What Is The Origin And Uses Of Saffron

1. What Is The Origin And The Uses Of Saffron Humans have been using herbs and plants for medicine and taste for thousands of years. One of these herbs is the majestic spice, saffron. Saffron has been cultivated and used by humans for almost 3500 years. There are researches that show the use of saffron in cave painting found in Iraq that date beyond 50,000 years. It has been used as a spice, medicine, and, dyeing. Royal and people of repute have been the ones using this spice because of its cost. It has always been a very expensive spice and now it is considered the most expensive spice on earth, you can buy original saffron online and from stores for $500 to $5000 due to its hard labor. Saffron is cultivated by hand from saffron a cousin of Lily flower crocus sativus or saffron crocus. The stigma and styles of the flower called threads are plucked with hand and then dried on heat to enhance its taste and fragrance. Origin of saffron: The origin of saffron is not pinpointed to one place as there are several studies but the most accurate one states that it was first cultivated by Romans in Greece about 3500 years ago. Some researchers believe that it was first originated in Persia. The wild predecessor of saffron crocus is believed to be the Southeast Asian crocus cartwrightianus. The Greco-Roman origin of saffron shows that it was cultivated and hand-picked by young girls in their city of old Greece now known as Santorini. The portraits of Goddesses plucking the flowers to treat several ailments are the accurate account of these studies. It was then destroyed due to an earthquake and the remaining, believed to be the most valuable saffron, was collected by brazen sailors. In the late Egyptian era, it is said that Cleopatra used to add some saffron to her baths believing that it will enhance the lovemaking during her encounters with men. Besides that, Egyptians used saffron to treat gastrointestinal diseases. Greco-Romans traded the saffron to perfume makers, healers, potions makers, etc. Ancient Greeks used saffron as deodorants and air fresheners in their halls and theaters. Middle Eastern use of saffron dates even back to the Romans. The Sumerians used saffron in their remedies to treat a lot of diseases. Persian saffron can be seen in centuries-old carpets and paintings. Iran is the largest producer of saffron in the world now as they produce 90% of the world’s saffron. Saffron is not new to Iranians as they have been cultivating since 10th century BC. The advent of saffron in Asia is conflicted as many believe it to have been present there for centuries as Lord Krishna used it and some believe that it came with Sufi saints. The British introduced saffron to Afghans as an alternative to the notorious opium production. Afghan saffron is now available in the market along with other minorities from India, Europe, America but the lion’s share stays with Iran. You can buy original saffron online and from the market as well. Uses of saffron: Saffron has been used for medicational uses for thousands of years because of the antioxidants present in it. It may heal inflammatory and gastrointestinal diseases along with depression and

2. anxiety. It considered a better alternative to antidepressants that come with a long list of side effects. Moreover, it is believed to have sexual benefits as it can be used as an aphrodisiac for both men and women. It may also be helpful for women in PMS. One more convincing benefit than the ones mentioned is its use to reduce BMI and help in weight loss as it decreases snacking.