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Vanila
Vanila
Vanilla planifolia
Vanilla originated from Mesoamerica, specifically Mexico and Central America. The primary species, Vanilla planifolia, is native to this region. While it is now grown in many tropical areas, its origins trace back to the jungles of Mexico and Central America. The Totonac people of Mexico were among the first to cultivate vanilla. Vanilla plant, is a tropical climber known for its fragrant pods used in flavoring, comes from the Vanilla orchid. The orchid produces greenish yellow, waxy, and fragrant flowers that bloom for only a single day. These flowers must be hand pollinated to produce the vanilla pods, which are the fruit of the vine. The pods, initially green, develop over several months and are then cured to develop their characteristic aroma and flavor.
The vanilla pods, also known as beans, are the fruit of the vanilla vine. They develop from the pollinated flowers and can take 6 to 9 months to mature, reaching about 18-20cm in length. Initially green, the pods gradually turn yellow and then brown as they mature. They have no aroma at this stage and require a complex curing process to develop their characteristic vanilla flavour. The curing process involves sweating, drying and exotic treatments to bring out the vanillin. Vanilla is the second most expensive spice after saffron due to the labour intensive cultivation process.
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