What are the Applications of Saffron?

Saffron is one of the most well-known and costliest spices in the world. The flower is made from the dried stigmas of the saffron flower (Crocus sativus L.). Due to its analgesic and sedative properties, saffron is used for various medicinal and industrial purposes. These are the main industrial applications of saffron including:

1. Culinary

Saffron is most commonly featured in European, North African, and Asian cuisines. The spice imparts a luminous yellow-orange hue and is used worldwide in everything from cheeses, confectioneries, liquors, curries, meat dishes, and soups. In the past, the spice was used not for the flavor but to show people’s wealth. The condiment is commonly used in Spain and Iran, India and Pakistan, and other countries.

2. Medicinal

Saffron is used as an herbal folk medicine for many years. It is used for suppressing cramps and flatulence and enhancing pelvic blood flow properties. In medieval Europe, the condiment was used to treat respiratory disorders such as coughs and colds, scarlet fever, smallpox, cancer, hypoxia, and asthma. Ancient Persians and Egyptians used as saffron a general-use antidote against poisoning, a digestive stimulant, and a tonic for dysentery and measles.

3. Dyeing

Despite its high cost, saffron has been used as a fabric dye, particularly in China and India. However, in the long run, it is an unstable coloring agent as the vibrant orange-yellow hue quickly fades to a pale and creamy yellow. In minute amounts, the saffron provides a luminous yellow-orange hue and increasing the applied saffron concentration will give fabric of increasingly rich shades of red. It is commonly used by Buddhist monks as well.

4. Perfumery

In Europe, saffron threads were a key component of an aromatic oil known as crocinum. Crocinum was applied as a perfume to hair. In sunny roman amphitheaters, saffron mixed with wine to produce a viscous yellow spray was used as an air freshener. The condiment is also used in cosmetic industry for facial creams.

If you’re looking to buy Saffron contact AGILENOBEL that  is a Globally Networked conglomerate managing supply chains for diversified industries across the world. They work in the areas of diverse chemicals, machineries and performance packaging materials.