Saffron is a widely cultivated and harvested plant that is used as a colouring, and flavouring agent for food. It is harvested from the Crocus sativus flower, which is why it is also known as the saffron crocus. However, the saffron plant is also known to be a medicinal spice that aids dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), Alzheimer’s disease, and other mental health-related conditions including anxiety, and depression; but there is not enough scientific evidence to support this theory. The saffron spice is a yellow food colouring agent used across different types of cuisine. It is also the world’s most expensive spice – by weight. A single pound of saffron would have at least 75,000 saffron blossoms. Since it is largely harvested by hand, the labour required to cultivate and collect them is very high. The demand for such products is also high because they are not only sought-after by the food industry. Saffron is also used in manufacturing – as a dye used in fabrics, and an aromatic spice for perfumes. The origin of this plant has long been debated upon and has resulted in different names including Autumn Crocus (its scientific name), Azafrán, Azafron, Croci Stigma, Crocus Cultivé, Crocus sativus, Indian Saffron, Kashmira, Kesar, Kumkuma, Saffron Crocus, Safran, Safran Cultivé, Safran Espagnol, Safran des Indes, Safran Véritable, Spanish Saffron, True Saffron, Zafran. You can now get this amazing product today - Red Rickshaw Saffron is now available in our marketplace and it can be delivered to your doorstep today! Nutrition Facts The nutritional information provided below is based on a serving of 1 teaspoon or 0.7 grams of saffron spice. Calories: 2 Sodium: 1 mg. Potassium: 12.1 mg. Total Carbohydrate: 0.5 grams (no saturated fat) Protein: 0.1 gram Vitamin C: 1% of DV Storage: You can store saffron in an airtight container in a cool, dark space for six (6) months and still get its premium quality flavour. Saffron does not spoil, but it will lose its flavour as it ages. This product is sensitive to light. Benefits of Saffron It is rich in antioxidants (crocin, crocetin, safranal, and kaempferol). Its aroma boosts positive moods and can potentially prevent anxiety, and depression. Its antidepressant properties make it act as an aphrodisiac and are known to boost men and women’s libido. It is known to have positive effects in curbing your diet, and can therefore minimize your craving for snacking preventing unwanted weight gain. Red Rickshaw Saffron for Cooking Here are some mouth-watering recipes that use saffron as a spice. SAFFRON CHICKEN WITH PARSLEY AND LEMON Ingredients: 4 or 5 cuts of boneless, skinless chicken (for a healthier dish) A pinch (or about ¼ teaspoon) of Red Rickshaw Saffron spice 1 onion, cut lengthwise 1 tablespoon of olive oil 1 tablespoon of butter, you can add more as you like ¾ cup of chicken stock 1 ½ tablespoon of lemon juice ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped Procedure/s: Prepare the chicken by cutting off fats and tendons, cut into strips about half an inch each. Set aside for cooking. In a heavy frying pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken strips, but don’t let it get cooked through to avoid overcooking it later. Set aside. In the same pan, over very low heat, cook the onions until it softens and changes colour. Set aside. Heat chicken stocks, add the Red Rickshaw Saffron and stir well. Put back the half-cooked chicken strips and top them with the onions. Pour the heated chicken stock with saffron over the chicken strips. Cover the pan and let it simmer over very low heat for 30 to 45 minutes. Sprinkle the chicken with chopped parsley, add lemon juice, and water (only if needed), and simmer for another 15 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve hot. Enjoy! Other saffron recipes you must try: Roast Chicken with Saffron Butter Saffron Vegetable Soup with Quinoa Classic Spanish Paella Saffron Risotto Seafood Bouillabaisse Also, try: Cinnamon Saffron Coffee Saffron Milk Tea Three-ways Saffron Tea