About Saffron the Plant
Saffron , is an expensive spice derived from the yellow stigmas of the ornamental plant saffron crocus or commonly referred to as Rose of Saffron. It is botanically known as Crocus sativus and belongs to the family Iridaceae. It has tremenodus medicinal and health benefits. Saffron has been adding flavor to various recipes for thousands of years.
Origination of Saffron use
The birth of this delightful spice is more than 3,000 years ago and has found its place in several historical accounts belonging to European, Asian and Mediterranean countries.
There are many fascinating tales associated with the discovery of the well-known spice saffron. The costly spice finds its mention in the Greek mythology as well. As per Greek mythology, it is believed that the majestic Crocos fell in love with the gorgeous fairy Smilax. However, his admiration were dismissed by Smilax, and he was transformed into an elegant purple crocus flower. Saffron is famous as Karcom in the Hebrew culture.
Saffron’s Introduction in India
In India , it is popularly known as Kesar or Kumkumapoo . It is grown throughout India but extensively in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Saffron’s popularity in India can be easily measured from its various names in different Indian languages. For instance, in the Northern parts of India , it is called as zaffran and kesar whereas in the Western parts of India it is termed as keshar. In the Southern belt, it is named as kunkuma kesari or kunkumapuva. Saffron also finds it mention in the ancient Indian language Sanskrit, where it is termed as keshara, kunkuma and arsika.
According to History, Saffron or Kesar was introduced to India by the Persian kings around 500 BC. The conquest of Kashmir by the Persian rulers commenced the era of cultivation of the saffron plant in India.The medicinal uses and culinary advantages of saffron are said to be spread throughout India from Kashmir.
History of the word Zafaran to Saffron
Historical evidences have confirmed that the word saffron has been originated from the arabic word Zafaran which means yellow colour. It is cultivated for more than thousand years in Asia minor . This golden spice which is a native plant of Asia minor has made a special place in the history of Spain . Saffron is called Azafran in Spanish language. The tremendous value of saffron in Spain can be judged from the fact that it was used as a form of currency in ancient times. Saffron or “a-zafaran” was introduced to Spain by the Moors in the eighth or ninth century as an item for trade. They termed it Zafaran or Azafran.
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| Ancient Santorini saffron collection |
However, the ancient Greeks called it by the name Krokos. In primitive Greece, Saffron was used as a beauty product by the women. The Roman Emperor Nero was so much fascinated by this spice that he had the entire streets coated with it for his parades. Buddhists employed saffron to dye their robes.
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Production Of Saffron
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| Women harvesting saffron |
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| Photo courtsey wikimedia |
In modern times, saffron is cultivated in Spain, Iran, Greece, India and Morocco. Spain and Iran are the largest cultivators of saffron.Together they contribute to approximately 80% of the world’s production of saffron.
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