Kashmir saffron is considered the best in the world for its distinctive long silky threads with a dark red color, its extraordinary aroma and its powerful coloring and flavoring capabilities. This is the world's most potent saffron and is not easily obtainable outside of its native India since almost all of Kashmir's saffron is consumed within India and little is left for export.
Saffron finds a variety of uses. In India, it is used as a herb in Ayurvedic Medicines which heals a variety of diseases ranging from Arthritis to Impotence and Infertility. It is known to have aphrodisiac properties and is widely used in Asia and the Middle East as such. Chinese and Tibetan Medicine also find many uses of this exotic herb.
The fact is that Indians in general are crazy about this exotic spice. In India, to serve dishes laced with saffron is regarded as a mark of honor to the guest and has become the norm rather than an exception. In fact the average use of this spice in even a middle class family wedding in the state of Rajasthan and Gujarat is about 250 gms!
Due to the large number of experienced users in India and the frequency of the use also being very high, the consumer in India is very discerning. After having tried the product of other countries, he prefers the local variety above all others. Kashmiri Saffron commands a premium over the rest even in India and the locally produced saffron is priced higher than that available of Spain or Iran.
The main difference between Kashmiri and Iranian Saffron is that of the yield of Stigmas (strands) which is about 75%. The excess yield is due to the fact that the stigmas of saffron cultivated in Kashmir are extremely long and with a thick head. They are also of a deep red color. The size of the stigmas indicate the inherent suitability of the soil and climate for this product. Thus by just physically observing the saffron its origin can be identified provided it has not been blended with saffron from various origins. The blending is normally done by importers in non producing countries because of the wide disparities in prices : the Iranian Saffron is about 1/2 the price of Kashmiri Saffron.
In the western world it is used primarily as a spice. But it is also discovering its uses as a health tonic which naturally does not have side effects. About 50 mg of Saffron dissolved in a glass of 200ml milk and a spoonful of sugar makes a very tasty drink which is also a health tonic. A regular intake of this every day for a period of time enables the body to build resistance against a lot of common diseases such as Asthma, to treat acne and skin diseases, to treat alcoholism, and is useful in Common colds, according to Ayurvedic Practitioners. It has also been noted that it is used in medicines that reduce inflammation, for treatment of enlarged Liver and infection of urinary bladder and kidneys, as an ingredient in recipes useful for menstrual disorders, for strengthening the heart, and useful for diabetic patients. But beware, do not to expect it to act as a magic potion because it is essential to have a regular intake for it to be effective.
This saffron is available at $12/gram. Wholesale orders are available as well. ... [full description] |
