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Saffron, often referred to as the "red gold," has transcended its traditional culinary and medicinal uses to become a sought-after ingredient in the cosmetics industry. Derived from the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus plant, this vibrant red spice boasts a rich history dating back to Greece and is now cultivated worldwide, including in Iran, Spain, and China. Traditionally known for food coloring and flavoring, saffron has expanded its repertoire to include skincare applications. Scientific research confirms its skin-friendly properties, such as shielding against harmful UV radiation through its antioxidant compound crocin, combating inflammation, facilitating wound healing, and reducing hyperpigmentation. While these benefits are substantiated by studies, saffron's role in skincare is an ongoing area of exploration, necessitating further human research for comprehensive validation. However, it remains a promising natural resource for enhancing skin health and addressing common skin concerns, adding depth to the evolving field of skincare.
In the ongoing battle against COVID-19, saffron emerges as a potential game-changer. This treasured spice, known for its vibrant color and unique flavor, may hold the key to taming inflammation and preventing the dreaded cytokine storm that plagues severe COVID-19 cases. As the world grapples with the unprecedented medical challenges posed by the pandemic, saffron's rich history in traditional medicine takes center stage in the quest to combat COVID-19. Its three key components, crocetin esters, Picrocrocin, and Safranal, renowned for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, now face scrutiny for their potential in addressing this global health crisis. Research highlights saffron's promising immunomodulatory actions, its role in reducing the cytokine cascade, and its potential to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, as we tread this path, rigorous clinical trials remain the compass guiding saffron's potential journey from spice rack to medical arsenal. While the promise is tantalizing, we must await the verdict of science before embracing saffron as a preventive or treatment option, recognizing its enduring role in the development of novel antiviral drugs.
To make saffron tea, you will need:
Saffron threads
Water
Honey (optional)
Milk (optional)
Instructions:
Bring a cup of water to a boil (if you use milk, bring that to a boil instead)
Add a pinch of saffron threads to the water.
Reduce heat and let the saffron steep for 5-10 minutes.
Strain the tea and sweeten with honey if desired.
Enjoy your saffron tea hot.
Note: The quantity of saffron used can be adjusted to taste. A pinch of saffron (7-12) threads is enough to infuse a mild flavor and color to the tea. If you prefer a stronger flavor and color, you can add more saffron.
Understanding the real vs Fake saffron is a question that most people face when buying saffron. In this post, I will deeply explain each aspect of saffron quality and methods on differentiating real vs fake saffron.
Fake saffron is mostly adulterants and foreign materials that are colored with red food coloring and sold as real saffron. The fake saffron has no flavor and have a metallic taste like chemicals. Fake saffron also smells like tabacco or chemical substances, it a sharp and unpleasant smell.
On the other hand, real saffron has a pleasant and strong floral smell, with a honeyed earthy taste. It has a mixed of sweet and bitter taste. It is an enjoyable essence of flavor that you are looking in saffron.
Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world — with 1 pound (450 grams) costing between 500 and 5,000 U.S. dollars. The reason for its hefty price is its labor-intensive harvesting method, making the production costly. Here are 6 impressive health benefits of saffron.