"THE UNIVERSE BOWS BEFORE THE POWER OF SAFFRON. IN THE MORNINGS, EVENINGS, SUN WEARS SAFFRON. SAFFRON SUN BURNS ITSELF TO BRIGHTENS LIVES OF ALL LIVING BEINGS, ENLIGHTENS US and OUR SOULS, NEUTRALISES DARKNESS WITH ITS PRESENCE.SAFFRON REPRESENTS VALOR, SACRIFICE, SACREDNESS and TRICOLOUR FLAG OF INDIA."

– SACHIN RAMDAS BHARATIYA

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world because it is harvested entirely by hand.

450 grams costs between 500 and 5000 dollars. The reason for its high price is its labor-intensive method of growing and harvesting, which makes production more expensive. Saffron is harvested by hand from the Crocus sativus flower, commonly known as the saffron crocus. The term "saffron" refers to the flower's filamentous structures called stigmas.

While the origin of saffron is still a matter of debate, we assume it originated in Iran. It was revered there for its healing properties. Saffron has been shown to help improve libido, mood, and memory, but not only that.

Saffron is an invaluable part of the culture of Ancient Persia and India.

A culture built with a philosophical view of the world, with insight into the details and penetration into the essence, with a search for a supreme intention in every creation.

According to an old Eastern legend, if you close your eyes and imagine the noble saffron, you will be able to see everything: the vast blue of the Sky, the mysterious yellow of the Moon, the silky pink of the morning Dawn and the crimson purple velvet of the evening Twilight...

In the countries of the East to this day they say that the flowers of saffron endow the one who contemplates them with life wisdom, philosophical reflection and an indestructible connection with home and the closest people.

To all this spiritual attitude, the Eastern people added the well-known health benefits of saffron, and thus the world's most expensive spice was born as the saffron contains over 150 essential and aromatic compounds.

Saffron tea is considered a reliable remedy against depression in the elderly, and in combination with chamomile, it has a calming and hypnotic effect. The tea relaxes and induces sweating, which accelerates the cleansing of toxins from the body.

Tea relieves menstrual pain in women.

It is suitable for stomach aches and heartburn.

Medical studies prove that the carotenoids and zeaxanthin present in saffron are extremely close to those present in the retina of the human eye. It is this chemical affinity that accounts for saffron's ability to slow down macular degeneration and hyperpigmentation of the retina. Beauticians recommend the tea for clear, fresh and youthful eyes too.

Saffron is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and C, iron, magnesium and phosphorus and more modest concentrations of zinc, selenium and potassium. With this combination, it is recommended for vegetarians, sufferers of anemia and bone pain.

It stimulates memory and contains the potential to influence diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

It is recommended for heart problems, reduces high blood pressure and counteracts the accumulation of plaques on the inner walls of blood vessels. Prevention against high cholesterol and atherosclerosis.

Saffron is a powerful antioxidant.

Here a simple recipe for every day:

TEA WITH SAFFRON

50 teas can be made from 1 gram of saffron

7-8 pieces are needed for 1 dose of tea

1 gram of saffron contains 120 to 180 licks

High-quality saffron is dark red and has no yellow part.

Safe doses of saffron taken orally are no more than 2-3 grams per day.

High doses of saffron of more than 5 g daily can cause poisoning, and doses of 12-20 grams can lead to death.

Larger amounts of saffron can cause uterine contractions and lead to miscarriage. Not enough is known about the safety of saffron during breastfeeding therefore the use of saffron during breastfeeding time is not recommended.

In people with bipolar disorder, saffron can affect the mood and cause irritability and impulsive behavior (mania). Do not use saffron if you suffer from such a disorder. Saffron should be consumed with caution by people with heart problems too as it tends to lower the blood pressure.

Overall it is always good to consult with a specialist in case you want to use it as a cure.At all the other time moderate use as a spice is enough.

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Stob, Bulgaria