SUPER FOOD

By Shyley McFarland Saffron Saffron

The unsuspecting super food you didn’t know you needed. Originating in Greece, saffron is a legendspice because it’s responsible for its sought-after flavor. But while it’s filling the kitchen with a delicious aroma, it’s also contributing to our body by ary spice that’s found in tales as old as time. But what is it? The spindly red threads are found in the crocus sativus flower, which is harvested and dried before being used in cuisine, where it imbues its bright yellow color into whatever it touches. Often associated with a higher price tag, this elusive spice is a rarity due to its difficult harvest process and small yield. Regardless, there’s a reason it’s still sought after despite its difficulty to find and even more difficult flavor profile to describe. Often considered its own flavor, saffron spellbinds with its unique sweetness and earthy undertones that add subtlety and nuance to dishes. But how healthy is it? Saffron is as full of antioxidants as it is mystery. Specifically, the antioxidants crocin, crocetin, safranal and kaempferol. Safranal is the namesake of this legendary increasing our brain’s response to oxidative stress, enhancing our mood and sharpening our memory. Crocin and crocetin are compounds that give saffron its ruby red color when dry. But they’re also directly tied to helping fight free radicals in our body and reducing inflammation. Each compound is also shown to improve mood by reducing the risk of depression and reducing appetite (you’ll be happy and content from eating such an elegant and tasty meal). There’s a reason saffron is sometimes referred to as the Sunshine Spice, it brightens up every dish and everyone who indulges. Kaempferol has been linked to anti-cancer properties and studies have shown that the levels of it within saffron have demonstrated eliminating specific cancerous cells related to colon, skin, lung cancer and more–while leaving the healthy cells intact. As an added boost, crocin has been linked to increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy, which can give someone fighting cancer that extra edge they need to win.

It’s common for people to shy away from saffron. There’s a lot that can be intimidating, from price tag to recipe usage. But it’s important to remember that food is a blank canvas and we need to explore new avenues to truly appreciate all it has to offer, whether that’s robust flavors or impactful health benefits. Pick up a small package of saffron and use it in your next batch of Spanish rice, or in an exotic soup for the upcoming cold weather. You will be pleasantly surprised with how it elevates your dish, and you’ll smile about it for more than one reason.