Saffron

Saffron

Crocus sativus

Saffron is a spice derived from the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus flower (Crocus sativus). It's vibrant crimson colour and has a distinct, slightly bitter, and earthy flavour. Saffron is known for its use as a flavouring and colouring agent in various cuisines and has potential health benefits.Saffron comes from the stigmas (the female part) of the saffron crocus flower.Each flower produces only three stigmas, and it takes a large number of flowers (around 150,000 for one kilogram) to produce a small amount of saffron. This labor intensive process is why saffron is the world's most expensive spice.

Saffron has a unique, slightly bitter and earthy taste with a subtle floral aroma. It imparts a vibrant yellow orange colour to food, thanks to its rich content of carotenoid pigments. Saffron is used in various dishes, including pilafs, risottos, paellas, and various meat, seafood, and vegetable dishes.

Saffron is rich in antioxidants and has been studied for its potential mood boosting and other health-promoting properties. Saffron contains an impressive variety of plant compounds. These may act as antioxidants, molecules that protect your cells against free radicals and oxidative stress.

Safranal is a naturally occurring organic compound, specifically a monoterpene aldehyde, that is a major component of saffron, responsible for its distinctive aroma. It is also been studied for its potential medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antidepressant and antioxidant effects.

Some powerful saffron antioxidants include:

Crocin

Crocetin

Safranal

Picrocrocin

Kaempferol

Crocin is perhaps the most notable antioxidant in saffron. It is responsible for saffron’s red colour, and research suggests it may have antidepressant properties and could protect brain cells against progressive damage.

Research shows that safranal may have benefits for several health conditions, such as:

Inflammation

Asthma

Hypertension

Cancer

Depression

Lastly, kaempferol is found in saffron flower petals. This compound may help boost your immune system and protect your body against several viruses, includingTrusted Source:

Hepatitis B

Flu

HIV

Respiratory Syncytial Virus