Benefits of Saffron – The Priceless Spice

In this post, I will be sharing some amazing benefits of Saffron for our skin and hair and in the field of cooking.

Saffron – “The Priceless Spice”

Saffron is a perennial spice that is obtained from the purple coloured flowers of Crocus sativus. It is one of the most costly spices of the world yet it is priceless because of the various amazing benefits that it offers.

Why Is Saffron So Expensive?

Deriving saffron involves the harvesting and processing of stigmas of the flower. The whole process is done manually (using hands), hence it is so labour intensive. It also has short annual growing seasons. This is the reason for it being expensive. To produce one ounce of high-quality saffron it takes around 4600 flowers (with 3 stigmas per flower). The cultivation of best quality saffron is done in Iran, Spain and Kashmir.

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Nomenclature In Different Indian Languages

In Hindi – Kesar

Bengali – Jafran

Tamil – Kumkumappu

Telugu – Kumkuma pubba

Gujarati – Keshar

Kannada – Kumkuma kesari

Kashmiri – Kong

Marathi – Kesar or Kesara

It is also nicknamed as “Red Gold”.

Different Types Of Saffron – Some of the popular varieties of kesar are:

• Padmagandhi – It is cultivated in Kashmir and is recognised as top quality saffron. It has strong flavour, aroma and is rich in colour. It is very expensive because of its rare availability outside India.
• Madhugandhi – Its strands are thick and a little white in colour.
• Bahilka – Its strands are tiny in size and white in colour.
• Parasika Kumkuma – Its strands are comparatively bigger in size, rough to touch and are slightly white in colour.
• Acquilla – It is shorter in length and lighter red in colour. It is cultivated in Italy only.
• Crème – This variety is cultivated in Spain only.
• Sargol – It is rich in colour and is cultivated in Iran.

How To Differentiate Between Low Quality and Top Quality Saffron?

The first point to keep in mind to differentiate between the two varieties is to look for white or yellow strands and also mushy texture.

• Sure signs of low-quality Kesar are -Too much yellow and moistness.
• Sure signs of top quality kesar are – Deep red colour and dry to touch.

How To Store Saffron?

In order to maintain its superior quality, keep it at dark places away from light and also keep it away from moisture. Store it in airtight containers away from light and heat.

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Benefits Of Saffron

There are various amazing benefits of saffron for our skin, hair and not to forget in the field of cooking.

1. Saffron A Golden Spice For Cooking 

• One of the amazing benefits of saffron is that it is used in cooking to impart a golden yellow colour to the dishes and also gives distinct flavour.
• A very little amount of Kesar is required for cooking, otherwise, it can make the food taste bitter if added in more quantity so, it can be said that “a little saffron goes a long way.”
• It is used in the preparation of Paellas, risottos, basmati rice, baked dishes, sweets and desserts, soups, etc.
• The best way to use is to soak a few strands of Kesar in water so that it can release its flavour well and then use it in dishes.

2. Saffron As A Dye

• Though expensive, kesar is used as a dyeing agent.
• It has a chemical named Crocin which is the main dyeing component to impart golden yellow colour to the fabric.
• Saffron has been in use for dyeing Robes of Hindu and Buddhist monks in India, Tibet, and China.

Benefits Of Saffron For Skin

3. Treats Acne and Blemishes 

• Saffron has anti-fungal properties to treat acne, pimples and blackheads effectively and in a natural way. It can also unclog the blocked facial pores.

How To Use 

(a) Soak 3-4 strands of kesar in 5-6 tbsp milk for about 1 to 2 hours. Apply this mask on your face for 10-15 minutes and then wash it off with water. This will help in clearing blemishes.

(b) Take 8-10 strands of kesar and mix it with 6-8 leaves of basil and little water to make a fine paste. Apply it on your face for 10 to 15 minutes then wash it off with cold water. This will help to cure acne and pimples.

4. Say Goodbye To The Dull Skin

• Saffron contains potassium with help in the repair of damaged cells and also boosts cell formation. Saffron is also rich in vitamins and antioxidants that help to rejuvenate the skin during the winter season when it becomes dull and dry.

How To Use 

• Soak 2-3 strands of kesar in one teaspoon of water for 2-3 hours and then add one teaspoon of milk, 2-3 drops of olive oil and a pinch of sugar.
• Now dip a piece of bread in this mixture and gently dab it over your face. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes then wash it off with water.
• This mask will exfoliate your skin; freshen up your dull skin leaving it soft and glowing.

5. Get Luminous Complexion

• Saffron can reduce the melanin content of the skin thus minimizing pigmentation of the skin leaving behind luminous complexion.

How To Use

• A very easy and quick pack can be made to get luminous complexion.
• Simply add 2-3 strands of kesar to one teaspoon of honey.
• Massage your face with this pack for 5 to 10 minutes and then wash it off with cold water.
• Regular use of this pack will help in getting luminous complexion.

6. Helps In Getting Fairer Skin

• Kesar is quite famous for its skin lightening properties. It can reduce the melanin content of our skin and helps in getting a fairer look.

How To Use

• Make a paste by adding 3-4 kesar strands to 2-3 teaspoons of milk powder and some rosewater accordingly.
• Apply it to your face and leave it for 30 minutes and then wash it off with plain water.

7. Can Diminish Dark Spots

• Kesar is rich in Vit A and Vit C. We all know how good are Vit A and Vit C for our skin.
• They help in giving a glow to the skin and also help in lightening the skin by treating various skin issues like dark spots and dark circle

How To Use

• Take 2-3 strands of kesar and 4-5 almonds.
• Soak them together in some water overnight.
• Blend them well the next morning to make a paste.
• Apply it all over your face. Let it stay for 15 minutes and wash it off with water.
• Follow this regime regularly to get rid off dark spots.

8. Treats Dry Skin

• Dry skin leads to many skin issues like itchiness and flakiness. Saffron’s moisture retaining benefits make it the best solution to treat dry skin.

How To Use

• Add 5-6 strands of Kesar to 2 teaspoons of milk cream.
• Let it rest for 2 to 3 hours for the proper infusion of saffron.
• Add one teaspoon of rice powder to it.
• Mix all the ingredients well to make a paste.
• Apply it all over your face for 20 minutes.
• Then massage your face for 2 minutes with your fingers gently while removing and then wash it off with water.

Benefits Of Saffron For Hair

9. Treats Alopecia

• One of the amazing benefits of saffron for hair is that it can treat alopecia (hair loss).
• Saffron is loaded with antioxidants which help in repairing hair follicles leading to hair growth.

How To Use

• Take two strands of kesar, soak them in milk overnight.
• The next morning, add some liquorice powder and make a paste.
• Apply this paste all over the scalp and let it dry for 40 minutes and then wash it off with a mild shampoo.
• Regular use of this pack will help in curing hair loss.

10. Treats Damaged Hair

• There are many causes of hair damage like rebounding, perms, curls, pollution, etc. Saffron can be used as an effective ingredient in making hair oil that can easily treat damaged hair.

How To Use

• Effective hair oil can be made using kesar.
• For this take 25 ml of almond oil in a glass bottle.
• Add two pinches of saffron in it. Cap the bottle tightly.
• Take some hot water at 85^oC in a glass bowl. Keep glass bottle in that glass bowl till the water comes at room temperature.
• Give this hot water bath to your bottle thrice a day for 15 days. This is the whole process to make hair oil.
• Do not keep this oil in the Sun because Kesar will shrink in sunlight.
• After 3-4 days your oil will be ready but for best results use it after 15 days of the whole process.
• Now, you can add 10 drops of this oil in any carrier oil and can massage the scalp well with this.
• Leave it on your scalp overnight or for at least 1-2 hours. This will protect your hair from further damage and will arrest hair fall and promote hair growth as well.

My Recommendation –

As we all know, saffron is an expensive spice which can lead to pocket drain but believe me it is worth the investment because of the amazing benefits that it offers. Therefore, my recommendation is to make it a part of your life today for leading a healthy life tomorrow.

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So, these are the amazing benefits of saffron.