Saffron is used in dishes, juices, drinks, teas, soups, Ice creams, cookies, and so on. We have enlisted here some, however, saffron usage is not limited only to them:

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:

Fish Broth with Oysters and Saffron Paella recipe Scampi risotto Saffron rice Saffron fish soup Saffron milk Saffron risotto Spaghetti Saffron Orange Turkey Raisin rice Saffron ice cream Saffron yogurt Saffron biscuits Almond Pistachio Saffron Curry Sauce Artichokes with Olives Bouillabaisse (Seafood Stew) Chicken Biriyani Chicken Stew with Fennel & Saffron Chinese-Style Paella Cornish Hens with Olives

Fusilli with Cauliflower Sauce (Fusilli con i Broccoli Arriminati) Golden Saffron Cake Italian Fish Stew Lamb in Saffron & Cardamom Cream Lamb Stew With Chestnuts And Pomegranates Lancaster Chicken Corn Soup Lemon Chicken with Jerusalem Artichokes Lemon Saffron Bread Linguine with Squid and Clams Mushroom and Leeks with Saffron Rice Potato Saffron Omelet Saffron Crawfish Risotto Saffron Potato Onion Soup Seafood Paella Saffron Rice with Cashews and Raisins Scallops with Orange Saffron Sauce (Coquille St. Jacques) Stewed Artichokes with Olives and Moroccan Spices Tomato Saffron Chicken

Saffron is a very famous spice that is used throughout the globe including North America; it is extracted from the Flowers of Crocus Sativus Linné. It is considered a delicacy, and that is why the original Saffron is extremely expensive. The red stigmas produced by the flower called the threads are removed carefully from the plants, and then they are dried; this forms the Saffron spice. Saffron has a very fragrant taste, and it is also used as a natural coloring agent. In recent times, Saffron tea has become somewhat famous due to Saffron’s enormous benefits. This article will document how Saffron tea can be beneficial and why you should include it in your daily routine.

Benefits of Saffron Tea

• Antidepressant

Saffron is also known as the sunshine spice because it has more lifting properties. Many people think that it is called sunshine spice because of its red and yellow hues, but actually, it is because of its properties. According to research, Saffron can be as effective as fluoxetine, which is a drug that can be used to cure mild depression. There has been significant improvement in the moods of people who consume Saffron tea every day. If you are someone who is not comfortable in taking antidepressants, Saffron tea can be a good alternative.

• Memory Booster

As the property suggests, Saffron is believed to improve memory functions. Saffron tea is a rich source of Crocin and Crocetin, which are both known to improve learning and memory functions. Researchers are confident that Saffron could have a potential in treating brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The research is only in the initial phase so nothing concrete can be said yet.

• Helps with PMS

Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS can be responsible for a variety of uncomfortable conditions, ranging from mood swings to physical discomfort. Saffron tea can be an excellent alternative to medication in relieving women from such symptoms. Saffron tea will relax your nerves and help you to calm down. It is prescribed to take 15 mg of Saffron twice a day to relieve PMS symptoms.

• Helps with Weight Loss

Saffron tea can help you in curbing your appetite by preventing you from unhealthy snacking. Consuming Saffron tea will make you feel full, and as a result, you will abstain from eating at odd times.

These are just a few benefits of Saffron tea; it is no less than a miracle spice and is rightly known as sunshine spice. Make it a habit to consume Saffron tea every morning to give yourself the start you deserve.

How to make Saffron tea, you can visit  Eat Beautiful and Ciao Florentina 

Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/saffron-tea-benefits
https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/saffron-tea/