In gourmet food stores, as well as T.J. Maxx, I see a spice that has intrigued me for years: Saffron, and yet I leave it on the shelf. As it turns out, saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, costing between $500 - $5,000 a pound. Unsurprisingly then that so little of it is always in the jar. The reason for its high price tag is the spice is very labor-intensive to harvest. Saffron derives from the Crocus sativus flower and the tiny thread-like flower blossoms (called stigmas) are each picked by hand. It takes 75,000 stigmas to make a pound of saffron.
Recently as I placed a Walmart order for spices Badia's Sazòn with Saffron (a salt) popped up on the screen, so I decided to put it in my online shopping cart (at $2.99!). Like the saffron flower blossoms, the salt is bright orange. After it arrived, I dicovered I've tasted this spice in Maxican cuisine and like its distinctive flavor in meat, rice, potatoes, stew, and soup.
Saffron is thought to have several health benefits. It contains plant compounds that act as antioxidants to fight free radicals. It seems to reduce depression, PMS symptoms, and anxiety. There are claims the spice makes people more amorous. Not only can saffron alter mood in the brain, but it also reduces inflammation in the body. Research (that requires further studies) suggests it may have some cancer, heart attack, and Alzheimer's prevention properties also. And, it may reduce appetite to help with weight loss.
When eating a normal amount of the spice in food, saffron has no known side effects. Consuming too much of any good thing is bad, but with the cost of saffron, it's unlikely to be a practice in most households.
Next on my list of tastes to try is another expensive condiment I've never had, namely truffles. Several days ago, I saw dried truffle in the spices at our newly opened Trader Joe's for a few bucks. There's my chance!😁What would you like to try?
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I've been dabbling with BBQ and smoking of ribs, briskets, etc. Bought a smoker (Weber, no blue or green eggs for me) a few weeks ago and I have included saffron on some of the "rubs" - in addition to the usual spices that are recommended. It did not overwhelm, but added to the nice tastes.
ReplyDeleteSounds delicious!
DeleteAfter realizing how expensive it is (did not know until I read it on your article here, just had an old bottle in the closet) I am going to switch to more conventional thinks like paprika, pepper etc for my "smoker" cooking projects.
DeleteBarry, the salt I bought would also work on the grill.
DeleteSaffron, known as the golden spice, holds a unique position in the culinary world. Among its various varieties, Kashmiri saffron stands out for its exceptional quality and exquisite flavor. Produced exclusively in the valleys of Jammu and Kashmir region of India, this luxurious spice has gained global recognition for its vibrant color, potent aroma, and numerous health benefits.
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