Have you ever wondered why this spice is expensive like gold as compared to other spices? Why is it called red gold? The answer lies in its rich aroma, incredible qualities, rarity ,and plenty of Zafran benefits. It not only has a pleasant odor but also provides extensive health benefits. But that is only possible with the best quality threads. Bad quality threads do not have that strong hue, color, and benefits.
Finding good quality saffron threads can be a difficult task. But this blog will provide you with all the details about quality, health benefits, and price.
Background
Scientifically known as Crocus sativus, it belongs to the family Iridaceae. Saffron is also known as red gold because of its aroma, vibrant color, and numerous health benefits. They can be used in cooking, beverages, and skin care.
Types
Persian: This is the most in demand and purest form comes from Iran. It has a rich aroma, strong color, and long threads. Since it usually tastes a little sweet, it’s a great option for gourmet cooking.
Spanish: Spanish saffron is known for its deep red color, and it is mainly sourced from areas like La Mancha. Due to its special drying process, it has a particular flavor profile and frequently has more noticeable yellow tones.
Indian: Indian threads are sourced from Kashmir, which has a more delicate taste and is renowned for its purity. They are widely used for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Quality Grades:
The golden spice can be graded on various factors, such as color, smell, taste, long stigmas, and purity.
- Grade 1 (All Red & Pure ): This is the finest quality zafran, consisting of red stigmas. It is distinguished by its long, continuous threads, vivid color, and strong odor. Due to its strong flavor, it is widely sought in culinary applications.
- Grade 2 (Mixed): It includes a combination of red threads and some slight yellowishness in threads. Although it does not have the exact smell, hue, and flavor as Grade 1, it still counts as an affordable and budget-friendly option while maintaining a decent flavor.
- Grade 3 (Inferior ): This grade has a major portion of yellow color, which depicts the impurity. It has a slight aroma and flavor, which reflects the poor harvesting and processing.
Health Benefits of Zafran
- Improve Eye Health
It shows outstanding results in eye health. Some studies show that it helps with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which can cause vision loss in elderly people. Moreover, supplements with saffron are also helpful in glaucoma, in which the pressure on the retina is greater. They reduce the pressure, improve ocular health, and prevent harm to the optic nerve.
- Supports Heart Health
The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce cardiovascular factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels. They also help prevent oxidative stress in the cardiovascular system, which can lead to inflammation and arterial blockage.
- Improves Digestion
It is traditionally used as the best natural remedy for digestion. Its prophylactic and therapeutic properties help soothe the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, it also helps to overcome gas, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, and abdominal pain.
- Enhance Skin Health
Zafran is widely used in the cosmetic industry due to its extensive benefits for the skin. Cosmetics, creams, and face washes containing saffron threads help lighten the skin and reduce dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles, and acne.
- Enhance Cognitive Functions
Some studies revealed that it helps improve cognitive function and reduce age-related cognitive decline. It is really helpful for older people to enhance their memory and thinking capability. The antioxidants present in it help protect brain cells and promote mental clarity.
- Improve Sleep Quality
The active compounds in it have sleep inducing properties, which help to improve sleep quality and duration. They help to increase the sleep hormone melatonin, which relaxes and calms our minds. Moreover, they also target other receptors in the brain to improve the quality of sleep.
Recent studies have shown that a group of people whose diets contain saffron helps to keep their sleep patterns on track.
- Reduce Depression & Anxiety
Saffron shows impressive results against depression and anxiety. Some studies show it has similar effects as antidepressants. According to researchers, the bioactive substances crocin and safranal overcome depressive symptoms by inhibiting the reuptake of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters play an important role in regulating moods, and their imbalance can lead to severe depressive symptoms.
- Manage Blood Sugar Level
One of the studies shows 80 individuals with type 2 diabetes who took 100 mg of saffron daily for 12 weeks. We saw a substantial decrease in blood levels of an oxidative stress marker called malondialdehyde (MDA) as compared to a control group. So, it is an effective natural alternative to controlling diabetes.
- Premenstrual Syndrome
Some studies show women between 25 and 40 years of age taking 30 mg saffron threads in their diet experience fewer symptoms of PMS than those who were taking a placebo. They also experience good mood behavior and endless mood swings.
One more research occurred: women who smelled directly for 20 minutes experienced reduced cortisol hormone, the stress hormone. It conversely lowers the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
- Boosting Mood
One of the most renowned zafran benefits is its ability to improve mood and behaviour. According to some studies, having it daily in moderate amounts increases the dopamine level in the brain. It exhibits the effects of happiness and calm, ultimately regulating your mood.
Zafran Price in Pakistan
Price is the main factor when purchasing this golden spice as it is pretty expensive as compared to other spices. In Pakistan, imitated and low quality saffron threads are loaded everywhere, but there is one trusted herbs store that can give you premium quality without compromising quality. Saughaat is an all herbal brand that offers premium quality herbs, herbal blends, haircare and skincare. They offer premium quality saffron at rs 1400 for 2g and rs 800 for 1 gram. Shop the best quality at the best price that you don’t get anywhere.
