Description Of Saffron Plant
Saffron is the most precious and expensive spice in the world. it is a spice derived from the flower of the saffron (crocus sativus L.) plant. The flower of this plant has three (3) stigmas and these are often collected and dried to make the saffron spice.
The saffron plant has a flashy bulb called corm or onion which is about 3 cm in diameter and weights approximately 8 g (maximum). saffron has narrow leaves with a length of 6-10cm and a width of 2-3 mm. saffron flower is light purple in color with red or white strips sometimes.
Uses Of Saffron
The three Stigmas of the saffron flower are the most important economic part of the plant. The saffron stigma is rich in aroma and color. In dried or powdered forms, stigmas are commonly used as:
1- Spice or coloring in food preparation.
2- Materials in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and perfume industries.
3- Dye material in textile production.
Saffron's anti-cancer effects have been studied extinsively in recent years. Saffron leaves are also used as animal feed. Five (5) jerib of saffron produces about 1.5 tons of leaf dry matter per year.
