What is saffron?

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a plant. The dried thread-like parts of the flower (stigmas) are used to make saffron spice, food coloring, and medicine. Scientifically known as saffron crocus is extracted from a beautiful flower Crocus sativus. Saffron is the stigma of the flower and is used after drying the extracts. This process gives Kesar a rich color, texture, and aroma.

Widely saffron has been used as a seasoning and a natural color for delicacies. it is believed that saffron gets its name from the Arabic word Zaffran.

Significance of saffron :

Saffron has been historically used to treat many ailments such as fever, bronchitis, the common cold, as well as other immune respiratory disorders. Saffron is also thought to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Due to its anti-depressive attributes, saffron may potentially assist those who are experiencing these symptoms, boosting their immunity as well as managing their mental well-being.

Kesar is also known as Saffron is an ancient spice, which has been no less than a treasure trove. This exquisite and expensive spice has been a part of our rich culinary heritage. This age-old spice was once a prized possession of the Royals and Elites. From the Greek culinary culture to the Indian culinary legacy, this premium spice has marked its way across the world. This spice was also used by several civilizations for its medicinal benefits.

​Helps in fighting seasonal ailments :

Saffron tea or saffron mixed with warm milk can keep seasonal ailments like cold, cough, and fever at bay. The warm nature of this magical herb helps in relieving the discomfort caused by the flu and cold. Saffron has exceptional benefits and is not just used as a food coloring agent or to add flavor to one's dish. The quality of being high in antioxidants makes it a perfect measure to cure one's cold and flu. The presence of antioxidants makes this wonder herb a great remedy for seasonal issues. Apart from that, it also helps in boosting immunity, which is essential to sustain virus attacks and other ailments.

How to make Saffron tea :

Saffron tea can be prepared plain, by steeping the threads in hot water. But the spice can have a strong and bitter taste. For this reason, many recipes feature the herb paired in a variety of different ways. You can mix it in with tea leaves, or add other herbs and spices.

Recipes can vary, but generally, involve boiling water in a saucepan and then adding saffron and other ingredients. Let the saffron steep the way you would let a teabag sit in hot water, for about five to eight minutes. Then remove the threads and enjoy.

This recipe from Eat Beautiful mixes saffron with cardamom and uses either raw milk or coconut milk to give it a richer taste.You can also enjoy saffron tea cold. An iced tea version from the food blog Ciao Florentina combines saffron with other ingredients like basil, lemon, and honey.

The health benefits of Saffron tea :

Antidepressant :

Saffron has been nicknamed the sunshine spice. And that’s not just because of its red and sometimes yellow coloring. The spice is believed to have mood-boosting properties. There may be some science behind these claims, too. Saffron to be as effective as the drug fluoxetine (Prozac) in treating mild to moderate depression. Saffron did improve symptoms for people with major depressive disorder. This may make the spice a good alternative for people who don’t tolerate antidepressant medications well.

Boosts memory :

Saffron contains two chemicals, crocin and crocetin, which researchers believe may help learning and memory function. Saffron was able to improve learning and memory problems. Saffron may have potential in treating diseases that affect the brain, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Cancer prevention :

Saffron is rich in both antioxidants and flavonoids. Antioxidants help protect the body from harmful substances. Flavonoids are chemicals found in plants that help the plant protect itself from fungus and disease. The chemical makeup of saffron may be effective in preventing and treating several different cancers.

PMS treatment :

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, from mood swings to physical discomforts. Some women are affected more than others. For those who want relief but don’t want to rely on medications, saffron may be a good alternative.

The use of herbal treatments for PMS and the more severe premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Both conditions cause discomfort to a woman in the one to two weeks before her period begins. Saffron is listed in the review as being an effective treatment for symptoms.

Heart health :

Saffron has many different chemical components. Some of these may help to reduce blood pressure and provide protection against heart disease. Saffron lowered blood pressure. Other research using rabbits found the spice to be effective in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Saffron reduced the possibility that bad cholesterol would cause tissue damage. The antioxidant properties of saffron might have a protective effect when it comes to heart disease.