Saffron
Exquisite Foods supplied exclusively by
AQ Food Supplies Limited (UK)
The word Saffron itself sounds extremely exotic and considered quite exquisite in its use. That is why we at AQ Food Supplies Limited (UK) are promoting this spice as one of our main products in our brand. It is a red strand which appears in threads of absolutely red to red threads tinged with yellow. The depth of redness determines its grade and category (This is discussed in the latter part of this article). Saffron is known by people as a rare and expensive commodity, but many have never had the chance to experience its subtle, sophisticated charms for themselves. It is hoped that this article covering Saffron’s description will assist you in becoming associated to the beauty of this delicious spice.
Saffron is harvested from Crocus sativus, a flower better known as the “Saffron crocus.” Each bloom from this crocus produces three yellow styles, each of which ends with a crimson-red stigma. The combination of golden style and crimson stigma constitute what we know as a Saffron thread. These threads are plucked by hand and dried, resulting in a fragrant, beautiful spice that is prized the world over.
Just as Saffron is prized in many parts of the world, it is actually harvested in a few different places as well. While the general characteristics of Saffron will not differ much, there are some distinct qualities to each variety, and those who use it in their cuisine tend to have their own preferences.
It is mainly supplied from Iran and Spain but some is also provided from Afganistan.
In Iran, Saffron is cultivated by professional growers, who don’t use chemical materials for cultivation. Sargol Saffron has no synthetic pesticides, preservatives, food additives or colourings. Our Iranian saffron is Sargol grade. Sargol literally means “top of the flower,” which denotes the fact that it doesn’t contain any of the yellow styles. It is made up entirely of the red stigma of the flower, which is where Saffron gets most of its flavour and aroma. The result is the highest quality saffron available to the public.
Called Azafran by the Spanish, this variety of saffron spice is mellow, sweet, and floral. The aroma is irreplaceable: musky, honeyed, floral, bitter, and fierce. You’ll
find the perfume to be hypnotic. The flavour is penetratingly husky, earthy, with notes of honey and violet.
There are four main classifications of Iranian/Persian Saffron, these four classifications are based on the trim of the Saffron thread. The four different trims of Persian Saffron are:
Sargol Saffron
Sargol means “Top of the flower” in Farsi. Sargol is a sub-type of Persian saffron that derives from the very tip of the saffron thread. Hence, its name “top of the flower.” It also has a specific, powerful aroma. Generally speaking, Sargol saffron is considered to be high quality due to its lack of Yellow or Orange threads. Sargol can be easily recognized thanks to its full and deep red colour and short threads.
Properties of Sargol saffron
Good colour
Do not cling to each other.
The threads are completely separate.
It should not be white but rather completely red.
Super Negin Saffron
Super Negin is the most expensive and rare trim of Saffron. Super Negin saffron is known not only for being the most potent but also for its aesthetically pleasing features. Super Negin threads are longer in length and contain no yellow or orange threads. The threads are cut symmetrically and contain no crumbs. When comparing all the trims of Saffron, Super Negin is the most sought after for those who want the best of the best.
Negin Saffron
Negin, when compared to Sargol and Super Negin, Negin is longer in length and contains some yellow and orange portions of the thread. To put it in simple words, the aroma, quality, and purity are still great but you do pay for some portions of the yellow and orange threads, which are lower quality.
Pushal Saffron
Pushal Saffron is the cheapest and most commonly sold Saffron trim in stores. Since Saffron is so expensive, many distributors take advantage of consumers by selling them the orange and yellow portions of the thread to increase their profit margins. Since these yellow parts of the stigma contain no value, consumers end up paying much more in reality for an inferior product.
Why is the Saffron price high?
If you know the process of Saffron production, you will understand why Saffron is so expensive:
Significantly, Saffron farm are left fallow at the end of each harvest season until the beginning of the next harvesting season. So, it is not possible to harvest any other plant during the rest period of a Saffron farm.
In fact, each Saffron plant is planted by human hand individually. This is a time consuming and delicate process.
Only 2-3 saffron flower will grow from each Saffron corn.
Each Saffron flower is picked gently by human hands.
Once the flower is harvested, Saffron threads and separated from the Saffron flower by hand and great accuracy.
Each Saffron flower gives three threads of red Saffron.
After extracting the Saffron threads from Saffron flower, red parts are left to dry in a dark and dry place.
Last but not least, 1-kilogram saffron flower needs to be picked to produce 8-10 gram all red Saffron.
In summary, it is a long-term and time-consuming process which requires a large labour force to harvest the flowers.
That is why other herbs could not replace saffron and its price is so high.
Benefits of Saffron
Our business in saffron is not only because of the financial rewards it entails but also because of its health benefits. It’s an exquisite food that you may not have known off or had any interest in. Those who know about saffron know that it is a very expensive spice, however saffron boasts of several healthy benefits when consumed regularly. Saffron is a spice which is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It is a commodity which has been used in various medicinal treatments that date as far back as 3,500 years ago. There is a wealth of scientific, clinical studies in modern-day research as well. Scientist who are interested in homeopathic and helophytic medicine know of Saffron’s scientific name of crocus sativus and its healing characteristics.
If you were to investigate on the internet about the benefits that Saffron, you will find endless comments and reports of these benefit.
We will mention just a few to assist you to understand the importance of Saffron. Hopefully it will encourage you to purchase your next Saffron for AQ Food Supplies Ltd – Exquisite Foods.
- Depression and anxiety – Drinking saffron tea has been known to give an instant mood-boosting and calming effect. Saffron has similar antidepressant effects as fluoxetine and is considered a complete natural alternative.
- Immunity boosting – Saffron has powerful antioxidant capabilities that help maintain a sharp immune system.
- Insomnia – Saffron also addresses sleepless nights by relaxing before you set yourself to a restful night. A Saffron tea can be added to your routine at nights before going to sleep because the tea made with Saffron is caffeine-free.
- High blood pressure + cardiovascular health – Saffron helps lower blood pressure and prevents bad cholesterol when consumed regularly.
- Cancer fighting – Saffron is full of antioxidants and flavonoids, which are known to have cancer preventing capabilities, and several clinical studies suggest it can be beneficial in treating certain cancers.
- Brain health and memory – Help your brain feel its best with the memory boosting power of saffron. The crocin and crocetin compounds found in saffron could help the mind to relax in the long run.
- Acne scarring/skin-brightening – Saffron also consists of high levels of vitamin C which can be especially beneficial in brightening skin tone, texture and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Drinking saffron tea is considered one of the most common ways to incorporate those benefits into your regular diet and healthy wellbeing.