Saffron - description, effects and processing in the kitchen

Saffron is one of the noblest and most expensive spices worldwide. Saffron is processed in every upscale and well-located kitchen – standard in fine restaurants. There are many reasons for this, for example:

extremely time-limited harvest
Can only be grown under difficult conditions
rare occurrence

These reasons drive him Saffron price up regularly. Top chefs such as upscale private chefs do not want to do without the advantages of the noble spice. Because the luxury spice is used in most TOP restaurants worldwide and also some interesting ones health aspects has to offer, saffron is considered the finest spice in the world.

An overview of interesting information about the spice saffron

Saffron can be one healing effect have and is not only used as a spice for the kitchen. The effects of saffron were described thousands of years ago. In the past and today, saffron even serves as the base material for the Manufacture of silk. This is because of the filamentary consistency of saffron. Of course, the prices worldwide for saffron silk are extremely expensive.

Saffron is available in several variants and shapes. Usually in powder form for the kitchen. Also as saffron threads to make textiles with. There are many attempts to counterfeit the saffron spice. Customers recognize the actual value by ISO certification and the special color of the crocus species Quality of saffron To recognize exactly, buyers must pay attention to the following features:

countries of origin
Smell of saffron
Bittern
Coloring content
Purity from saffron

Incidentally, the spice is grown and harvested in the Mediterranean. But also in Iran, Kashmir and Afghanistan. Saffron from Spain is popular because it is particularly strict here in Europe regulations regarding purity and processing apply. In summary, growing, harvesting and, above all, maintaining quality is quite an arduous task. In any case, this fact affects the price of saffron.

Effects of saffron on your own health

Many patients with complaints try alternative methods than to take the medicine directly. Saffron has a proven effect. More than 300 ingredients of the spice, relieve discomfort and even prevent certain diseases. Saffron is given for the following symptoms:

indigestion
bloating
stomach discomfort
severe cough
whooping cough
anorexia
menstrual cramps
too high blood pressure
liver problems
Inflammation and pain
Heart and circulatory problems
cholesterol level too high
anxiety
depressions
falling asleep

This list is only the tip of the iceberg. Saffron is therefore a very versatile spice and has long been used not only in the well-off kitchen. Often in the homeopathy used shows the ingestion of Medicinal saffron (for example capsules), an amazing effect.

What is interesting is the fact that Saffron for erectile dysfunction is administered worldwide. As a vegetable alternative to Viagra and Co., is Saffron in many ways as an aphrodisiac. Saffron is said to have an effect as an increase in potency and also in increasing the pleasure of women.

Saffron also has side effects when overdosed

As soon as saffron is consumed in excessive amounts, there is a risk of considerable side effects. Even signs of intoxication are not excluded. Why? Because in the saffron plant – in the threads of the crocus species Crocus Sativus (base of the spice production), bitter substances and essential oils are included. If consumed in excess, the following side effects of saffron can occur:

nausea
Feeling dizzy
diarrhea
indigestion
Nosebleeds due to bleeding from the nasal mucosa
Colic and abdominal cramps
very rare seizures

From a dose of 5 grams of saffron with a meal, there is a considerable risk of side effects!

From a direct consumption of 10 grams with a meal or ingestion via drops or capsules, saffron can even be fatal. Sounds serious at first, but even table salt has a toxic and poisoning effect after a certain amount. Therefore, users should stick to the recipes and enjoy a natural saffron consumption. Just like saffron is intended: As a popular spice in the kitchen.

Processing and recipe of saffron in fine cuisine

The spice saffron is considered the noblest and most expensive spice in the world. Popular with top chefs and in the finest restaurants, private chefs will also benefit from saffron. By adding saffron, the dish is given a distinctly light golden yellow color. A small knife tip of saffron is enough for the dish to satisfy the demanding palate.

Saffron can be used as a powder or in threads in the kitchen.
Very popular with top chefs and refines the dishes with small quantities.
Do not cook the saffron threads for too long, otherwise the substances will dissolve in the water.
Less saffron is often "more".
If the quantities are too large, the dish becomes too bitter.
Saffron in adequate quantities gives the food a very special note.

Basically, saffron is used in the kitchen to color delicious dishes golden yellow and to give a specific note to the aroma. The slightly bitter note, is ideal for a variety of recipes – not just in the Mediterranean.

Refine meat and fish with saffron

Popular dishes with saffron as a refinement include paella and risotto. In combination with the addition of meat and fish, saffron can really stand out as a spice.

Indian chicken with saffron
Fish soup from Sweden with saffron and orange brew

Traditional delicacies with the Ingredient saffron, delight the upscale palate. The distinctive scent of saffron is drawn through the kitchen as you cook. But caution is also required here. It is better to use a little less saffron than to make the dish too bitter. Saffron is also suitable for the production of marinades in connection with meat and fish. Gourmets can enjoy such dishes not only in the Mediterranean region. Saffron is also ideal for home cooking with fish and meat.

Rice and pasta in combination with saffron

Saffron is used in numerous rice-based recipes. The exotic and expensive spice successfully rounds off dishes via risotto and paella. In the tradition of Spain, paella is made with rabbit meat or chicken. Of course, often with the addition of saffron in small quantities. However, there are also alternatives such as fish soups, seafood and other types of meat that are used to celebrate rice dishes and pasta dishes.

Spanish paella with saffron
Italian risotto with saffron
Rice with seafood
Fish soups with pasta or rice
Vegetable broth with saffron
Meat broth with saffron

The saffron is usually involved directly in the rice or the pasta in advance, instead of in one Broth or soup to overcook. This increases the aroma of the fine saffron and makes up the good Mediterranean cuisine. Tagliatelle in combination with saffron is also considered a delicacy. In addition, many sauces with salmon combined with rice or pasta are refined with the noble spice saffron. But here, too, usually no more than one knife point is used. Saffron is such an intense spice, where too quickly the bitter taste dominates.

Types of drinks and desserts with the ingredient saffron

Saffron makes the cake "yellow" (children’s song).

This song fits perfectly with the description of saffron. The specific golden yellow coloring and an intense note, also allow creations regarding drinks and dessert. For example:

Apple pie with a hint of saffron
Ice creams of all kinds
sorbets
Milk with honey and saffron
Moroccan tea with mint
various special saffron smoothies
Spanish churros as a traditional dessert

Drinks and desserts with saffron are very popular. However, the cost should not be overlooked. A small dessert quickly becomes a costly pleasure when the saffron price shoots up again.

Saffron a universal companion in the kitchen – not just in the kitchen

Directly as a pure spice can Customers Saffron as a powder buy or prefer the threads. The threads are much more intense, which is why users should initially only add one or two saffron threads to the food.

Handling saffron in the kitchen should be treated with absolute caution.
Never use more than one knife tip.
When used as saffron threads, 1-2 threads per dish are easily sufficient.
The saffron taste is extremely intense and gives dishes a very special touch.
The typical bitter aroma is suitable for a variety of exotic dishes.
Soups, desserts and main dishes are suitable for saffron (even drinks).

Many recipes can be found in the Mediterranean, Persian, Iraq and Iran. Especially the home areas of the spice like to use the positive properties regarding the aroma and fragrance of the noble spice saffron. In the meantime, the trend from the Mediterranean has also reached Europe and the German-speaking area. More and more professional cooks and hobby cooks appreciate the advantages of saffron as a spice.

Conclusion on the topic of saffron as the finest spice in the world

Saffron not only finds a permanent place in the well-situated kitchen. High quality saffron silk and especially the health aspects underpin the popularity of saffron. As a result, the classic has become a versatile all-rounder in many ways. Users should exercise caution with the amount. A small knife tip is enough to give every exotic Mediterranean dish its typical touch.

Post last updated on November 2, 2018