FAQ – Faddal Saffron

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

A. Fundamentals of Saffron

1. What is saffron called in India?

In India, saffron is commonly known as Kesar or Kashmiri Keshar which is one of the most valuable spices known to the world. Also, saffron is referred as Kungumapoo in Tamil, Keshar in Hindi, Kong posh in Kashmiri, and Zafran in Urdu.

2. What is saffron also known as?

Saffron is known by several other names in different parts of the world. Commonly saffron is known as “Red Gold” or “Sunshine Spice”. Some of the common alternative names for saffron include Crocus Sativus, Zafran, Azafrán, Kesar, Safran, Crocus Flower.

3. What is saffron called in Kashmiri?

Saffron is a versatile spice prized for its rich flavor and vibrant color. It’s used in a wide range of culinary dishes, including rice, soups, sauces, and desserts. Additionally, saffron is known for its potential health benefits and is used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant and mood-enhancing properties.

4. What is saffron used for?

In Kashmir, saffron is called as kong posh and referred as “Red Gold” as it is one of the most valuable spice in the World.

5. Why is saffron expensive?

Saffron’s high cost is primarily due to its labor-intensive harvesting process. Each saffron crocus flower produces only a few delicate red stigmas, which must be handpicked. It takes tens of thousands of these stigmas to yield just one pound of saffron. This meticulous process, along with its limited geographic cultivation, contributes to saffron’s price.

6. Which saffron is expensive?

The most expensive saffron is often the highest quality saffron. Among saffron grades, “Mongra” saffron is considered the finest and commands a premium price. It’s recognized for its vibrant color, intense flavor, and captivating aroma.

7. Which saffron is most costly in India?

In India, the most costly saffron is typically Kashmiri saffron like Faddal Saffron. The Kashmir Valley’s unique climate and soil conditions produce saffron of exceptional quality. It’s known for its deep red color, strong flavor, and aromatic qualities, making it highly sought after and relatively more expensive. Taste Faddal Saffron to get original flavor of Kashmiri Saffron.

8. Which city is famous for saffron in India?

Pampore in Srinagar, the largest city in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, is famous for producing the highest quality saffron in India. The saffron fields around Pampore, a town near Srinagar, are renowned for their cultivation of Kashmiri saffron, often referred to as “Kashmiri Kesar.”

9. What are the three types of saffron?

Saffron is typically categorized into three types based on the saffron threads’ quality and color: “Mongra,” the highest grade with deep red stigmas, “Lacha,” a slightly lower quality saffron, and “Zarda,” the lower-grade saffron with lighter color.

10. What is mogra kesar?

“Mogra Kesar” is high-quality saffron, often referred to as “Mongra Kesar.” It is known for its vibrant red color, intense flavor, and captivating aroma, making it one of the finest saffron grades available.

D. Originality of Saffron

22. Is there fake saffron?

Yes, counterfeit saffron, often referred to as “fake saffron” or “adulterated saffron,” exists in the market. These are often low-quality saffron imitations or other plant materials dyed to mimic saffron’s appearance. In market, fake saffron is selling prepared from Safflower Threads, Colored Corn Silk, Turmeric Roots, Starch or Gelatin Threads, Mixed Adulterants, Synthetic Flavoring, Low-Quality Saffron.

23. How can I check my Kesar is original?

To check the authenticity of saffron (Kesar), observe its color, aroma, and taste. High-quality saffron should have vibrant red threads, a distinct aroma, and a rich, earthy flavor. It’s also advisable to purchase from reputable sources.

24. How to check Kashmiri Kesar?

Authentic Kashmiri Kesar is known for its deep red color and strong aroma. Ensure you source it from trusted suppliers who can provide information about its origin and quality.

25. Does original Kesar melt in milk?

Yes, high-quality saffron, including original Kesar, should readily release its color and aroma when soaked in warm milk or water. It’s a sign of its authenticity and quality.

26. How is saffron used in traditional Indian sweets and desserts?

Saffron is often infused in warm milk or water and added to sweets like Indian kheer and Middle Eastern rice pudding (roz bel laban). Its aromatic and colorful qualities enhance these delicacies.

27. Are there any side effects or allergies associated with saffron consumption?

While saffron is generally safe when consumed in culinary amounts, excessive saffron intake may lead to digestive discomfort. Allergies to saffron are rare but can occur in some individuals.

28. What is the best way to store saffron to maintain its quality and flavor?

Saffron should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavor and color. It’s best to keep it away from moisture and direct sunlight.

29. Can saffron be used in savory dishes, or is it primarily a spice for sweets?

Saffron is versatile and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. It adds depth of flavor and a rich golden color to various types of cuisine.

F. Saffron Usage

38. What are the common saffron substitutes used in recipes if saffron is not available?

Common saffron substitutes include turmeric, annatto, and safflower, as they provide a similar yellow or orange hue, though they lack saffron’s distinct flavor.

39. Can saffron be used in beverages like tea or coffee, and what are the benefits of saffron-infused drinks?

Saffron can be used to infuse tea or coffee, adding a unique flavor and aroma. Saffron-infused drinks are also believed to have potential health benefits, including mood enhancement and antioxidant properties.

40. Are there any cultural or religious significance to saffron in different regions or traditions?

Saffron is associated with diverse cultural and religious traditions. In Hinduism, it holds spiritual significance, while in Buddhism and Islam, it plays various ritual and culinary roles.

H. Saffron for Health

48. Does saffron whiten skin?

There is no scientific evidence supporting the skin-whitening properties of saffron. While it is used in skincare, its efficacy in whitening skin has not been conclusively proven.

49. What are the health benefits of saffron?

Saffron is a potent spice with lots of antioxidants. It has been connected to a number of health advantages, such as weight loss, less PMS symptoms, and enhanced mood, libido, and sexual performance. The best part is that adding it to your diet is simple and safe for the majority of people.

B. Value of Saffron

11. Why is saffron so expensive?

Saffron’s high cost is due to its labor-intensive harvesting process. It takes tens of thousands of handpicked saffron stigmas to produce just one pound of saffron. Additionally, the limited geographic cultivation of saffron contributes to its price.

12. What is so special about saffron?

Saffron is special due to its vibrant color, distinctive flavor, and aromatic qualities. It is also renowned for its potential health benefits, including antioxidant properties and mood enhancement.

13. How much is saffron cost?

The cost of saffron can vary widely based on its grade and origin. Generally, high-quality saffron like “Mongra” can cost approximately four thousand rupees per kilogram.

14. What is the benefit of saffron?

Saffron is associated with various potential benefits, including mood enhancement, antioxidant properties, improved digestion, and potential anti-inflammatory effects. It is also used in culinary dishes and traditional medicine.

15. Is saffron really that good?

Saffron is highly regarded for its flavor, aroma, and potential health benefits. Its use in cuisine and traditional medicine underscores its value, making it a sought-after spice.

16. Why is saffron so special?

Saffron is special due to its rarity, vibrant color, and exquisite flavor. It is revered for its role in both culinary dishes and traditional medicine, adding a touch of luxury to various aspects of life.

17. Is saffron more expensive than gold?

Saffron can be more expensive than gold by weight. The high cost of saffron stems from its labor-intensive harvesting process, while gold’s value is primarily determined by market prices.

C. Saffron Preparation

18. What is the best way to take saffron?

Saffron can be added to a wide range of dishes, including rice, soups, sauces, and desserts, to enhance flavor and color. It can also be infused in warm water or milk for saffron tea or as a spice for various culinary creations.

19. How is saffron prepared?

Saffron can be prepared by steeping the saffron threads in a small amount of warm liquid, such as water or milk, for a short time. The infused liquid can then be added to dishes to impart saffron’s color and flavor.

20. How can I take saffron daily?

You can incorporate saffron into your daily routine by adding a pinch of saffron threads to warm water, milk, tea, or your favorite dishes. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.

21. Do you soak saffron in hot or cold water?

Saffron is typically soaked in warm, not boiling, water or milk. Allow it to steep for about 15-20 minutes to release its flavor and color.

E. Saffron Cultivation

30. Where is saffron grown in India?

Saffron is primarily grown in the Indian region of Jammu and Kashmir, at Pampore in the Kashmir Valley being one of the most renowned saffron-producing areas in the country.

31. How long does it take to grow saffron?

Saffron is cultivated from October to November. The harvesting period coincides with the autumn season, during which the delicate saffron flowers bloom for a short period, allowing the saffron threads to be handpicked.

32. What is the best climate to grow saffron?

Saffron thrives in regions with a Mediterranean climate. It requires hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This climate fosters the optimal conditions for the saffron crocus to grow and produce its prized saffron threads.

33. What is the lifespan of saffron?

Saffron is a perennial plant with a long lifespan. Under proper conditions, saffron bulbs can continue to produce saffron flowers for up to 15-20 years, making it a valuable and enduring crop.

34. How many flowers are needed to make 1 kg of saffron?

Approximately 150,000 saffron flowers are required to yield 1 kilogram of saffron. Each flower produces only three delicate red stigmas, which are handpicked and dried to create the saffron threads. This labor-intensive process contributes to saffron’s high value and cost.

35. What are the environmental and economic factors that affect saffron prices and availability?

Factors such as climate conditions, labor-intensive cultivation, and the limited geographic regions where saffron can be grown contribute to its high price. Political and economic factors can also influence saffron’s availability.

36. Can saffron be cultivated organically, and are there any organic certifications for saffron?

Yes, saffron can be grown organically. Organic certifications are available for saffron that is cultivated without synthetic pesticides or chemicals, following organic farming practices.

37. How is saffron harvested and processed, and what makes the process labor-intensive?

Saffron threads are handpicked from the crocus flowers during a short harvesting window. Each flower yields only a few threads, and it takes many flowers to produce a small quantity of saffron, making the process laborintensive.

G. Saffron in Pregnancy

These responses offer concise information on saffron’s usage during pregnancy and its general effects, while also advising caution and suggesting consultation with a healthcare professional for pregnant women.

41. When should a pregnant woman take saffron?

Pregnant women can consider taking saffron after the first trimester. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating saffron into the diet during pregnancy.

42. How much saffron is safe during pregnancy?

The recommended dosage of saffron during pregnancy is limited to a few strands (around 3-4) soaked in a glass of milk. Excessive intake can be harmful, so moderation is essential.

43. How do you give saffron to a pregnant woman?

Saffron can be added to warm milk or water after soaking a few strands for about 15-20 minutes. This infused liquid can then be consumed by pregnant women, preferably under guidance from a healthcare provider.

44. Does saffron improve baby color?

Saffron is not scientifically proven to alter a baby’s skin color. Its consumption during pregnancy is associated with certain health benefits but does not influence a baby’s complexion.

45. How to use saffron for a fair baby?

There’s no scientific evidence to support the idea that saffron consumption during pregnancy affects a baby’s skin complexion or fairness. Healthy dietary practices are essential during pregnancy for overall well-being.

46. Does saffron increase body heat?

Saffron is believed to have warming properties, potentially increasing body heat. It is advisable to use it in moderation, particularly during warmer seasons or in hot climates.

47. Who should not take saffron?

Individuals with specific health conditions, such as allergies, bipolar disorder, or clotting disorders, should avoid saffron consumption. Pregnant women should consult a healthcare provider before using saffron.