Scroll to Recipes with Saffron / केसर as ingredient
Saffron also is known as Kesar is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus Sativus. It is used to provide coloring to the food and also create an aroma in the food.
Also, Saffron is one of the expensive spices that originated in Iran. It contains a carotenoid pigment that creates golden yellow texture to the dishes.
Commonly known as
| Language | Name | Written As |
|---|---|---|
| Hindi | Kesar | केसर |
| Gujarati | Kesar | કેસર |
| Marathi | Kesar | केशर |
| Malayalam | Kunkumapoov | കുങ്കുമം |
| Tamil | Kumkuma poo | குங்குமப்பூ |
| Urdu | Zaafraan | زعفران |
| Telugu | Kukumpoovu | కుంకుమ పువ్వు |
| Arabic | Zaafraan | زَعْفَرَان |
| Bengali | Jaffran | জফরাণ |
| French | Safran | Safran |
Nutritional Profile of Saffron
Nutritional profile per 100 gms
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 11g
- Carbohydrate: 65g
- Fiber: 3.9g
- Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 148mg
- Potassium: 1.742mg
Source: USDA & Google
Benefits
Enhances Immunity
Saffron is rich in Carotenoids that impacts on immunity. A study says that one can use Saffron in daily cooking to enhance immunity without any side effects.
Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Reduce Cancer Risk
Saffron is rich in crocin and crocetin. The evidence shows that it has a potential antitumor effect.
Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Boost Vision
Consuming saffron can improve the retinal function in case of age-related macular degeneration. However, more research data is needed.
Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Promote Brain Health
Saffron contains antioxidant properties that have therapeutic potential from various issues of the nervous system. It interacts with the dopaminergic system which may be beneficial in the case of Alzheimer’s.
Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
May Heal Wounds
Saffron includes vital antioxidants that increase re-epithelialization in burn wounds.
Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Improves Heart Health
Saffron reduces heart risk by strengthing the immunity system. Also, the crocetin in spice regulates the blood cholesterol level.
Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Side effects
Side Effects in Pregnancy
One study suggests that a pregnant lady should not consume more than 5gm saffron per day. It can create problems in the uterus.
Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
Does saffron expire?
Saffron does not expire but it may loose is texture and color.
How to know that saffron is pure?
Pure saffron tastes slightly bitter. So, taste before buying it.
Can I take saffron daily?
Yes, you can. But it should be only up to 1.5gm per day and not more than that.
What is the best way to store saffron?
You can store in the fridge in an airtight container.
Does saffron have a taste?
Saffron has a subtle taste. It’s like a floral and pungent flavor.
Can you freeze saffron?
Yes, you can freeze it in an airtight container for a longer time.
