Saffron is a spice that is used in cooking for its flavor, color and smell characteristics that intensify meals. It has a bitter flavor and a dye called crocin that produces that typical intense yellow that we see in foods like paellas. All this is what we know about saffron, but our article today is based on what you probably don't know.
1. It has been called red gold
This is due to its high economic value throughout history. In Spain, it was estimated at 5000 euros per kilo of Saffron for 2016. This fact has caused it to be a product that lends itself to counterfeiting and adulteration in commerce. Currently Iran is the producer of 90% of the world's saffron and is followed by Spain.
2. Producing saffron is expensive
Its high price is not a whim of the merchants, since 250,000 saffron flowers are needed to obtain one kilo of pure saffron. This is probably the reason why throughout history it has been related to the refined life of classical antiquity.
3. Saffron of La Mancha is a Spanish designation of origin
Since March 17, 2001, Spain has had the designation of origin "Saffron of La Mancha." Among its main characteristics are that it is not astringent, it is very aromatic and it is sold in strands and not ground to preserve its characteristics for longer. This makes the color more intense with a bright bright red presentation.
4. It is dangerous for pregnant women
Excessive consumption of saffron during pregnancy is associated with spontaneous abortions. There are also not enough studies of adverse reactions during breastfeeding, so it is always better to avoid it throughout this period.
5. Saffron has been part of ceremonies and rituals
The use of saffron has been diverse and although the greatest use has been in cooking, it has not always been that way. Party and wedding dresses in Greece were dyed with saffron dye. The mummies could have been covered with saffron when it was used in embalming.
6. Saffron was used when Nero entered Rome
The aromatic power of saffron was considered a sensual perfume for the Greeks who used it to spray the streets of Rome, theaters and Roman baths. It is even said that the last emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty entered a Rome smelling of saffron that characterized its greatness.
2. Producing saffron is expensive
Its high price is not a whim of the merchants, since 250,000 saffron flowers are needed to obtain one kilo of pure saffron. This is probably the reason why throughout history it has been related to the refined life of classical antiquity.
3. Saffron of La Mancha is a Spanish designation of origin
Since March 17, 2001, Spain has had the designation of origin "Saffron of La Mancha." Among its main characteristics are that it is not astringent, it is very aromatic and it is sold in strands and not ground to preserve its characteristics for longer. This makes the color more intense with a bright bright red presentation.
4. It is dangerous for pregnant women
Excessive consumption of saffron during pregnancy is associated with spontaneous abortions. There are also not enough studies of adverse reactions during breastfeeding, so it is always better to avoid it throughout this period.
5. Saffron has been part of ceremonies and rituals
The use of saffron has been diverse and although the greatest use has been in cooking, it has not always been that way. Party and wedding dresses in Greece were dyed with saffron dye. The mummies could have been covered with saffron when it was used in embalming.
6. Saffron was used when Nero entered Rome
The aromatic power of saffron was considered a sensual perfume for the Greeks who used it to spray the streets of Rome, theaters and Roman baths. It is even said that the last emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty entered a Rome smelling of saffron that characterized its greatness.
