Everything about Saffron Extract

Where saffron extract comes from

Saffron is extracted from the Saffron crocus flower. The stigmas of the saffron flower are extracted, dried, and used as to colour and spice foods, in cuisines across the world. A large amount of flowers need to be grown for a small quantity of saffron, which is one of the major reasons behind it’s high price tag.
 Saffron was once only found in Greece, and was then taken to Europe, Asia, and the Americas for cultivation.

Saffron: health benefits

One of the most significant ways saffron impacts the body is its ability to regulate moods. This in turn has three major effects; fighting depression, empowering people with better moods so they can seek treatment and take physical exercise (which  fights a considerable amount of health issues), and checks emotional eating. 

Studies conducted have cited the possibility of saffron having anti-cancer and anti-mutation properties. 

How to buy saffron

As the world’s most expensive spice, buying saffron is indeed a complex task. Due it’s high demand, producers have resorted to manufacturing inferiors strains of, or mixing it other ingredients, as saffron is sold by weight. 

Here is a simple checklist to ensure you’re buying good quality saffron extract. 

Firstly, its high price – or the lack of it – is a dead giveaway. If you’re getting offered saffron at cheaper rates, then there’s a high probability of adulteration. There’s another test you can carry out at a retailer to immediately verify the quality and authenticity of saffron. A tiny quantity of, immersed a glass of water should render the water a weak hue of yellow. If, instead, the water instantly turns a rich shade of yellow, it is due to food coloring present in the saffron. This food coloring is used to hide the use of non-saffron stigmata elements of the extract.

Saffron should also not yield a greasy texture when pressed between two paper pages – this is due to manufacturers using vegetable oil.

While buying saffron, don’t scrimp on your budget by buying a small quantity – you need to buy a minimum of 200 mg to notice its health effects. As it is a holistic remedy, don’t fall for advertisers promising rapid weight loss. Take along someone experienced in saffron that can identify its powerful, unmistakable smell.

How to consume saffron

Adding saffron to dishes is a precise art, due to its potent aroma and strong, red color, both of which permeate the dish, and can even overpower other ingredients. The simplest way of consuming saffron is to add a few strands to hot milk – the heat is necessary as it releases the saffron’s essence, allowing it to be absorbed into the food it’s being served with. Alternately, a small pinch can be added to soups and broths to add both warmth, flavor and as a remedy for the common cold.