft, like silk, threads The high cost and high demand for saffron gives rise to many fakes in the world. The most common adulteration of ground saffron is ground turmeric powder.
In ancient times, hands could be cut off for counterfeiting this product or even burned at the stake.
- Spice color. Saffron has a noble red-brown color, while turmeric has a yellowish tint.
- Packaging. Real saffron is sold in sealed opaque packaging.
- Weight of packing. The weight of saffron is always measured in small grams (1, 2, 5, 10, 20), and the mass of turmeric, as a rule, ranges from 20 to 50 g.
- Manufacturer and country of origin. The packaging must be marked with the name of the manufacturer (preferably known). Iran is considered the largest producer of saffron, which accounts for about 95% of the world crop. Smaller manufacturers are Italy, Greece, India, Azerbaijan and Spain.
- Price. The price of saffron is much higher than all other spices. For 1 g of the product they require at least 450 Russian rubles.
You can check the quality of already purchased spices by taste and smell. Good quality saffron has a metallic-honey aroma with hints of fresh hay and an exquisite bitter-spicy taste.
Saffron is one of the top ten incense in the world, including: ambergris, aloe, frankincense, musk, nard, sandalwood, saffron, cinnamon, costus, cloves.
And yet, experts advise buying not powder, but saffron threads. Once you see dark red hairs with yellow patches, you are unlikely to confuse them with turmeric!
Compound
The main component of freshly harvested stigmas is an essential oil, which is presented in the form of a protocrocin glycoside binder. When dried, this substance decomposes into simpler glycosides, which give the spice a special bitter taste and a specific coloring property.
Besides, in chemical composition dried stigmas includes:
- glycoside crocetin;
- safronal glycoside (0.4–1.3%);
- cineole;
- pinene;
- fatty oil;
- saccharides;
- carbohydrate gum;
- vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3 and B9;
- carotenoids (alpha, beta-carotene and lycopene);
- flavonoids (isoramnetin and kaempferol);
- water;
- potassium;
- manganese;
- zinc;
- calcium;
- iron;
- magnesium;
- selenium.
Saffron contains more than 150 volatile and aromatic compounds.
100 g of the product contains, as a rule, about 310 kcal, of which:
- proteins ≈ 46 kcal;
- fat ≈ 55 kcal;
- carbohydrates ≈ 246 kcal.
Energy balance (proteins | fats | carbohydrates) ≈ 15% | 18% | 79%.
Video: Composition and benefits of saffron
Beneficial features
This medicinal plant combines a lot of useful properties that can cure more than 100 diseases. It can be used both for preventive purposes and for complex treatment:
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Saffron helps stop inflammation in the stomach, normalize the functioning of the liver, gallbladder and spleen. Also, the spice improves digestion, dampens the feeling of hunger, increases the metabolic rate, burns toxins and toxins. That is why saffron infusion is often included in the weight loss menu.
- Respiratory diseases. The substances that make up the spice have an expectorant and antipyretic effect in case of colds.
- epilepsy and hysteria. Saffron perfectly calms and strengthens the nervous system, relieves nervous overexcitation and overstrain.
- Dropsy and edema. The spice has a diuretic effect, which removes excess fluid in the body, and also normalizes the secretion of bile and cleanses the blood of harmful substances.
- Cardiovascular diseases. Regular consumption of dried crocus stigmas contributes to the normalization of heart rate, reduces the risk of diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- Angina pectoris, atherosclerosis and hypertension. Saffron has a beneficial effect on the process of strengthening blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.
- Retinitis pigmentosa and muscle degeneration. The beneficial substances contained in the spice have an antioxidant effect and reduce the level of fatty acids in the visual cells, so that the retina and vision are restored.
- female infertility. The plant relieves inflammation on the pelvic organs, improves the patency of the fallopian tubes.
- Gout and rheumatism. Saffron reduces the volume of uric acid and promotes its rapid removal from the body.
- Living in a region with poor ecology;
- Decreased mental abilities and memory impairment;
- Menstrual disorders and acute pain on critical days;
- Reduced sexual desire and impotence (saffron is a natural aphrodisiac that has no side effects);
- Burns, wounds and various skin defects;
- Alcohol dependence and severe hangover syndrome;
- Insomnia, stress and depression (saffron promotes the production of serotonin - the "hormone of joy").
Various infusions and mixtures of spices are also suitable for cosmetic skin care. Saffron is a powerful anti-aging agent that eliminates age-related and mimic wrinkles and evens out the overall skin tone.
Traditional medicine recipes
Saffron infusion has a general strengthening effect on the entire body. The easiest way to use saffron for healing the body is to daily use infusion of stigmas of saffron.
To prepare the infusion, you need to throw 2-3 veins of saffron into a glass, pour them hot water(200-250 mg), cover and leave to infuse for half an hour. Then the saffron drink is filtered and drunk during the day, after dividing it into 3-4 doses: half an hour before a meal or an hour after a meal.
To achieve specific goals, saffron is more beneficial to use in combination with other ingredients that can enhance its effect. Below are the most common recipes for folk remedies.
To increase potency in men
Recipe #1
Ingredients:
- 4-5 veins of saffron;
- 25 g fresh ginger or 1 tsp. dry powder;
- 4 things. black pepper or cloves;
- 1 tsp black tea;
- 1.5 cups of water.
Cooking method:
- Grind all the spices thoroughly and pour into a saucepan along with black tea.
- Pour the mixture with water and put on a slow fire.
- Bring liquid to a boil, remove from heat and strain.
Recipe #2
To enhance potency, you can also add saffron, ginger seasoning and black pepper to vegetables, meat and fish dishes after they have finished cooking.
Please note that a large amount of saffron as a spice can cause serious harm to the human body. It is enough to add 2-3 strings of saffron to the dish.
The annual rate of saffron for a person is 1 gram, i.e., about 350 stigmas.
For women
When the menstrual cycle fails
Ingredients:
- 5-8 saffron hairs;
- water, tea or honey as desired.
Mode of application:
Saffron hairs are eaten fresh with water, or crushed to a powder and eaten throughout the day, adding to tea or honey.
There is an opinion that saffron stigmas, lightly fried in a dry frying pan, reveal their beneficial properties much better.
With thrush and pain during menstruation
Ingredients:
- 4-6 veins of saffron;
- 1 tsp herbs boron uterus;
- 0.5 l of water.
Cooking method:
- Pour all the chopped herbs into a small saucepan and pour them with water.
- Put the mixture on a slow fire and bring to a boil.
Take half a glass every morning on an empty stomach.
To facilitate the process of childbirth and stimulate contractions
Saffron with milk is a real help for women in labor Ingredients:
- 10–15 veins of saffron;
- 1 glass of milk.
Cooking method:
- Pour crushed saffron into boiling milk and remove from heat.
Drink a decoction at the beginning of labor or with very weak contractions. It is not recommended to use recipes with saffron during pregnancy!
Other recipes
For eye diseases
Ingredients:
- 5 saffron hairs;
- 1 tsp rose water.
Cooking method:
- Grind the saffron hairs to a powder.
- Mix powder with rose water.
Wipe the eyes with the resulting slurry once a day. Wash off with warm, clean water.
With kidney stones
Ingredients:
- 50 veins of saffron;
- 100 g of natural honey.
Cooking method:
- put honey on water bath for 5-7 minutes.
- Finely chop the saffron and mix with honey.
Take the mixture on an empty stomach before breakfast and dinner, half a teaspoon.
For colds and lung diseases
Ingredients:
- 1 st. l. dry saffron powder;
- 1 glass of water.
Cooking method:
- Pour water into a saucepan, put on fire and bring to a boil.
- Pour saffron powder into boiling water and leave for 1-2 hours.
- Strain the infusion.
Drink 2 tablespoons 3 times a day.
For internal bleeding
Ingredients:
- 5-6 saffron hairs;
- 0.5 tsp turmeric;
- 1 glass of milk.
Cooking method:
- Put the milk on the stove and bring to a boil.
- Finely chop the saffron and mix with turmeric.
- Pour the spice mixture with hot milk.
Drink immediately after preparation.
For leg cramps
Ingredients:
- 2 saffron hairs;
- 3 chicken eggs.
Cooking method:
- At raw eggs separate whites and yolks.
- Grind saffron and mix thoroughly with proteins.
Pour the resulting mixture onto a napkin and apply in the form of an ointment or compress for 20 minutes to the forehead.
For diseases of the liver, blood or circulatory system
Ingredients:
- 3 strands of saffron;
- 10 raisins;
- 1/2 glass of water.
Cooking method:
- Mash the saffron and raisins well with a wooden crusher and mix well.
- Pour water into a separate container and heat it on fire.
- Transfer the mixture of saffron and raisins to the water, stir and leave to infuse for 8 hours.
Take medicine 2 times a day.
With cystitis
Ingredients:
- 2-3 saffron hairs;
- 1/2 cup lingonberry juice or fresh cranberry juice;
- 1 glass of water.
Cooking method:
- Grind saffron and boil in water.
- Mix the resulting liquid with fruit drink or juice.
Drink 3 times a day for half a glass before meals.
Treatment of purulent wounds, boils and acne
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp. l. saffron hairs;
- 2 glasses of water.
Cooking method:
- Pour saffron into water and boil in a water bath for about half an hour.
- Remove from the stove, cover with a lid and leave to infuse for 5-10 minutes.
A decoction can be washed with purulent wounds or moistened with gauze for application to acne or boils.
For headaches or insomnia
Saffron aroma not only heals, but also energizes with love and optimism. Ingredients:
- 3 strands of saffron;
- 3-4 drops of ghee or coconut oil.
Cooking method:
- Finely chop the saffron.
- Mix the resulting powder with oil until a homogeneous consistency is formed.
Rub the main part of the mixture into the wings of the nose, and inhale the rest.
Mask for problematic, dry or dull skin
Recipe #1
Ingredients:
- 15–20 veins of saffron;
- 50–60 ml of water.
Mode of application:
Soak saffron stigmas in water until gruel forms. Apply the mask for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Recipe #2
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp saffron powder;
- 1 tsp medium-fat sour cream;
- 1 tsp honey.
Mode of application:
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until a homogeneous mass is formed, apply on a well-cleansed face and leave for half an hour. Wash off with warm water.
Contraindications for use and possible harm
Saffron and medicines from it are contraindicated to use:
- children under 2 years old;
- people suffering from diabetes;
- people who have high blood pressure;
- women during pregnancy - saffron enhances contractions, so it can be used only immediately before childbirth;
- in case of individual intolerance to the product.
If an atypical reaction of the body occurs (diarrhea, acute abdominal pain, allergies, etc.), you should immediately consult a doctor.
In addition, people with certain cardiovascular diseases should consume saffron in limited quantities. In this case, only the attending physician can determine the norm.
External use of saffron products is contraindicated for those who are allergic to saffron or other ingredients of the mixture.
The magical properties of saffron really justify its high cost. Regularly try recipes for prevention, and many health problems can be avoided.
Saffron is a spice known to mankind for more than 4000 years. This is the most expensive spice in the world, since the production of saffron is incredibly laborious. Saffron is obtained by collecting the stigmas of the purple crocus seed, and there are only three such stigmas in one flower. The matter is complicated by the fact that the crocus blooms only 2-3 days, and you need to collect the stigmas on the first day of the bud opening, and even by hand, and even before sunrise. A kilogram of saffron is obtained from 200,000 flowers. Not surprisingly, only about 300 tons of saffron are harvested worldwide every year.
History of saffron
Saffron has been cultivated for so long that it is impossible to say for sure from which word it got its name. It is believed that in the Neolithic caves, the drawings on the walls were made using saffron. After all, it is not only a spice, but an excellent persistent dye. The ancient Greeks considered saffron an aphrodisiac, took baths with it, strewed their beds with it. Many diseases were treated with saffron, they flavored wine and food, weaved saffron threads into clothes, and Buddhist monks dyed fabrics with it, from which they then sewed their robes - kesa. Despite the fact that the birthplace of saffron is the East, they learned to grow it in Spain, Italy, Turkey, and some other countries.
What natural saffron looks and smells like
Externally, real saffron is a tangled ball of long threads of reddish-brown or dark red color with an original, strong aroma. Experts characterize the taste of saffron as the taste of honey with a metallic tint, bitter and spicy at the same time.
Application of saffron
Bitter, fragrant and spicy saffron is widely used in cooking. They are used to color and flavor dough products, creams, desserts, drinks, including alcohol, sausages and cheeses. In the East, saffron is necessarily added to pilaf, lamb and young lambs broths. Before adding saffron to a dish, its threads are soaked in milk or water so that the aroma and color of the spice are better manifested. In medicine, saffron is used to make tinctures and eye drops. The consumption of saffron is very small: one gram of spice is enough for a long time. If you use saffron tincture, then 6 drops added to the dish will be enough. You don’t need to add any spices to a dish in which saffron has already been added - the taste and aroma of this spice is so self-sufficient. Too much saffron will make the food bitter, so you need to be very careful with the dosage.
fake saffron
The high cost of saffron and the high demand for this spice have given rise to many fakes in the world. Oriental bazaars will gladly offer you saffron powder, which actually turns out to be ground turmeric or calendula powder. You can distinguish spices by color: turmeric has a more yellow tint, and saffron has a noble red-brown color. Sometimes, instead of saffron, they sell dyeing safflower - the so-called Mexican saffron, the stigmas of which are also yellow, but do not have the properties of royal spice.
If you are lucky enough to find real saffron, you should not spend a lot of money and buy spice for the future: saffron cannot be stored for a long time, and eventually loses its magical properties. So bulk purchases are justified only if you want to give a wonderful spice to family and friends.
Despite the fact that the seasoning is used in cooking in very small quantities, the benefits and harms of saffron have become the subject of study not only for traditional healers, but also for official medicine. There are so many useful properties in the most expensive spice that it is used in medicinal and cosmetic products. Most often, saffron is used in cooking. It has a spicy taste with bitter notes, gives the dish a rich aroma. Read more about the "king" of seasonings in this article.
What does saffron look like and where does it grow?
Crocus sowing (or sowing saffron) is a perennial plant belonging to the Iris family. It reaches a height of 10 to 30 cm. The color varies from lilac-violet to yellow-orange.
The plant grows on the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, in Spain, France, in Asian countries: in China, India, Japan, as well as in the Crimea, Dagestan. Saffron is not found in the wild. Cultivation is spread all over the world, as saffron is a plant that benefits human health, as well as a spice with a bright unique taste.
The plant blooms for only 3 days, in spring or autumn, depending on the species. To prepare the spice, the flowers are harvested immediately after they open. The stigmas are then separated to dry and end up with the spice. Drying takes no more than 20 minutes, after which the stigmas are immediately placed in airtight glass jars. So they do not have time to lose properties. That is, it is the stigmas of saffron flowers that have medicinal properties useful to humans.
The production of saffron is an expensive process, since usually 3 stigmas are obtained from one flower. For 1 kg of spice, 150 thousand flowers must be processed. On average, 20 kg of spices are obtained from 1 ha of land. Unfortunately, other parts - roots, leaves, saffron seeds - do not bring benefits to humans.
The spice is sometimes referred to as red gold due to its high cost. In Russia average price for 1 g of saffron is from 70 rubles.
The chemical composition and calorie content of saffron
Saffron is a fairly high-calorie spice: 310 calories are contained in 100 g of the product. But since less than 1 g of spice is used in cooking, its calories can be completely ignored - there will be no harm for those who lose weight from it.
The ratio b / w / y is as follows:
- proteins - 11.43 g;
- fats - 5.85 g;
- carbohydrates - 65.37 g;
- fiber - 3.9 g.
Minerals found in the composition of the spice:
- potassium - 1724 mg (per 100 g);
- magnesium - 264 mg;
- phosphorus - 252 mg;
- sodium - 148 mg;
- calcium - 111 mg;
- manganese - 28 mg;
- iron - 11 mg;
- selenium - 5 mg;
- zinc - 1 mg;
- iron - 0.33 mg.
Vitamins:
- folic acid (vitamin B9);
- nicotinic acid (vitamin PP);
- thiamine (vitamin B1);
- riboflavin (vitamin B2).
Saffron contains an essential oil containing antioxidants.
Since the spice is used in scanty quantities, rely on it as a source useful minerals, vitamins are not rational.
What is useful saffron
The benefits of saffron for the human body are expressed primarily in a general strengthening effect. Useful properties are often used in traditional medicine, as will be discussed below.
The spice has the following effects on the body:
- soothing;
- diuretic;
- choleretic;
- antispasmodic;
- weak pain reliever.
Those who regularly add spice to food in moderation note such positive changes as:
- activation of human mental activity;
- decrease in sweating;
- improvement of appetite;
- strengthening immunity;
- acceleration of metabolism;
- normalization of the digestive process.
The spice is especially useful for women. In particular, with problems with an irregular menstrual cycle. It increases libido, enhances attempts during childbirth.
Indian medicine Ayurveda considers the spice to be useful to everyone without exception.
What diseases does saffron treat?
It is difficult to argue with the medicinal properties of saffron, especially when you consider that it is added to some eye drops. Indeed, due to its properties, it helps the elderly to normalize visual impairment as a result of muscle degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa.
Benefits for cardiovascular function have been noted, nervous systems when using a tonic tincture containing useful spices.
Thanks to the expectorant effect, the spice even treats cough in children, respiratory diseases.
The benefits of saffron for cancer of the lungs, breast, pancreas, as well as some other tumors are being studied. For example, the oil contains antioxidants that fight existing cancer cells or their appearance.
Is it possible to give saffron to children
To avoid harm to children under 2 years old, and according to some sources up to 3 years old, adding saffron to food is not recommended.
Even after the onset of 3 years of age, spice additions to children's food should be scanty, since overdoses are dangerous even for an adult.
The spice has an effective expectorant property, so children are allowed to use it for coughs as an addition to the treatment prescribed by the doctor.
Attention! Before using spices for treatment, it is imperative to consult a pediatrician so as not to inadvertently cause harm to health.
Is saffron allowed for pregnant and lactating women
It is better for pregnant women to refuse spice supplements to food, as it can cause harm to changes in the tone of the uterus. The result in the worst case is a violation of pregnancy and miscarriage. In the later stages, premature birth may begin.
There is no ban on the use of spices for lactating women: specific benefits or harms for this condition have not been found. In this case, the product must be carefully introduced into the diet, observing the reaction of the child. If negative consequences are noticed, one should temporarily abandon the spice and check with the doctor whether the spice really caused them.
Traditional medicine recipes using saffron
folk medicine healing properties saffron have been known for a long time. The scope of its application is extremely wide: from the treatment of diseases of internal organs to the healing of wounds and boils.
It is used externally in combination with other healthy ingredients, and inside in the form of infusion or with tea. Take saffron in medicinal purposes Care must be taken as an overdose can cause harm.
From kidney stones
The medicinal benefit is to cleanse the kidneys from the harm of stones: saffron promotes their crushing and excretion from the body.
Most often used together with honey, melted in a water bath. Reception is carried out in 1 tsp. 2 times a day before meals.
Saffron infusion is also useful. For cooking, take 1 tsp. spices, that is, about 5 threads and pour a glass of boiling water. After half an hour, the drink is filtered. To avoid harm, drink no more than 1 glass of infusion per day. The healing properties of saffron tincture do not end there: this recipe is also useful for the treatment of other diseases.
With a cold
First of all, the spice is used to prevent colds.
If a person is already sick, then tea with spice or in the form of a separate infusion improves overall well-being. The drink is able to reduce fever, eliminate cough due to expectorant properties.
Tea is especially effective in combination with cinnamon, ginger, which also have medicinal properties, helping with colds.
For diseases of the liver and circulatory system
In Asian countries, treatment of the liver with spices is common. The benefits of taking saffron tea for the prevention of disease have been noticed.
The drink also cleanses the circulatory system. It can be replaced with a tincture prepared according to a standard recipe.
For eye diseases
In official medicine, saffron is found in eye drops. It is also useful when taken orally, helping with eye diseases: both genetic in nature and caused by aging. The disease does not completely disappear, but its development slows down.
The spice is used not only in the form of tincture: the benefits of milk with saffron in the form of tea are known.
For headaches and insomnia
With a severe headache, lotions with infusion of saffron are useful.
With mild pain, as well as in case of insomnia, taking spices inside helps:
- in the form of infusion;
- along with honey;
- with warm milk.
It is best taken an hour before bedtime due to the hypnotic effects of saffron.
For leg cramps
Note the benefits of spices in cramps of the lower extremities.
For a general effect on the body, you can take a tincture. To do this, pour 1 tbsp. l. stigmas 1 cup boiling water. Let it brew. When cool, strain. Take 1 tbsp. l. tincture 2 times a day.
You can also prepare an "ointment". For this purpose, 3 egg whites are mixed with a small amount of spice. Use immediately after preparation: storage of the mixture leads to the loss of its benefits.
Tea with saffron to enhance potency in men
The beneficial properties of saffron for men are invaluable: it can increase libido not only in women, but also have a similar effect on the male body. Saffron is sometimes referred to as an aphrodisiac spice.
To prepare a drink, mix 4 strands of spice and 1 tsp. black tea. The benefits of saffron tea are increased by adding 20-25 g of ginger and a pinch of black pepper. Pour the resulting mixture with a glass of water, boil in a water bath. Then strain.
In violation of the menstrual cycle
In Ayurveda, the beneficial properties of saffron for women are highly valued, in particular, for the regulation of disturbed menstruation.
Saffron infusion helps to cause them in case of delays or, on the contrary, alleviates the condition with long and heavy menstruation, bringing them back to normal. Turmeric is also added to the infusion.
With thrush and painful periods
The spice is used as an antispasmodic, reducing pain during menstruation.
For thrush, along with the treatment prescribed by your doctor, you can try the following recipe. Mix 1 tsp. saffron and boron uterus herb. Pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. Let it brew for 15 minutes, then strain. Received healthy drink drink half a glass every morning.
To stimulate contractions
Pregnant women are forbidden to use spice, as it causes premature contractions. However, if childbirth has already begun, then this spice facilitates the process.
It is enough to add a few strands of saffron to hot milk and drink. It is useful to do this at the very beginning of the process or with weak contractions.
Attention! This is a potent remedy, therefore, in other cases, during pregnancy, it is not necessary to use it so as not to harm the health of your own and the unborn child.
From cystitis
The spice has a pronounced diuretic property, therefore it is used to treat cystitis, urolithiasis and other diseases of the urinary tract.
For treatment take 1 tbsp. l. infusion of saffron before each meal, but not more than 3 times a day.
Treatment of boils and purulent wounds
For difficult-to-heal skin lesions with the same infusion, it is useful to make lotions or wet bandages.
The use of saffron in home cosmetology
The benefits of saffron for women are not limited to the boundaries of the kitchen. For example, the benefits of a mask with saffron for the face are known: it promotes external rejuvenation, helps to cope with acne and age spots. The spice is also used in recipes for hair masks to give the curls shine and a healthy look.
Important! Before applying any mask to the skin, you must first make sure that there is no allergic reaction or component. To do this, a small amount of the mixture is applied to the inner surface of the elbow. After 15 - 30 minutes there should be no redness, itching. So easy to avoid possible harm from the new mask.
Purifying face mask
Saffron for the face is also useful in the form of a cleansing mask.
For its preparation you will need:
- ¼ tsp saffron powder;
- 2 tbsp. l. any cosmetic clay suitable for a specific skin type;
- water in such an amount that the mixture is similar in consistency to sour cream;
- add 1-2 drops if desired essential oil lavender.
The resulting mask is applied to the face and kept for 10-15 minutes: until the clay begins to dry out a little. Then gently rinse with water. You don't have to rub your face.
Important! Do not wait until the clay is completely dry on the face. In this form, it tightens and dries the skin, that is, instead of a beneficial effect, on the contrary, it causes harm.
Acne face mask
For this mask you need:
- 1 st. l. natural yogurt without any additives;
- ½ tsp lemon juice;
- 3 - 4 strands of saffron.
The resulting mixture is applied to the face for 10 minutes, then washed off with cool water. The benefits are noticeable after the first application.
Hair Mask
Often saffron is used in hair products. In home recipes less often, as it can often give a coloring effect.
One of the most popular is the henna mask, as the latter is good for hair in itself. Depending on the length of the curls, the proportions vary within the following limits:
- 1 - 2 packs of henna;
- 3 - 4 tsp saffron.
The mixture is applied to the entire length of the hair for 30 minutes. Then wash off using shampoo and hair balm.
Important! Due to the strong coloring property side effect masks can become a slight lightening of the hair or staining in a golden-copper shade.
What dishes add saffron
The spice adds spice to the products. Therefore, it is used for cooking:
- meat dishes;
- fish dishes;
- seafood;
- pilaf;
- creams, sauces;
- desserts;
- bakery products (buns, muffins, cookies, etc.);
- even drinks.
At the same time, seasoning is added to baking even at the stage of kneading the dough, and to hot dishes - 2 - 5 minutes before readiness.
The taste and smell of saffron are not revealed immediately, so baking is more aromatic the next day. For hot dishes, it is useful to prepare the spice in advance. First, the stigmas are fried in a dry frying pan, then they are ground and mixed with a tablespoon of milk or water. Only then is it added to the dish. So the aroma becomes more saturated, although it is well felt even without prior preparation.
Important! It is better not to mix saffron with other spices. This is a strong seasoning that overpowers almost all spices except rosemary, turmeric, and cinnamon. At the same time, the aroma itself is peculiar, so the first time you may not like the combination of spices.
The amount of spice depends on the specific recipe, but in any case, it is measured in pinches or a few stigmas. It is important not to overdo it, otherwise the dish will have a bitter taste: a large amount of saffron can be harmful to health.
Properties and uses of saffron oil
Saffron essential oil has an intense aroma. The following useful properties have been found:
- antispasmodic;
- rejuvenating;
- tonic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- strengthening;
- soothing.
Saffron oil is used.
- For medicinal purposes. For example, 2 drops of essential oil and 2 - 3 tbsp. l. base rubbed for the treatment of rheumatism.
- In cosmetology. The benefits of saffron essential oil for the face are especially noted. Skin color evens out: it begins to shine from the inside.
- To flavor food: pre-mix the spice with any base oil.
Harm of saffron and contraindications
The benefits and harms of saffron for the body depend on the amount of spice eaten with food. If this is a small amount, then it only benefits a person. A large portion is likely to cause harm. Sometimes saffron can even cause death.
A negative consequence is most likely to be poisoning, which is accompanied by symptoms:
- diarrhea;
- vomiting;
- nosebleeds;
- yellowing of the skin or eyes.
If at least one of them is found, an ambulance should be called immediately.
For a healthy adult, 10 g is considered a lethal amount. For children, the elderly and people with poor health, this threshold is reduced.
Spice is contraindicated:
- people with bipolar disorder;
- if you have an allergy or intolerance to the product (therefore, use in small quantities for the first time);
- with hypertension;
- if you have had a stroke or heart attack before, use with caution.
To avoid harm to the body, you need to monitor the expiration date of saffron, the dosage in the recipe, as well as your own health.
What is the difference between saffron and turmeric
Many are mistaken in considering these spices to be identical. The error is caused by the fact that both spices have the same properties: they color food, they are somewhat similar in shade and taste. In addition, in their homeland, in India, turmeric is called Indian saffron. This is where the product similarity ends. The benefits and harms of saffron for human health cannot be compared with the properties of turmeric.
Saffron is an elite spice. He is painstakingly assembled and selected, as described above.
For the production of turmeric, the entire root system of the plant is used, and not just the stigma of the flowers. Therefore, the spice is easier to obtain, and its price is much lower. Turmeric is sold in large portions, and saffron is sold in 2-4 grams.
Since the cost of saffron is high, when selling spices in powder form, they are often deceived and offer cheaper spices. In particular, turmeric. They are similar in color, but turmeric is closer to a yellow or orange hue, and saffron is closer to rich red and even brown.
How to choose and store saffron
In shops and markets, stigmas or ground powder are sold.
Since the powder is often counterfeited, therefore, in order to be sure of the benefits of saffron, it is better to buy stigmas and grind them yourself immediately before cooking.
Looking like long threads, saffron stigmas fit this description:
- soft;
- saturated dark red, sometimes closer to brown or interspersed with yellow threads;
- are sold at a high cost (if low, then there is a high probability that the composition was mixed with cheap spices).
Important! To check the purchased spice, you need to dip a small amount of it into milk or water. A fake will color the liquid instantly, and real saffron - within 10 - 15 minutes.
In order not to lose its beneficial properties, saffron should be stored for no more than 2 years in a sealed package in a dry form. The container or packaging is placed in a dark place.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of saffron are regulated by the correct dosage of this product: the smaller the amount of spice in food, the less likely it is to harm your body. But even a few threads of spice help to treat diseases, increase the effectiveness of home cosmetic procedures. The most important thing is to buy natural product without confusing it with other spices.
