Saffron is one of the most costly spices in the world which is obtained from the dried stigma of saffron flower. It is also known as Kesar or Kumkumapoo. It is used as medicine from ancient and because of its health benefits it is also known as golden spice.

How to buy saffron?

Saffron is an extremely expensive spice, that makes difficult to obtain real organic saffron. You should always buy saffron from reliable famous brands. Genuine saffron has pungent smell and gives strong color aroma and flavor when boiled with water or milk. Before buying saffron threads, you must check if they are red in color with orange tips, else they may be dyed, and therefore, must be avoided. Good quality saffron can be stored for 2-3 years, but inferior quality saffron deteriorates rapidly.

Saffron Use in Recipe:

Saffron is used to improve taste and smell in many recipes. Use of saffron makes any dish special. In India, it is used above sweets and also as an ingredient of Kheer.  It is also used in all over the world in different dishes like Risotto, Paella, Fabada or Pote Gallego.

Health benefit of saffron:

1. It improves digestion and provides relief from acidity and gas.
2. It is useful in general health problem like headache, cough and cold.
3. Taking a pinch of saffron with milk before bed helps in sleep disorders like insomnia.
4. Pregnant women are advised to take saffron as it is believed that it improves the color of baby.
5. It is also believed that it maintains body temperature thus prevents kids from getting cold.
6. It is assumed that it increases sexual desire so new couples are given a glass of milk with saffron on wedding night as a ritual.
7. It is considered as a blood purifier and increase the oxygen content of blood.
8. Applying milk mixed with saffron on skin refine the skin tone.
9. Saffron has anti-inflammatory properties and massaging saffron on gums reduce soreness and inflammation in the mouth.
10. Saffron is also useful in treating medical disorders like asthma, atherosclerosis.