Coloring Use
Saffron has been used as a dye in various countries since ancient times.
Depending on the amount of saffron used, it can produce a range of colors from yellow to red. The coloring components of saffron are crocins, which are water-soluble carotenoids.
It has been found that saffron in Persian and Indian miniature paintings can significantly prevent the corrosion caused by green copper-based pigments.
Another application of saffron’s coloring property is found in histological techniques.
The first report in the literature of saffron being used in this way dates back to 1953, when saffron was used as a staining agent along with hemalum and phloxin.
Another use of saffron is in the textile industry as a dye. The golden yellow color of saffron is used in painting and for textiles. Saffron imparts a bright yellow-orange color to cloth when soaked with it.
Saffron continues to dye the clothing of Buddhist monks, silk, wool and oriental carpets.
Culinary use
Saffron is a very ancient spice. From ancient times to the present, most of the saffron produced has been and still is used in cooking as a coloring and flavoring agent in the preparation of food. Its aroma is described by chefs and saffron specialists as hay-like fragrance, and slight metallic notes. The strong coloring property of saffron has long been used to color butter, pasta, cheese and oil margarines.
Saffron is used in India, Iran, Spain and other countries as a condiment for rice. In Spanish cuisine, it is used in many dishes, such as paella valenciana, a specialty made with rice, and zarzuela, which is made with fish.
Saffron is also used in French Bouillabaisse, a spicy fish soup, Italian Milanese Risotto and saffron cakes. Iranians use saffron in their national dish, Chelow kabab. Indian cuisine uses saffron in their Biryanis, traditional dishes made from rice. It is also used in some sweets such as Gulab Jaman and kulfi. In Morocco, saffron is used in tea instead of mint, but it is also used as a spice in the preparation of various traditional dishes such as koftas and mrouzia .
Cosmetic use
Due to antioxidant and probably anti-aging properties of saffron, it can be used in cosmetic preparations. The presence of active substances such as safranal and other essences has made saffron a suitable natural product for the cosmetic industry .
Saffron petals, rich in crocin and kaempferol, are an important source of bioactive compounds for potential cosmetic formulations.
In traditional Iranian medicine, saffron can improve the complexion and be used to treat erysipelas.
In traditional Greek medicine, it can refresh the facial skin and is used to rid the liver of bile and to treat acne, skin diseases and wounds. In addition, it can make the body look younger and more radiant.
Medicinal use
Saffron, also called “the red gold”, is one of the most expensive medicinal plants in the world.
For almost four millennia it has been used in the treatment of 90 medical indications.
Studies indicate that saffron consumption is associated with a lower risk of many cancers and other diseases, which is due to presence of its 150 phytochemicals.
Saffron has been reported to act as anticatarrhal, antispasmodic, antitumor, analgesic, antigenotoxic, neuroprotective, antidepressive, nerve-sedative, diaphoretic, antiinflammatory, anticonvulsant, antianxiety, antihypersensitive, and antihyperlipidemic.
As a dietary supplement or medication, it can relieve the extent of COVID -19 symptoms in patients. It can help people boost their immunity and manage depression, stress and anxiety caused by prolonged confinement, isolation or quarantine.
Perfumery Use
Once saffron is dried, it gives off a pleasant aroma. It comes from safranal, the main fragrance compound of saffron.
In ancient Greece (about 2000 to 146 BC), saffron was used as a perfume in salons, courts, theaters and baths. Later, its use spread among common people. During the Parthian dynasty, saffron was also used as a component of a royal perfume for kings and ritual leaders. Today, we find saffron in the composition of various female and male perfumes.
