Saffron is the most precious and expensive spice in the world. The Saffron threads are the dried stigmas of the saffron flower, Crocus Sativus Linneaus. Each flower contains only three stigmas. These threads must be picked from each flower by hand, and approximately 170.000 of these flowers are needed to produce 1kg of saffron filaments; typically, one would need 2000 m2 field area per kg harvest, making it the world's most precious spice.
Saffron is used both for its bright orange-yellow colour and for its strong, intense flavour and aroma. Saffron is available both in threads and powder. Legitimate powdered saffron is red-orange and is made by grinding saffron stigmas.
For thousands of years saffron has been linked to beauty, elegance and good taste. The English word "saffron" is derived from the Arabic za'faran, meaning yellow. Saffron is unique among spices. It has an aroma and flavour that cannot be duplicated, either naturally or artificially.
Saffron, the most expensive spice in the world is derived from the dry
stigmata of the plant Crocus Sativus. The plant is a bulbous, perennial
with globular corms, 15-20 cm high. It has 6 to 10 leaves present at
anthesis, one to two flowers with a lilac-purple colour with perianth
segments of 3.5 – 5 cm and style branches of 2.5 – 3.2 cm. The yellow
style is deeply divided into three branches and the stigmata are bright
red. Flowers are arising directly from the corms. Flowers have tri-lobed
stigma, which along with the style tops yield the saffron of
commerce.
Origin and Distribution
Saffron is a native of Southern Europe and cultivated in
Mediterranean countries, particularly in Spain, Austria, France, Greece,
England, Turkey, Iran. In India, it is cultivated in Jammu & Kashmir
and in Himachal Pradesh.
Saffron thrives best in warm sub-tropical climate. In Spain,
it is grown in dry temperate conditions with an annual rainfall below 40
cm. It grows at an elevation of 2000 mtrs MSL. Photoperiod exerts a
considerable influence in the flowering of saffron. An optimum period of
11 hours illumination is desirable. Unusually low temperature coupled with
high humidity during flowering season affects flowering of the crop.
Spring rains boost production of new corms. Slightly acidic to neutral,
gravelly, loamy, sandy soils are suitable for saffron cultivation.
Uses
Saffron is used as a culinary seasoning and to colour,
cottage cheese, chicken and meat, rise, mayonnaise, liquors and cordials.
It is also used in speciality breads, cakes, confectionaries, Mughlai
dishes. Saffron is also used as a perfume in cosmetics.
In medicine saffron is used in fevers, melancholia, and
enlargement of liver and spleen. In Ayurvedic medicine it is used to heal
arthritis, impotence and infertility. It has wide range of uses in Chinese
and Tibetan medicines.
PACKING :
a) Paper Bag, Jute Bags and Gunny Bags
b) Container
Load :
13 MT per 20'
Container Load
26 MT per 40'
Container Load
As per Buyer's requirements and
Specifications i.e. under buyer Company's Logo/ Brand. Company
details are printed on bags, as per design and graphics to be
supplied by the buyer.
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