Saffron history

ZAFFRON, THE MOST EXPENSIVE SPICE

Origin of Saffron

Saffron crocus is obtained from the stigmas of crocus plant (Crocus sativus).

This plant, which stains the best golden Mediterranean dishes, is native to the Middle East, and like many spices, it was brought to Europe and spread throughout Asia, by the Arabs.

Indeed, saffron comes from the plateaus of Anatolia, in Zagros, Iran today. – Through the ” Silk Road “, saffron came to East. That’s when in China, people began to dye silk garments with red dye extracted from saffron.

The Romans knew the saffron trade in the ” Mare Nostrum “, the current Mediterranean region.

Saffron reached the Iberian Peninsula during the reign of the Caliphate of Cordoba in the eighth and ninth century. It was widely grown in Andalusia (Al- Andalus), and its cultivation spread to the rest of the country.

Saffron jar

Saffron jar

Saffron as medicine

Saffron was known and studied by Hippocrates, father of medicine, and Galen, the father of anatomy. In ancient writings, it was already known as digestive, antioxidant and antidepressant, which should be taken with caution, because in high doses can be fatal.

Covertly, saffron has also been used as an abortifacient plant.

– The ancient Romans used saffron pillows to combat migraine and for its aphrodisiac properties.

– The botanical historian Andrés Laguna (1499-1559), also cites it as an aphrodisiac remedy in his book

Saffron as a dye

– In ancient Egypt, the Egyptians already knew many aromatic, cosmetic, and medicinal plants. Among the more than 700 plant substances they used, saffron stigma was there. They used it for embalming, for cosmetic and for decorative purposes. Crocuses are depicted in ancient Egyptian engravings, and old stories as the Ebers Papyrus.

– The Egyptians also discovered the chromatic properties of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), which is currently used to adulterate saffron.

– The Greek playwright Aristophanes, reports that his clothes were stained with crocote, saffron ink.

– In China, saffron was used to dye silk garments.

– Buddhist monks dyed their robes in saffron. In Tibet, lamas were and continue to be known as “saffron robe” as this is the color of the clothes they wear

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This article was endorsed by Elisenda Carballido - Dietitian nutritionist. Postgraduate in Phytotherapy and master in Nutrition and Metabolism.
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Written by Editorial Botanical-online team in charge of content writing

27 February, 2024

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