Tasty Talk
Ancient Spice of Saffron
Hannah Rogers recently returned home after serving 5 years in the U.S. Coast Guard as a cook. She enjoys time with her dog, baking, hiking, and serving others. Hannah is currently in the process of establishing Hananel Bakery in Batesville.
Saffron is one of the oldest botanical spices in the world and is currently the most expensive in the world by weight. Ancient depictions in Iran contain saffron based pigments, and Phoenicians used saffron as a medicinal treatment for melancholy. Alexander the Great added saffron infusions into his bath to heal his battle wounds. Ancient Persians weaved saffron threads into the fabrics that they were offering to their gods. In the 21st century, 90% of the world’s total of saffron comes from Iran but is also harvested in a few other Middle Eastern countries. The spice saffron comes from the Crocus Sativus plant and only blooms one week a year. The flower must be harvested mid-morning for its full potential and to protect the delicate plant, and each flower only has three threads or stigmas. It takes 200,000 saffron stigmas from 70,000 crocus flowers to harvest one pound or 1,000 flowers to weigh one ounce. This delicate flower adds a deep yellow-orange hue
to food and textiles. A red saffron is also available. It lends a subtle honey floral-like flavor to foods. Some say it has a hay-like scent. Saffron must be stored in a cool, dry, dark environment, such as a refrigerator. A suggested use for this flavorful spice is to grind it with a mortar and pestle or in a spice mill. Grind two teaspoons with a pinch of coarse salt or a sugar cube to extract the most flavor and color. This ancient spice pairs well with many dishes, especially Mediterranean recipes. Saffron has a reputation for being a delicious addition to ice cream. A tea can be made from the stigmas for simple enjoyment or for health benefits. It is most often used in rice dishes, couscous and even pastas. Saffron is great for adding color to curry recipes, as well as chicken dishes. Soups are also enhanced by the flavor and color of saffron. You can even purchase saffron infused olive oils for cooking or dipping breads, which you can sample at The Kitchen Shop in Batesville. If you are unsure how to use saffron, there are many recipes available on the internet. Hopefully all these interesting details about this ancient spice will entice you to try saffron in your kitchen! N
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