Saffron, scientifically known as Crocus sativus, is a perennial bulbous plant that typically grows to a height of 15.5–25.5 cm. This low-growing plant features a globular underground corm and slender, grass-like leaves. It is cultivated primarily for its fragrant, blue or lavender flowers. The flowers are notable for their orange, trifid stigmas and style-tops, which are harvested to produce commercial saffron. Saffron is characterized by its bitter taste and distinct, aromatic scent.
A typical analysis of saffron reveals that it contains about 15.6% moisture, 13.35% sugar, 0.6% essential oil, 5.63% oil, 4.48% crude fiber, and 4.27% ash per 100 grams. The ash is rich in potassium and phosphorus, with traces of boron. Its essential oil comprises terpenes, terpene alcohols, and esters. Additionally, saffron contains glucosides such as protocrocines and picrocrocines, responsible for its vibrant color and bitter taste.
Saffron is highly valued for its medicinal benefits and has been extensively used in traditional medicine in India, including Ayurvedic and Unani practices. Renowned for its ability to strengthen the stomach and enhance its functions, saffron also finds use in modern pharmacology, though primarily as a coloring agent for medicines.
Medicinally, saffron has proven effective in treating various digestive disorders and certain skin conditions. For example, a paste made from saffron can be applied as a dressing for bruises. Additionally, its health benefits extend to several other ailments. Beyond its medicinal uses, saffron is widely cherished for its role as a flavoring and coloring agent in culinary preparations.
Thank you for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do some research about this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more from this post. I am very glad to see such fantastic information being shared freely out there.
WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..more wait .. …
Aw, this was a really nice post. In thought I want to put in writing like this moreover – taking time and precise effort to make a very good article… however what can I say… I procrastinate alot and not at all seem to get something done.
wonderful post.Never knew this, appreciate it for letting me know.
Hello.This post was extremely interesting, especially because I was looking for thoughts on this issue last Wednesday.
An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!