Know all about Saffron- History, Benefits, Uses, Precautions, and Side Effects. Also, know how to add Saffron to Skin Care.
Tons of evidence suggests that saffron helps to boost mood, fight stress and increase libido. Saffron is one of the safest spice for most people to consume, and it is also the simplest spice amongst all to add to the diet.
But the question is, WHAT IS SAFFRON?
In simple words, it’s a spice with a very strong aroma and catchy color.
This spice is also full of antioxidants, which tend to have many health benefits.
Here we are with a detailed article to enlighten you about saffron, its uses, benefits, availability, etc.
1. Saffron- An Introduction
Content
As mentioned earlier Saffron is a spice derived from the Crocus sativus flower. This flower is known as a cousin of the lily.
The spice is originally derived from the stigma and styles within the flower, it’s called threads.
1.1 History of Saffron
To know saffron better let’s dive a little deeper. As history suggests it’s believed that humans cultivated and used saffron as early as 3,500 years ago. Historically, people used it to treat loads of health conditions, including:
- Tumors
- Menstrual issues
- Eye Disorder
- Stomach Issues
- Ulcers
- Mental Disorders
- Urination disorder
The crocus saffron goes as tall as 20 to 30 centimeters (cm). Saffron flowers take three years to bloom after it’s cultivated. Plus each flower comes with a maximum of three stigmas of saffron.
No wonder what makes saffron the most expensive species in the world as it’s harvested by hand.
Above all this, it also takes a large number of blossoms and dried stigmas to make 1 kilogram (kg) of the saffron spice. Later it’s heated so bring the flavors out of saffron. It’s all this labor that makes it the most expensive spice in the world.
2. Benefits Of Saffron
Saffron Comes with tons of benefits and here we are to discuss all of them so that you can decide well before adding it to your lifestyle. Saffron has been connected to other health-based advantages that have not yet been extensively studied:
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2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. |
Works as Antidepressants
Powerful Antioxidants Reduces PMS Symptoms Fight Cancer Breeding Cells Reduce Appetite & Aids Weight Loss Improve Eye Sights Improve Memory for Alzheimer’s Reduces Blood Sugar Reduces Risk of Heart Diseases Acts as Aphrodisiac Good For Skin Easy To Use Aids in Pregnancy |
1. Mood Enhancer and Treat Depressive Symptoms
There was a study of five researchers, concluded that saffron supplements were significantly more effective than placebos at treating symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression.
Many studies concluded that taking 30 mg of saffron every day was just as effective as Fluoxetine, Citalopram and Imipramine, — regular treatments for depression.
Though there can be chances that few people are allergic to saffron.
There is more to it, as both the saffron petals and thread-like stigma appear to be highly effective against mild-to-moderate depression.
While these research conclusions are promising, it’s necessary to first if one is allergic to it or not hence, test before adding it to your diet.
2. A Powerful Antioxidant
Saffron has loads of variety of plant compounds, these plant compounds act as antioxidants — molecules that safeguard your cells against oxidative stress and free radicals.
Some of the major saffron antioxidants are:
- Crocin
- Crocetin
- Safranal
- Kaempferol
Saffron’s red color is due to the presence of Crocin and crocetin, these are carotenoid pigments. Both of these compounds have,
- antidepressant properties
- protect brain cells against progressive damage
- aids inflammation
- reduce appetite and aid weight loss
Its Safranal gives saffron a distinct taste and aroma. Research shows that it may help improve your memory, mood, and learning ability and help your brain cells fight against oxidative stress.
At last, kaempferol is found in saffron flower petals. This compound has been connected to health benefits, like reduced inflammation, antidepressant activity, and anti-cancer properties.
3. Heals PMS Symptoms
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a term to indicate physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms occurring before the menstrual period starts.
Studies indicate that saffron may aid in healing PMS symptoms.
Amongst women, in 20–45 years of age, taking 30 mg of saffron daily was more effective than a placebo at treating PMS symptoms, such as headaches, irritability, pain, and cravings.
Another study concluded that aromatherapy like simply smelling saffron for 20 minutes aided in reducing PMS symptoms like lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisol and anxiety.
4. Cancer-Fighting Properties
Saffron has loads of antioxidants, which aids in neutralizing harmful free radicals. Free radical damage has been connected to chronic diseases, like cancer.
The test-tube study took place, saffron and its compounds have indicated that it selectively kills colon cancer cells or decreases their growth while leaving normal cells unharmed.
This effect also applies to skin, prostate, lung, breast, bone marrow, cervix, and several other cancer cells.
It has more, test-tube studies have found that crocin — the most important antioxidant in saffron — might make cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs.
While these findings from test-tube studies are promising, but anticancer effects of saffron spice are poorly studied in humans, and more research is needed.
5. Reduce Appetite and Aids Weight Loss
Snacking is a common habit that puts us at risk of gaining unwanted weight and making us prone to obesity.
According to a study, saffron may aid us to curb our appetite and prevent unnecessary snaking.
In a study of two months, women consuming saffron supplements felt effectively more full, snacked less frequently, and lost effectively more weight than women in the placebo group.
In another study of two months, consuming a saffron extract supplement aided significantly reduce appetite, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and total fat mass.
However, scientists are not sure if saffron aids weight loss by curbing weight loss. One theory is that saffron enhances your mood, which in turn decreases your desire to snack.
6. Improves Eyesight
7. Improve memory of Alzheimer’s
Saffron has antioxidant properties which have proven to be effective in adults with
Alzheimer’s disease and improved cognitive activities.
A 22-week trial was done to compare Saffron extract with Donepezil) as treatments for subjects with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Participants in the clinical trial were randomly administered either a 10 mg/day of donepezil or 30 mg/day capsule of saffron.
After the 22-week study, it was concluded that Kesar had a similar effect in the improvement of cognitive function in subjects with Alzheimer’s disease as donepezil.
It was found that the side effects of both supplements did not differ drastically but overall more vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea occurred with taking donepezil. Patients taking Kesar had slightly more cases of hypomania and dry mouth.
The study concluded that Kesar was effective in treating mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease as it had “antioxidant and anti-amyloidogenic” abilities, hence being able to inhibit the aggregation and deposition of the beta-amyloid plaques.
8. Reduces Blood Sugar
A significant reduction within 8 weeks was found for FBS in the Kesar group (p < 0,001), compared to the controls. There was no statistical difference in other metabolic parameters, such as serum lipids and blood pressure.
Conclusion: Saffron hydroalcoholic extract may improve blood glucose control considerably, by reducing FBS-serum levels in T2D patients. Further studies, using different dosages of saffron extract and a larger sample size, are required.
9. Reduces Risk of Heart Diseases
Although one should never try to treat diseases such as cardiovascular issues merely with herbal medicine, the value of herbs used in tandem with modern medicine cannot be neglected.
Kesar has been reported to help lower cholesterol and keep cholesterol levels healthy. Animal studies have shown saffron to lower cholesterol by as much as 50%.
Saffron has antioxidant properties; it is, therefore, helpful in maintaining healthy arteries and blood vessels.
Kesar is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial to cardiovascular health. The people of Mediterranean countries, where saffron use is common, have a lower than normal incidence of heart diseases.
From Kesar’s cholesterol-lowering benefits to its anti-inflammatory properties, saffron may be one of the best supplements for cardiac health.
10. Acts as an Aphrodisiac
Aphrodisiacs are supplements or food that aids in boosting your libido.
Studies have indicated that Kesar has aphrodisiac properties— mostly in people taking antidepressants.
For example, taking 30 mg of Kesar daily over a month has significantly improved erectile function over placebo in men with antidepressant-related erectile dysfunction.
Additionally, a comparative analysis of six studies indicated that consuming Kesar significantly improved libido, erectile functioning, and overall satisfaction but doesn’t change semen qualities.
In women with low sexual desire due to consuming antidepressants, 30 mg of Kesar every day over a month reduced sex-related discomfort and increased sexual desire as well as lubrication, compared to a placebo.
11. Good For Skin
When it is about kin health, safeguarding your skin against ultraviolet radiation (UV) is one of the best things one can do.
UV radiation helps the production of free radicals, which are the reasons for oxidative stress. This damages your skin cells and slows down skin ageing.
It also decreased premature agieng.
In small quantities, saffron has a subtle aroma and taste. It pairs well with savory dishes, like biryani, desserts like kheer, halwa, milk, etc.
A great way to draw out Saffron’s unique aroma and the flavor is to soak the threads in hot lukewarm but not boiling — water. Add the threads and the liquid to your recipe to achieve a richer and deeper flavor.
Kesar is readily available at most of the retail markets but even more easily available at modern retails like Amazon, Flipkart, etc. It can be purchased as threads or in powdered form. However, it’s best to purchase the threads, as they give you more versatility. Kesar threads are also less likely to be adulterated.
Though Kesar being the most expensive spice in the world, a small amount goes a long way, and one often won’t need more than a few strands in your recipes. In fact, using too much Kesar can give your recipes a strong and overpowering medicinal taste.
Also, Kesar is also available in supplement form.
In Brief: Saffron has a subtle taste and aroma, which makes it simple to add to your diet. It pairs well with savory dishes. It should be soaked in hot or lukewarm water to give a richer flavor. Kesar is available as:
13. Aids Pregnancy
It is safe to add a small amount of saffron (Kesar or Zafran) to milk as well as tea. But, as with any strong spice, Kesar is used in moderation, especially when you’re pregnant.
One should be very clear that what one consumes or drink when in pregnancy has no influence on a child’s complexion. One needs to realize that child genes are genetic and not decided by one’s diet.
Traditionally, Kesar healing spice in nature. It’s typically used as a muscle relaxant as well as relieves stomach aches too. Studies show that saffron may help reduce mood swing and releases tension. Some pregnant women consume Kesar as well help in order to improve digestion and increase their appetite.
It is typically believed that saffron spice should be avoided in the first trimester.
Research shows that a large amount of Kesar intake like 4-5 grams regularly can cause miscarriage.
Precautions And Side Effects
Saffron is generally tolerated well by most people. It typically isn’t associated with issues or side effects. Though like any other plant substance saffron can cause an allergic reaction. As some of the allergic reactions are:
- sneezing
- runny nose
- hives
- itchy, red eyes
- dry skin
- skin rash (redness and swelling)
- itchy or burning skin
Research of 2015 found that Indian saffron workers developed contact dermatitis caused by Kesar.
Another study found that Kesar pollen can cause allergic reactions that also cause skin or respiratory system problems.
According to a study of 2014 it concluded, Kesar can promote uterine contractions, and this also increases the risk of miscarriage.
Kesar is typically safe with little to no side effects.
In general usage of Kesar in cooking is appreciated, though Kesar does not appear to cause any adverse effects in humans.
As a dietary supplement, one can safely take up to 1.5 grams of saffron every day. However, only 30 mg of Kesar every day is enough to reap its health benefits.
On the other hand, high doses of 5 grams or more can have hazardous effects. Women expecting a child, pregnant should neglect high doses, as it may cause miscarriage.
If consumed as a supplement, consult your doctor before taking Kesar in supplement form.
Another issue with Kesar — especially Kesar powder — is that it may be adulterated with other ingredients, such as turmeric, beet, red-dyed silk fibers, and paprika. Adulteration decreases the cost for manufacturers, as authentic Kesar is expensive to harvest.
Hence, it’s important to purchase Kesar from a reputed brand to guarantees that you get an authentic product. If the Kesar appears too inexpensive, it’s best to avoid it.
HOW TO ADD SAFFRON TO SKINCARE?
Saffron & face mask
For soothing skin treatment, a saffron face mask is a great solution.
Method: Crush 3 strands of saffron.
Mix it with honey, 1 tbsp.
Then apply the mixture to your skin.
Keep it for 10 minutes, later rinse off and pat dry.
Saffron As Gel
Kesar gel has a cooling effect hence it is ideal for inflammation.
Method: Crush 4 or 5 strands of Kesar with a mortar and pestle.
Mix with 2 tbsp. of aloe vera gel and rose water.
Do a patch test.
Later apply a small amount to your skin, rub until absorbed.
Saffron face toner
Rosewater and Witch Hazel are excellent toners. However, one can infuse them with Kesar strands for extra skin benefits.
Method: Pour 1/2 cup of rose water or witch hazel into a spray bottle.
Add 3 or 4 strands of Kesar and soak for 1 to 2 days.
Apply with a cotton ball or spray on your skin.
Saffron oil moisturizer
Kesar oil can be added to base oils to create a moisturizer.
Method: Fill a bottle about two-thirds full with a carrier oil of your choice like almond oil or jojoba oil.
Add 3 to 5 drops of Kesar essential oil.
Apply to your skin with clean fingers.
Also, check All About Olive Oil In India
BEST SAFFRON IN INDIA
Though, choosing a suitable Kesar brand amongst the many easily available options can be very confusing. The higher price range makes it even tougher.
Hence, we have researched and combined the list of some of the best Kesar in India that can provide you with excellent value for your invested money.
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1. Shalimar Brand Saffron Grade A1 Premium Certified Organic Kashmir Kesar:
Shalimar Saffron provides a high-quality extravagant bundle
It comes with unique shading and the aroma
This Kesar can enhance the flavor of any dessert and dish
It is delivered in an airtight jar and resealable bag. This can preserve all its vital properties for a really long time.
The quality of Shalimar Kesar is tried and tested at various stages and is found to be grade A++ in its quality, aroma, flavor, and color.
Thanks to its high quality, this Shalimar Kesar can be trusted for delivering multiple skins and health benefits to both men and women.
It’s advised that for long-lasting preservation, keep it in a dry and cool place.
It must be soaked in lukewarm water for 30-minutes before adding to any dish.
Important Features:
- Good for both men and women, as well as pregnant women
- Unique and unaltered strands; zero contaminations
- Available in airtight packaging for lasting use
- Grade A++ Quality, flavor, and aroma
- Rich flavor and shading for amazing the taste of the food
2.UPAKARMA Natural, Pure and Finest A++ Grade Kashmiri Kesar:
UPAKARMA gets you pure and natural Kesar directly sourced from Kashmir.
This excellent saffron is hand-harvested, hand-plucked, and thus can be trusted for its high quality.
This Kesar is way more excellent and effective than the others with its average color reading of 250 units.
UPAKARMA has been awarded 3 golden star awards for their standards and quality.
It is free from all the preservatives, contaminations, and artificial flavour/colors.
It is a natural, vegan, and non-GMO product that simply enhances the aroma and taste of the dishes.
Lastly, this Kesar aids in controlling the mood swings and depression in its users along with offering health and skin benefits.
Highlighted Features:
- Hand-harvested excellent Kesar from Kashmir
- Hand-picked finest Kesar from Kashmir
- Free from glutens, contaminations, preservatives, etc.
- Store in a dry and cool place for long-lasting preservation
3. The Gathering of Saffron Spanish Imported Pure Kesar:
With its unaltered quality, this saffron is the best choice for the wedding ceremony, pooja, and a symbol of good wishes.
To guarantee its quality and standards, it is certified with a European analysis certificate, Fssai approved with ISO standards, and kosher certification.
It is 100% pure and natural Kesar without any addition of contamination added colors or flavours.
Pure Kesar is directly imported with its original packing and hence contains less moisture and the strongest taste, aroma, and color.
It can be trusted for medical uses and for getting hair and skin benefits.
Its addition enhances the aroma and taste of the dishes.
Lastly, it comes with a very long shelf life of 5-years without any degradation in the benefits and quality.
Highlighted Features:
- Certified quality with Fssai approval and various tests
- 100% pure with no added colors and flavours
- Imported in the original packing, has the best aroma, taste, and color
- Contains no at all moisture; thus, can last for a maximum Of (5-years)
4. Keynote Kashmir Saffron
If someone is looking for 100% natural and pure saffron straight from Kashmir, then this Keynote Kashmir Saffron is your solution.
It is harvested and planted as a whole.
Its single-origin is to get uniform quality in the entire packaging.
The product is tried and tested in the European market and it’s a user favourite there.
Kashmir Kesar is certified by the NABL laboratory for its shading, color, quality, and taste which is the best amongst all.
Kesar is kept free from any added colors, preservatives, contaminations or impurities.
This Kesar comes in an air-tight glass bottle to ensure its lasting use and is vacuum-packed.
Highlighted Features:
- 100% Pure and natural without any preservatives
- Certified by NABL laboratory for its supreme quality
- Easy to use
- Tried and tested in the European market
5. ORGANIC INDIA Saffron – Kesar, High Grade & 100% Organic Certified
ORGANIC INDIA Saffron – Kaser,100% Organic Certified & high grade known for influencing heart, mood, and respiratory health.
Ayurveda also suggests Kesar for sleep disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, hardening of the arteries, intestinal gas, depressions, heartburn, pain, fright, dry skin, and to induce sweating.
Kesar is known as an aphrodisiac, which can also be used by women for menstrual pains and by men to prevent infertility and premature ejaculation.
Highlighted Features:
- Comes with a great aroma
- Affordable price
- easy to use
- Suitable for skin & hair benefits
- Comes in a resealable travel-friendly packing
6. Lion Saffron, Original Kashmir Lacha Saffron (Certified Grade A):
This A-grade certified saffron is a trusted choice for most users.
It has its worldwide uses for cooking, beauty, and health benefits.
This Kashmir Lacha is known to have a perfect combination of 20% orange style and 80% red stigma.
This ensures that it contains an amazing flavour and aroma that can enhance the taste of the dish and desserts as well.
Apart from cooking, it can be used for many skin treatments delivering the best benefits, hair, glowing and healthy skin.
It is available in resealable and travel-friendly packing to ensure its long-lasting use.
The vacuum-packing keeps the saffron safe from direct exposure to sunlight that can harm the quality.
Also, this pure and natural Kesar is free from all possible adulteration and added colors/flavours.
Highlighted Features:
- Comes with a great aroma
- Affordable price; suitable for daily use
- Suitable for skin and hair benefits
- Comes in a resealable travel-friendly packing
7. Noor Saffron
The Noor brand saffron company was established in the year 1999.
It is headquartered in Pampore, Jammu and Kashmir.
As a leading distributor of saffron in India, Noor brand focuses on the quality of the Kesar which they offer to the customers.
They believe that high quality is the guiding principle of doing business.
Noor brand offers a genuine quality of Kashmiri No.1 grade Kesar to consumers from every part of the world.
Highlighted Features:
- Natural and pure saffron
- Best quality for cooking and special occasions
- Free from added colors, flavours, and contaminations
- Offers the highest level of aroma, color, and taste
8. Everest Saffron:
Everest is a well-known name in the market for delivering quality spices to the people. Maintaining the same charm, the Everest saffron is counted as one of the best Kesar in India.
Thanks to its pureness, this Kesar makes a reliable and trusted choice for all special occasions. Moreover, the users also use this product as an addition to special dishes and sweets to enhance their flavours and taste.
The main reason for the popularity of this product is that it is free from all added flavours, colors, or harmful contaminations. when stored in a cool and dry place, it can last for the maximum time without any compromises in its quality.
The strands are deep red with yellow/orange tails which represents its uncompromised quality. With this product, you can be sure of getting the highest level of flavours, taste, and smell.
Highlighted Features:
- Natural and pure saffron
- Best quality for cooking and special occasions
- Free from added colors, flavours, and contaminations
- Offers the highest level of smell, color, and taste
9.VedaPure Natural Premium A++ Grade Kashmiri Saffron:
The Veda Pure Natural Premium A++ Grade Kashmiri Saffron stands for quality, integrity, and hygiene. The brand is known for delivering the best quality Kesar for the past 5-generations and thus ensures to give nothing but the best.
The product is a common choice of many Ayurveda and herbal practitioner. It is free from all the preservatives, added colors, and flavours. Moreover, to maintain its quality, it is grown under suitable climatic conditions and soils in Herat province.
The users can be sure of getting the maximum shelf life with this product as it is harvested and dried naturally using a hand process. It is closely tested before packing so that only the finest quality Kesar strands are included.
With its unmatched quality and premium flavour, it is quite ideal for using to get maximum skin and health benefits.
Highlighted Features:
- An ideal choice of Ayurveda and herbal practitioner
- Naturally grown saffron with suitable climatic conditions
- Maximum shelf life with natural harvesting and drying process
- Closely tested 3-times for finest quality strands
10. Omna Organics Saffron, Mogra Kesar:
There can be no better Kesar than the organic saffron and Omna organics saffron brings you simply the best organic Kesar for use. This organic Kesar makes an ideal product for pregnant women, for cooking, and for various medical and beauty treatments. This Kesar can be relied on to get many amazing benefits for glowing and younger-looking skin.
The product is grown organically under favorable climatic conditions and suitable soil. Later, it is harvested with hands to maintain its quality. Thanks to its high-level fragrance and flavours, it is used for adding aroma to various dishes.
As the product is gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and free from all the preservatives and harmful chemicals, it can be used by anyone without any worries. All red threads of this Kesar make it better than any other Kesar.
Highlighted Features:
- Suitable for cooking, medical use, skin benefits, and pregnant women
- Organically grown and harvested with hands
- Offers a strong fragrance; adds aroma to the dishes
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan; free from preservatives and artificial colors
11. Baby 100% Pure World’s Finest Saffron (Kesar):
Baby saffron comes at an affordable price and promises the finest and high-quality Kesar strands. It is hygienically packed and thus assures perfect and unmatched goodness without any compromises.
This product offers the perfect combination of aroma and taste that can instantly enhance the flavour and look of any dish. This all-natural and pure Kesar is incomparable with any other Kesar from any brand.
It is quite easy to use as it comes in secure vacuum packing. The users just have to add it to the dish after soaking it in water for 20-30 minutes. Since it is free from all preservatives, it makes the dish delicious.
Besides offering its amazing benefits in cooking, it can also be used to improve skin texture, glow, and quality. Its consumption adds a radiant charm to the face and also makes it younger-looking.
Highlighted Features:
- Hygienic packing to maintain the quality
- Can be trusted for younger-looking skin and cooking
- Balanced aroma and taste for enhancing the dish
- Natural and finest quality strands; free from preservatives and artificial coloring.
12. Surkh Saffron Untouched Grade 1:
Last but not least; we have Surkh Saffron Untouched Grade 1 Kesar in the list of the best saffron in India. The saffron is tested for its quality and is found to be all suitable with the taste, smell, and aroma.
With its richness in taste, smell, and flavours, it makes a suitable ingredient for enhancing the taste of various dishes. The long untouched strands of this Kesar bring out the best color and aroma of the dish.
Along with this, the Surkh saffron makes a reliable name for delivering immense skin and health benefits. Its consumption improves the digestion, immunity, and memory power of the users. Its use improves skin texture, glow, and quality by reducing blemishes and dark spots.
To get its best results, it is suggested to soak some strands in milk or warm water for 30-minutes before use.
Highlighted Features:
- Tested and certified product for quality assurance
- Suitable to be used as an additional food ingredient
- Offers skin and health benefits
- Airtight packing with a shelf life of 24-months
13. Taj Mahal Saffron
Taj Mahal is genuine Spanish saffron in filaments. The brand selects the best batches of the saffron crop to make this product more pure and unique. It offers high quality and is recognized worldwide.
If you want to make your food special, add a tinge of Taj Mahal Kesar sar to make them taste and smell rich. So don’t forget to add it to your shopping list if you prepare for a feast.
Highlighted Features:
- Suitable for cooking, medical use, skin benefits, and pregnant women
- Organically grown and harvested with hands
- Offers a strong fragrance; adds aroma to the dishes
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan; free from preservatives and artificial colors
14. House Of Saffron
If someone is looking for 100% natural and pure saffron straight from Kashmir, then this is your solution.
It is harvested and planted as a whole.
Its single-origin is to get uniform quality in the entire packaging.
The product is tried and tested in the European market and it’s a user favorite there.
House of Saffron certified by the NABL laboratory for its shading, color, quality, and taste which is the best amongst all.
This Kesar is kept free from any added colors, preservatives, contaminations, or impurities.
It comes in an air-tight glass bottle to ensure its lasting use and is vacuum-packed.
Highlighted Features:
- 100% Pure and natural without any preservatives
- Certified by NABL laboratory for its supreme quality
- Easy to use
15. Wild Vedic Saffron
This Kesar, 100% Organic Certified & high grade known for influencing heart, mood, and respiratory health.
Ayurveda also suggests this for sleep disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, hardening of the arteries, intestinal gas, depressions, heartburn, pain, fright, dry skin, and to induce sweating.
Kesar is known as an aphrodisiac, which can also be used by women for menstrual pains and by men to prevent infertility and premature ejaculation.
Main Features
- Comes with a great aroma
- Affordable price
- easy to use
- Suitable for skin & hair benefits
- Comes in a resealable travel-friendly packing
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF INDIAS TOP 15 SAFFRON
| NO. | BRANDS | MAIN FEATURES | PRICE |
| 1. | Shalimar Brand Saffron Grade A1 Premium Certified Organic Kashmir Kesar |
|
Rs.350 for 1 gram |
| 2. | UPAKARMA Natural, Pure, and Finest A++ Grade Kashmiri Saffron/ Kesar |
|
Rs. 501 FOR 1 gram |
| 3. | The Gathering of Saffron Spanish Imported Pure Kesar |
|
Rs.750 for 2 grams |
| 4. | Keynote Kashmir Saffron |
|
Rs 1,410 for 2 grams. |
| 5. | ORGANIC INDIA Saffron – Kaser, High Grade & 100% Organic Certified |
|
Rs.800 for 2 grams |
| 6. | Lion Saffron, Original Kashmir Lacha Saffron (Certified Grade A) |
|
Rs.2000 for 5 grams |
| 7. | Noor Saffron |
|
Rs. 750 for 2 grams. |
| 8. | Everest Saffron |
|
Rs. 1099 for 1 gram. |
| 9. | VedaPure Natural Premium A++ Grade Kashmiri Saffron |
|
RS. 1,649 for 5 gram |
| 10. | Omna Organics Saffron, Mogra Kesar |
|
Rs. 238 for 1 gram |
| 11. | Baby 100% Pure World’s Finest Saffron (Kesar): |
|
Rs.250 for 1 gram |
| 12. | Surkh Saffron Untouched Grade |
|
Rs. 1099 for 5 grams. |
| 13. | Taj Mahal Saffron |
|
Rs.600 for 1 gram |
| 14. | House of Saffron |
|
Rs1000 for 5 grams |
| 15. | Wild Vedic Saffron |
|
Rs700 for 2 grams |
Though by now you must know why to buy Kesar, where to buy and all other queries must have been answered. But here is a list of quick FAQs to make your decision-making even more smooth and simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
| 1. |
What is saffron Spice?Saffron is a variety of spices. It is derived from the Crocus sativus plant. It’s one of the most expensive spices in the world, priced in various regions of the world. In India, it starts at Rs.125000 but a lot of it varies from the variant of saffron. The parts of the plant used as saffron are its stigmas and stamens. It’s used as seasoning the food, but it can also be served as a natural food colouring spice. |
| 2. |
What makes saffron so expensive?There are tons of reasons behind the high price of saffron worldwide. One is the climatory strictness of the plant. The yields are often very fragile. The plants need extensive maintenance. They only bloom for one week during a year. Every flower producing three stamens which need hand picking. The plant Crocus sativus needs low-density soils, well-watered and drained, with a clay-calcareous composition, and also highly organing content. In terms of organic content, a C. stativus crop needs between 20 and 30 tones of manure for each hectare. |
| 3. |
What is the quantity of saffron that one flower produces?Generally, a freshly picked Crocus stativus flower produces an average of 30 mg of fresh saffron, which after drying will be reduced to 7-8 mg. Typically, 1 kg of flowers produces – 72 g of hydrated saffron or 12 g of dried saffron. Several 150-160 flowers are needed for the production of 1 g dried saffron. Hence, one Crocus stativus flower produces only 3 and rarely 4 stigmas. |
| 4. |
What’s the aroma of saffron?As saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world, most people would think that it has somewhat of a unique aroma and taste. It’s actually a connoisseur that would describe it to have a metallic scent, grassy, a sweet, hay-like taste. |
| 5. |
How is saffron used in cuisine?The most common method for using saffron spice threads in cooking is by soaking them for several minutes in hot water. The hot water allows the fusion of flavours and pigments to be relieved from the crushed Kesar threads and then the solution is used in food spicing and coloring. |
| 6. | What else can I do with Saffron?
Generally, it is used for spicing and coloring the food, but there are various other uses of this spice. For instance, there are many natural remedies by using this, it’s used for preventing and cure of asthma, insomnia, depression, pertussis, flatulence, or heartburn. There are also multiple Kesar extracts recommended for weight loss. |
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How can I ensure my saffron quality?Before making the purchase one needs to make sure that they are choosing the best quality. There are only three criteria one must look for all time you buy Kesar:Saffron or Kesar threads (Stigmas) are naturally all red (no other color). |
| 8. | Where Can I Buy Saffron?
Saffron couldn’t be bought in any retail shop easily but it’s always available on modern retail sites like Amazon, Flipkart as well as Big Basket. |
| 9. | Where does India get saffron from?
India gets most of its Saffron from Kashmir like Pampore and Kishtwar. But, the demand for saffron in India per year is up to 100 tonnes, but its average production is about 6-7 tonnes annually. To meet this demand, saffron is imported from countries such as Iran and Afghanistan. |
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Are there some criteria one should be looking forThere are only three criteria one must look for all time you buy Kesar:Saffron or Kesar threads (Stigmas) are naturally all red (no other color). |
| 11. | How many grades of saffron are there? Saffron grades are Sargol, Postal Bunch, Negin, and White saffron. |
| 12. | What are the health benefits of saffron?
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| 13. | How we can use saffron? It is used in cooking, can be added to Rice Dishes, Seafood, Soups, Sweets, Rock candy, Honey, Milk, Smoothies and other shakes as well or can be boiled and consumed as a Tea. Kesar can also be added to Coffee. It is also used as medicine for fighting cancer cells and improves sexual dysfunction etc. |
| 14. | How to preserve Saffron? Saffron must be stored in an airtight container and kept away from moisture as well as bright light. |
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Is saffron cholesterol-free?Yes, it is cholesterol-free. |
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Is saffron fat-free?Yes, it is fat-free. |
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Is saffron sodium-free?Yes, it is sodium-free. |
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Does saffron have protein?Saffron doesn’t have much protein content. It’s mostly negligible. |
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What is the flavour of Saffron?Real Kesar flavour has been explained as bitter, yet savoury. |
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Can one use saffron petals?
This petal is not used and is mostly thrown away after harvesting.
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Can I drink saffron every day?
As a dietary supplement, one can safely take up to 1.5 grams of it every day.
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The Bottom Line
Saffron is a spice with powerful qualities that’s high in antioxidants.
It has been connected with many health benefits, such as improved mood, sexual function, and libido, as well as reduced PMS symptoms and enhanced weight loss, it also curbs snacking urges.
Best of all, it’s generally safe for everyone and easy to add to your diet. one must try incorporating it into their favourite dishes to take benefits of its potential health benefits.