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25 Fun Facts About Saffron

 

  1. Saffron and Criminals

When the popularity of Saffron grew in the Middle Ages, the demand for it increased. Everyone wanted to make a large quantity of the spice and sell it to desperate clients. Unfortunately, the method of obtaining pure Saffron is lengthy and difficult. Merchants who attempted to tamper with the purity of Saffron by introducing other ingredients were severely punished. Some were even burned alive!


  1. Could saffron cure headaches?

The Romans used saffron to treat headaches after a night of drinking. Although the manner they employed it, though, was very unconventional. The Romans would sleep on saffron-infused pillows in the hopes of waking up with no headache!


  1. The sweet fragrance of Saffron

Before seeing a suitor, a famed queen, Cleopatra herself, would bathe in saffron-infused mare's milk. Following this trend, Many Greek courtesans would use it instead of perfume to look more appealing to royals and affluent men because of its pleasing fragrance.


  1. Where could the word "Saffron" have originated from?

The origin of the English word "saffron" is shrouded in mystery. It may derive from the 10th-century Old Latin word safranum or the Arabic term az-za'faran “yellow.”



  1. Using Saffron for a divine purpose

Saffron threads were weaved into fabrics in ancient Persia and ritually given to divinities.


  1. Saffron and Sex

According to modern medicine, Saffron has been discovered to be an active anti-mutagenic, anti-depressant, antioxidant, and sex stimulant. In ancient Greece, couples sprinkle saffron threads around the beds on their wedding night


  1. Saffron - A cure like no other

Saffron assists with indigestion, high blood pressure, menopausal issues, gastrointestinal disorders, and scabie to name a few.


  1. Saffron – A true symbol

The top band of the Indian National Flag is deep Saffron, a color that signifies bravery, sacrifice, patriotism, and devotion.


  1. A Kesar or a Lion?

Because Lion's natural complexion is Saffron, Kesar are also referred to as Lions.


  1. Saffron – A magical potion ingredient

Saffron-based pigments have been discovered in 50,000-year-old paintings of ancient locations in northwestern Iran. Later, Sumerians utilized wild-growing Saffron in their healing and magical concoctions.


  1. Survival mode 

Saffron crops are known to withstand extremely low temperatures. However, they cannot survive in a moist and warm environment.


  1. Chase away the pest

Saffron can be used as an insecticide or pesticide.


  1. A medic in battle

Alexander the Great made use of Persian Saffron as a cure for combat wounds during his Asian expeditions


  1. Welcome to America

Saffron was introduced to the Americas by Europeans when immigrant Schwenkfelder Church members departed Europe with a trunk holding its corms.


  1. The world's most expensive spice

Saffron is expensive because more than 225,000 stigmas must be carefully selected by hand to make one pound


  1. Delicacy for the soul 

Saffron is well-known as a spice for its ability to revitalize meals with its strong, earthy aroma.


  1. Saffron and Buddha

Surprisingly, Before the invention of commercial and store-bought dyes, Buddhist monks' robes were dyed using the crocin chemical dye found in Saffron. Buddhists even declared this yellow-toned dye the official color of their robes following Buddha's death!


  1. An original saffron

It takes around 10 to 15 minutes of soaking for authentic Saffron to change the color of the water.


  1. What does Saffron look like?

The first known picture of Saffron in pre-Greek civilization depicts young girls and monkeys picking the blossoms.


  1. Saffron- A source of rich minerals

Minerals such as copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, selenium, zinc, and magnesium are abundant in Saffron. Potassium is a mineral found in cells and bodily fluids and aids in regulating heart rate and blood pressure.


  1. Take the lead, Iran

Iran dominates the global production of Saffron on a mass basis, accounting for about 90 per cent of the yearly harvest.


  1. We need more old women

Because there are no machines that can separate these three delicate stigmas from the flower, older women are generally given the duty to extract the saffron stigmas from the crocus blooms, which is a very strenuous task.


  1. Saffron are not created equally

Each nation has its grading and classification system for Saffron based on scent, color, and flavor.


  1. A jingle to dance to

The most well-known jingle dedicated to this spice is "I'm simply mad for Saffron, Saffron's furious about me" from Donovan's famous song "Mellow Yellow."


  1. Well done! Saffron

In Afghanistan, an initiative has been established to replace unlawful opium poppy plants with Saffron to combat drug trafficking.


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  • I use for my depression. I started to get myself off of pills. It took a 2 months but I feel a million times better.

    • MattHatter