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Saffron – This Precious Spice is so Healthy

Saffron is healthy for the nerves

The dried flower stigmas of a crocus plant native to the Near East are called saffron. Harvesting the saffron is very time-consuming because the stigmas of the open flower have to be pinched off by hand. Up to 100,000 flowers are needed to produce one gram of the precious spice.

  • Already Homer reports about the expensive spice. In his time, people are said to have paid any asking price for saffron. The reason for this is said to have been the medicinal properties of the spice. It is not for nothing that saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world.
  • In addition to carotene and crocetin, saffron also contains many essential oils that are healthy for the human organism. The noble spice also contains vitamins B1 (thiamine) and B2 (riboflavin).
  • The substance crocetin contained in saffron is said to have an antihypertensive effect.
  • The essential oils give the spice its typical taste and aroma. Saffron tastes bittersweet to spicy and has a strong yellow coloration, which is caused by the numerous carotenoids.
  • Saffron has been used for thousands of years to relieve stomach and lung problems. You should be able to get rid of a cough with saffron tea. Essential oils are primarily responsible for this.
  • In addition, according to Indian Ayurveda, saffron not only promotes potency but also menstruation, circulation, and the general energy of the body.

Saffron as a spice and tea

Saffron is the most commonly used spice. But you can also use saffron in the form of tea or an infusion. Only then does the precious spice unfold its healing effect?

  • You can usually buy saffron in the form of threads or ground. You can use it to season light sauces, bouillons, Mediterranean dishes as well as poultry and fish dishes. But sweet dishes can also be seasoned well with saffron. Because the noble spice goes well with semolina porridge or pudding.
  • When buying, be careful not to buy “fake” saffron threads. Real saffron threads are bright red and feel slightly greasy.
  • Prepare saffron tea from half a teaspoon of green tea, which you first brew with two cups of hot water. Then add three strands of saffron, a crushed cardamom pod, a pinch of ground cinnamon, and two teaspoons of slivered almonds. Depending on your taste, you can also sweeten the tea.
  • In addition to tea, you can also prepare an infusion of saffron and milk. To do this, add 12 strands of saffron to a cup of hot milk and let the mixture steep for seven minutes. Then strain and drink the milk. If you don’t like milk, then replace it with water.
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Written by John Myers

Professional Chef with 25 years of industry experience at the highest levels. Restaurant owner. Beverage Director with experience creating world-class nationally recognized cocktail programs. Food writer with a distinctive Chef-driven voice and point of view.

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