If you head to the spice market, you are likely to notice red coloured strands carefully stored in little boxes. Unlike the other spices which are strewn all over the place, Saffron is highly treasured. Saffron is known as Zafran or Kesar or safran or Saffron crocus. It is obtained from the violet coloured flowers of the Kesar plant. This is one of the most expensive ingredients in the world, with just a gram costing a few hundred. Once used exclusively in the Royal kitchens, saffron is now a highly regarded element in many traditional and modern culinary delights. Along with rendering a rich hue and delectable flavour to the food, Saffron benefits to our health in many ways. Read on to know more about this exotic spice!

What Is Saffron?

Saffron is nothing but the red coloured stigma of the Saffron flowers. These reddish-purple coloured flowers have a bunch of “threads” in the centre, which is highly valued in the food and medicine industry. They are quite rare to find and takes about 150 flowers to yield just one gram of Saffron. The best saffron in India is grown in hilly towns of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.

Is Saffron Good For Health?

Saffron is also known as the golden spice, for being both expensive and efficient. When taken with milk, saffron can make a soothing drink to comfort a disturbed mind. It is packed with many essential nutrients like Iron, Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamins like C, B6, and A, to ensure the well-being of our body. Saffron uses and benefits are especially known for rendering flawless skin along with treatment of acne, removal of pigmentation and even anti-ageing.

Saffron Nutritional Facts:

Following is the Saffron nutrition breakup per 100 grams:

• Total Calories – 310
• Total Fat – 6 gm
• Sodium – 148 mg
• Potassium – 1724 mg
• Total Carbohydrates – 65 gm
• Dietary Fiber – 3.9 gm
• Protein – 11 gm
• Vitamin C – 134 %
• Vitamin A – 10 %
• Vitamin B6 – 50 %
• Magnesium – 66 %
• Iron – 61 %
• Calcium – 11 %

How To Use Saffron?

The spice undoubtedly is good for our health and can be used for.