Is saffron expensive because in an acre of land, you can only get 2 pounds of saffron? Whereas several tons, if it was corn that is being planted on it...
When we visited Mashhad Iran, an acquaintance gave us several boxes of saffron without even knowing how expensive these are. We just put in our luggage then fly back to Philippines. As I write this blog, I am now enjoying a tea with 3 strands of saffron on it.
But how this most expensive spice is harvested by our Iranian farmers? That involves picking the crocus flowers, 100,000 or so per acre, and pulling out the stigmas, the orange parts that contain the pollen when the plant is fertilized. But it’s actually the stigmas which are the prized spice. Then it’s dried.
Let me share you a write up made by my friend, Ms. Saba Bahadori 👇👇👇
What is Persian Saffron?
Persian Saffron is taken from the flower of “saffron crocus”. certainly, The vivid red stigmas and styles, called threads, are collected and dried to be used in food mostly as a seasoning and coloring agent. further, It has a sweet flavor. It is the most expensive spice in the world, because it should just be picked by hand, not machines. 250,000 stigmas make only half a kilo of Saffron, that’s why it is so expensive and precious. Iran now accounts for 90% -93% of the world Saffron production.
Iranian also use the saffron in their food for more tasty and coloring it. It usually use for serving rice with the highlight of rice with saffron to decorate the dishes. above all, Iran Destination invite you to read this interesting article to know more about it.
Health Benefits of Saffron
But besides being expensive, it is a major source of antioxidants. It can help combat depression and lower blood pressure, and also soften your skin and hair. Dried saffron has 65% carbohydrates, 6% fat, 11% protein and 12% water. In comparison to other spices or dried foods, the nutrient content of dried saffron shows richness of nutritional value across B vitamins and dietary minerals. In one tablespoon (2 grams), manganese is present as 28% of the Daily Value, but other nutrients are negligible.
Persian Saffron is widely used in Persian, Indian, European, and Arab cuisines. Confectioneries and liquors also include saffron most of the time. It is used in dishes ranging from the jeweled rice and khoresh of Iran, the bouillabaisse of France ,the Milanese risotto of Italy, the paella of Spain, to the biryani in South Asia. It also use in Swedish buns. One of the most esteemed use of saffron is in Golden Ham preparation. Golden Ham is a precious dry-cured ham made with saffron from San Gimignano. It is specially a distinct item in Persian Cuisine. Iranians usually place ground saffron in a small bowl and pour hot water over it. This way the aroma release. Then they use it in cooking processes.
Genuine Saffron to your Country
Together with our friend in Iran, Ms Saba Bahadori, we can export Saffron to your country in the right cost. Send us an email now...