Kashmiri Saffron A Spice Precious As Gold and Silver
How can a spice be worth more than silver? Why is the saffron considered one of the most precious spices in the world? Let us uncover the legend behind this mystical spice – the Kashmiri Saffron.
Saffron is referred to as “kesar” in India and is a revered spice among the people who truly understand its value. The legacy of the Kashmiri saffron is unparalleled. It is an integral part of India’s cultural heritage, culture, and culinary traditions. On your many Kashmir tours, or while staying in one of the hotels in Gulmarg you must have seen purple flower fields and people picking flowers. The purple flowers are the legendary saffron in its full bloom.
The Origins of Crocus Sativas
The yellowish-orange-hued spice is believed to have originated in Greece and its value has remained strong since. Parts of Greece, Morocco, Iran, and India are the main cultivators of this extravagant spice.The word saffron is gotten from the Arabic word “Zafaran” and that implies yellow. (Did you know – Queen Cleopatra used saffron-infused milk to bathe!)
In India, Kashmir is the main contributor to the production of the spice, gaining the title – “Kashmiri Saffron”.
Over the years the production and sale of the Kashmiri Saffron went down considerably. Only through the help of the Indian Government and Foreign aid, did we see a gradual incline in the productivity of the spice.
Saffron and Kashmir
Saffron in Kashmir is grown mostly in the Pampore region in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. The flowers in Kashmir are harvested in the autumn season in Kashmir, by the locals from Pampore. Depending on the region, saffron is usually harvested in late October and November.
If you happen to visit India’s “Heaven on Earth”, be sure to check out those purple-colored flower fields along with Kashmir’s tulip garden. If you are lucky and happen to land there during the harvesting season, you can check out the villagers picking the flowers and filling their baskets – one of the many amazing things to do in Pulawama.
Why So Expensive?
The Saffron is also sometimes referred to as “Red Gold” due to its rarity and value. Saffron is a spice that is obtained from the stigmas of the Crocus Sativus plant which has purple flowers. Each flower produces only three threads of crimson-prized stigmas and the flower only blooms for one or two weeks each year.
The labor-intensive crop takes a lot of time to harvest. You need to carefully and individually pick out the saffron threads from the flowers and dried. You will need thousands of flowers just to produce 28 gms of saffron. With so much time and energy being used to produce such a small amount of saffron, the pricing of the spice is justified.
Uses of Kashmiri Saffron
Some of the Kashmiri food gets imbued with the flavor of Saffron, heightening the flavor of the dish completely. The importance of the spice cannot be overstated in Indian culture and heritage. The spice is quite fragrant and difficult to describe its taste, but you can recognize it in a dish.
Saffron is also used medicinally, it is used as a sedative and to treat muscle spasms. Some use it for their digestive benefits. The presence of vital anti-oxidants provides a lot of health benefits.
Why is it called Kashmiri Saffron and is Saffron native to India?
The spice is grown mostly in Kashmir mostly in the regions of Pulwama, Budgam, Kishtwar, and Srinagar. The loamy soil and natural highlands provide a great environment for cultivating the crop making Kashmir one of the sole contributors to the production of Kesar.
Saffron is believed to have originated in Greece. Saffron is a local of Southern Europe and developed in Mediterranian nations.
How and where can we buy Kashmiri Saffron?
You can buy saffron from your local stores as well as order it online from various online stores like Amazon. You can visit the site – https://www.kashmironlinestore.com for the best authentic Kashmiri Saffron.
What are the benefits of saffron?
Saffron is considered to have a lot of health benefits and is considered to have high health-promoting compounds such as carotenoid anti-oxidants. Research has shown that saffron has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It may be used to improve the heart and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
For the common man, it is best used in dishes to elevate the dish’s flavor.
Is saffron storable and has a long shelf-life?
Yes, saffron is storable if you keep it in a cool and dry place. You can store the threads in the freezer for up to one year
