Why is Persian Saffron (Zafaran) the best?

The types of saffron, ranked from highest to lowest quality, are as follows:
– Super Negin saffron
– Pesud Negin saffron
– Ngin saffron
– Sargol saffron
– Pushal saffron
– Saffron bunch

The most known Iranian saffron is the purple petals kind, which is used as a spice. The distinctive aroma and flavor of Persian saffron come from a compound called safranal, while the golden yellow color it imparts to food is due to crocin.

To extract the most flavor and aroma from saffron, we recommend not adding it directly to dishes. Instead, lightly grind the saffron threads (using a mortar and pestle works best) and soak them in liquid before adding them to the dish. Allow a minimum of 10-15 minutes (ideally longer) for the crocin to infuse from the threads, resulting in maximum color, depth of flavor, and aroma in your dish.

Considering its high price, it is important to know how to store saffron after purchase. It should be kept away from light and moisture in a sealed glass or metal container. Additionally, the essential oils in Saffron can evaporate, so be sure the container is properly sealed. Leaving the container open can result in a decrease in its medicinal effects and overall quality.

Persian saffron offers numerous health benefits, including anti-carcinogenic and high antioxidant properties. It is also a source of vitamins B, C, D, K, as well as calcium, iodine, iron, and zinc. In Iranian traditional medicine, saffron is known for its warming properties and is used as a pain reliever, expectorant, and diuretic.

In Iranian traditional medicine, saffron is well known for its numerous benefits that contribute to overall well-being. Here are some of the properties associated with saffron:

• It may be useful to treat depression and promote vitality.
• It may have a positive impact on heart health.
• It is considered effective in the treatment of colds.
• It may help enhance cognitive function and strengthen the power of the mind.
• It may aid in increasing your body’s energy levels.
• It may be used to improve sleep quality.
• It may be used to help stomach discomfort and reduce excessive abdominal bloating.
• It may help treat and help prevent bone disorders such as osteoporosis.
• It may be beneficial for regulating and modulating the immune system, as well as reducing pain.
• It may play a role in preventing presbyopia and improving eyesight.
• It may be used to promote blood circulation throughout the body.

Please note that while these properties are associated with saffron in traditional medicine knowledge, it’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using it as a medicine for specific health conditions.