Saffron in the kitchen
Saffron is widely used in the culinary world because of its rich taste and beautiful color. It can be used as a natural coloring agent that is completely free of harmful chemicals. Saffron contains chemicals like Crocin, Picrocin, and Safranal. These are the three main elements that work together to make Saffron an essential condiment that perfectly blends with a number of herbs and spices and makes her dish delicious. Original Saffron is also very expensive and that is why it is often found tucked away in the corner of the cupboard. It is widely used in Asian, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Lately, we have seen Saffron being used across America to give natural flavoring to savory and sweet dishes.
In this article, we will see how Saffron is used in different parts of the world and how they infuse Saffron in their dishes.
Saffron Use in the Culinary World
In Afghanistan: Afghanistan is a major producer of the world # 1 Saffron. Saffron is used in a wide variety of dishes in Afghanistan and the Middle Eastern region. Rice-based dishes, sweet dishes, kababs, as well as teas and coffees are enriched with saffron flavor.
In Iran: Iran is the largest producer of Saffron. It is used in several sweet dishes as they also associate happiness and good luck with Saffron.
In India: In India, saffron is used at a wide scale, and since it is also cultivated in the region, it is used abundantly. In Indian cuisine, Saffron is used with regional spices in dishes like biryani, which is a meat and rice dish and is considered a specialty of the region. Multiple desserts are also made, which are infused with Saffron. Saffron milk is also very popular.
In Morocco: Saffron is used in many tajine dishes.
In Europe: Saffron was not very popular in Europe a few years ago, but it seems like it has finally found its calling. It is used in soups and with fish, while sweet dishes and ice creams are also flavored with Saffron.
In Spain: Apart from Afghanistan, Spain is the 2nd place where the best quality of Saffron can be found, and that is why it is used abundantly in dishes like Paella and some fish dishes.
In the United States: Recently, Saffron has started to be cultivated in the United States, specifically in Pennsylvania. United States also imports Saffron from other countries including Afghanistan. Afghan Saffron is getting famous in the States because of its high quality. It is used abundantly to give flavor and color to cakes, noodles, and fish dishes.
Another reason for Saffron being used so widely around the world is because it has many benefits as well. People are also of the opinion that the use of Saffron can help in preventing and combating COVID-19 and the similar viral diseases. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can work together against COVID-19 and the similar viral diseases.
Sources
https://www.azernews.az/region/80987.html
https://surfiran.com/visit-iran-for-iranian-saffron/#:~:text=Saffron%20and%20its%20magical%20power,Persian%20New%20Year%20(Norouz).
https://saffronhealthsci.com/blogs/general-knowledge/is-crocin-the-active-constituent-of-saffron-crocus-sativus-a-potential-antioxidant-and-anti-inflammation-agent-against-coronavirus-covid-19-a-combination-of-ancient-wisdom-in-natural-healing-with-current-research
Saffron Recipes
We have enlisted a few dishes, however, the saffron usage is not limited only to them:
