By Shruti Pandey
Since time immortal, India has been known as a land of spices. The profusion of spices found here has allured visitors across lands and waters, being the prime contributor to the trade and commerce of the country. One such indigenous spice is "saffron" which takes on many names such as Zafran, Kesar, Kang, Kang Posh etc. Kang Posh is the flower of Kesar that allegorizes freshness and purity. In the valley of flowers and the heaven of earth- Kashmir, blooms a special flower of Kesar that has its own appellation and utility.
India ranks third as the largest producer behind Iran (accounts for 90% of total saffron production) and Spain.
Saffron/kesar is the dried stigmas (top part in the center of a flower that receives the pollen) of the flower Crocus Sativus Linnaeus. It belongs to the Iradaceae family.
Saffron/Kesar – Wikimedia Commons
The benefits and medicinal properties of this highly priced spice "saffron", make it a valuable culinary ingredient worldwide. Modern research suggests that saffron can be used as an aphrodisiac, diaphoretic [to cause sweating], carminative [ to prevent gas] and to bring on mensuration. Some other benefits are mentioned hereunder:
Shruti pandey is pursuing b.tech from HBTI Kanpur and aspires to blemish the world withwords. Twitter: @srt_kaka