Why Saffron Flower [Kumkum Puvvu] The World’s Most Expensive Spice.

Why Saffron Flower [Kumkum Puvvu] The World’s Most Expensive Spice.

Origins and Cultivation

• Kashmiri Saffron: The picturesque region of Pampore in Kashmir, India, is renowned as the “saffron capital of India.” Here, more than 20,000 families are involved in saffron cultivation.
• Delicate Harvest: The process begins with villagers meticulously hand-picking the purple crocus flowers. Each flower yields three parts: the petals, yellow strands, and red strands. The precious saffron comes from the vibrant red strands.
• Labor-Intensive: Over 1,50,000 flowers are sifted and scanned to produce just one kilogram of saffron. The strands are then carefully dried over charcoal fire.

Why Is Saffron So Expensive

1. Scarcity: Saffron requires specific climatic conditions and is susceptible to diseases and pests. It blooms for a short period each year, making cultivation challenging.
2. Labor and Hand-Picking: The delicate stigmas must be harvested by hand. It takes more than 225,000 crocus flowers to produce a single pound of saffron.
3. High Demand, Low Supply: Iran dominates saffron production (90% of the world’s supply), but demand far exceeds supply. Italy, Greece, and Morocco are also major producers.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses

• Golden Hue: Saffron provides a beautiful golden color to food and a pungent, aromatic flavor.
• Traditional Medicine: Saffron has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits.
• Luxury Ingredient: From biryanis to desserts, saffron adds a touch of luxury to culinary creations.

Conclusion

Next time you savor a dish adorned with saffron, remember the labor, rarity, and centuries-old legacy that make it the world’s most precious spice.