Saffron - How to buy, store, and use it
Saffron is derived from the saffron crocus flower. It is the only spice that comes from a flower. Saffron threads are orange-red in color, and when prepared, it provides a yellow-orange color to the dish. About 75,000 flower threads are removed from flowers and left to dry for weeks to make 1 lb of saffron. It is a laborious process, making saffron the most expensive spice in the world. You can use saffron strands for sweet as well as savory cooking. In Indian cuisine, they use it in sweets, curries, rice dishes (biryanis and pulao), and bread. You will find saffron being used in many cuisines worldwide, including French, Middle-eastern, and other South Asian cuisines. Ayurveda recommends the consumption of...