Zafran

The worlds most expensive spice

Zafran, known as a seasoning and colouring spice in food, is picked from the Crocus Sativus flower. The reason it smells so nice is due to the fact that it contains 28 volatile compounds that are aroma creating. The per Kg price is a lot more than gold, for good quality zafran. This is due to the fact that it is a labour-intensive task to collect the stigmas from each flower and it would take about 75,000 flowers to yield about one Kg.

It has been in use for about 3,500 years and believed to have originated in Iran, a country that is also responsible for about 90% of the world's current supply. 

Uses

Many different cuisines use zafran in rice, especially in Pulao (Pilaf) from Iran and Afghanistan. With Italians using it for risotto. In Pakistan and India, it is often used in Biryani. The Arab world and other European countries also make use of zafran for food.

Zafran is used in confectioneries, perfumes and various liquours as well.

Health benefits

Over the years aside from uses in food, zafran is said to help with depression and the symptoms of the menstrual cycle in women. It has antioxidants present that are useful for cells, against free radicals and oxidative stress.

Comments

Better quality zafran has just the stigmas in it, with the second tear having a mix of the styles from the flower attached to the stigma as well. Ahead of that other parts from the centre of the flower are added in. People who want to add more weight to their supply via illegal methods use many different things including red silk fibers. Aside from Iran, zafran is mainly grown in Spain and Kashmir. 

Usually available in smaller qualities, zafran is also used in minimal amounts. Even a pinch or two could be enough to season a sizeable dish. The smaller quantities also cost less, making it accessible to people.