Difference between revisions of "Saffron"

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[[Image:Saffran_crocus_sativus_moist.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Saffron Crocus flower, showing two drooping stigma which are picked and dried to form saffron]]
 
[[Image:Saffran_crocus_sativus_moist.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Saffron Crocus flower, showing two drooping stigma which are picked and dried to form saffron]]
 
[[Image:Saffron.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Box of saffron]]
 
[[Image:Saffron.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Box of saffron]]
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'''Saffron''' is the name given to the dried stigma of the Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus). It is a very pungent spice which imparts a rich gold yellow color to dishes and is most famously associated with the [[Spain|Spanish]] dish paella.
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'''Saffron''' is the name given to the dried stigma of the Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus). It is a very pungent [[spice]] which imparts a rich gold yellow color to dishes and is most famously associated with the [[Spain|Spanish]] dish paella.
  
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Only one or two stigma per flower is ever produced, and this combined with the fact that saffron must be harvested at dawn before the pollen on the stigma has dried has made saffron the most expensive spice in the world. Currently, weight for weight, it is more expensive than gold.
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There are 3 Saffron stigmas per flower,<ref>http://www.gourmetshopper.com.au/shop/product.php?productid=290</ref><ref>http://www.oasisdemezgarne.com/lgen/paysberbere/saffron.htm</ref>
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Saffron was part of the 180,000 kg of spices traded per year (along with silk and precious metals) by the Venetians during the 100 year peace after the foiled Frankish invasion in 810. It was a major contributing factor in the success of Venice's stronghold over the international trade routes between the East and the West.
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<ref>http://www.greekproducts.com/greekproducts/saffron/index.html</ref>
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and two stamen.
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<ref>http://www.bikudo.com/product_search/details/34416/crocus_sativus_kashmiri_saffron.html</ref> Saffron must be harvested at dawn, or early morning before the sun gets strong, before the pollen on the stigma has dried. It is estimated that one pound of saffron consists of about 225,000 to 500,000 dried stigmas and requires the picking by hand of 75,000 flowers,<ref>http://www.bolokids.com/2006/0271.htm</ref> this is one reason why Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world.<ref>http://www.bikudo.com/product_search/details/34416/crocus_sativus_kashmiri_saffron.html#desc</ref> Currently, weight for weight, it is more expensive than gold.  
  
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Nowadays, the majority of saffron is produced by Spain, with Mancha Saffron commanding a suitably high price. It is often substituted with the cheaper spice Turmeric with an inferior end result. [[India|Indians]] use it in [[desserts]] and candy, as well as to flavor [[rice]] and cream-based savory dishes.
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[[Iran]] produces the highest amount of Saffron, about 120-140 tons per year.<ref>http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3201/pdf/i4.pdf</ref> [[Spain]] produces around 2 tons of saffron per year and processes about 40-50 percent of saffron from Iran.<ref>http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20050724072958</ref>
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Other countries that produce Saffron include: [[Greece]],<ref>http://www.greekproducts.com/greekproducts/saffron/index.html</ref> Turkey, Kashmir,<ref>https://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/04/travel/fare-of-the-country-saffron-kashmir-s-pot-of-gold.html</ref> [[India]], [[France]], [[Italy]], [[Afghanistan]],<ref>https://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/01/MNA415A7UB.DTL&type=printable</ref> and [[Morocco]].<ref>http://www.bacstrom.com/saffron.html</ref>
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It is used in Indian cooking, in [[desserts]] and candy, as well as to flavor [[rice]] and cream-based savory dishes.
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{{clear}}
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==References==
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<references/>
  
 
[[Category:Herbs]]
 
[[Category:Herbs]]
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[[Category:Spices]]

Latest revision as of 18:07, April 3, 2019

Saffron Crocus flower, showing two drooping stigma which are picked and dried to form saffron
Box of saffron

Saffron is the name given to the dried stigma of the Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus). It is a very pungent spice which imparts a rich gold yellow color to dishes and is most famously associated with the Spanish dish paella.

There are 3 Saffron stigmas per flower,[1][2] [3] and two stamen. [4] Saffron must be harvested at dawn, or early morning before the sun gets strong, before the pollen on the stigma has dried. It is estimated that one pound of saffron consists of about 225,000 to 500,000 dried stigmas and requires the picking by hand of 75,000 flowers,[5] this is one reason why Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world.[6] Currently, weight for weight, it is more expensive than gold.

Iran produces the highest amount of Saffron, about 120-140 tons per year.[7] Spain produces around 2 tons of saffron per year and processes about 40-50 percent of saffron from Iran.[8] Other countries that produce Saffron include: Greece,[9] Turkey, Kashmir,[10] India, France, Italy, Afghanistan,[11] and Morocco.[12] It is used in Indian cooking, in desserts and candy, as well as to flavor rice and cream-based savory dishes.

References

  1. ↑ http://www.gourmetshopper.com.au/shop/product.php?productid=290
  2. ↑ http://www.oasisdemezgarne.com/lgen/paysberbere/saffron.htm
  3. ↑ http://www.greekproducts.com/greekproducts/saffron/index.html
  4. ↑ http://www.bikudo.com/product_search/details/34416/crocus_sativus_kashmiri_saffron.html
  5. ↑ http://www.bolokids.com/2006/0271.htm
  6. ↑ http://www.bikudo.com/product_search/details/34416/crocus_sativus_kashmiri_saffron.html#desc
  7. ↑ http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3201/pdf/i4.pdf
  8. ↑ http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20050724072958
  9. ↑ http://www.greekproducts.com/greekproducts/saffron/index.html
  10. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/04/travel/fare-of-the-country-saffron-kashmir-s-pot-of-gold.html
  11. ↑ https://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/01/MNA415A7UB.DTL&type=printable
  12. ↑ http://www.bacstrom.com/saffron.html
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