Saffron is widely regarded as a highly prized spice due to the nature of its cultivation and harvesting process. The saffron plant, known as Saffron Crocus, produces gorgeous purple flowers with bright, crimson stigmas and originates from IRAN, the first and largest producer of saffron in the world. Ever year in Autumn, saffron farmers begin harvesting the flowers by carefully handpicking the crimson stigmas and drying them as efficiently as possible.
Now here's the amazing part: Each Saffron Crocus flower only gives you 3 stigmas. So, imagine this – you need about 16,000 flowers to make just 1 kilogram of saffron. That's at least 400 people working for an hour to get it all done.
No wonder saffron is the most luxurious spice on the planet when you look at its weight and cost. That's why it has the nickname "Red Gold."
Here is a list of Saffron products that we distribute and sell at AUS-KTC Food. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
Negin Saffron is a considered the premium grade saffron known for its striking appearance, strong aroma, potent flavor, and its ability to add both color and taste to culinary creations. It is highly prized in cooking and valued for its potential health benefits. Its fragrance is often described as floral, slightly sweet, and earthy and the potency of the Negin aroma is an indicator of the saffron’ s exceptional quality.
When used in recipes, Negin saffron imparts a rich golden color and a robust flavor to dishes. A small amount can go a long way in terms of both color and taste due to its high concentration of crocin, the compound responsible for its color, flavor, and medicinal properties.
Negin is the most expensive type of saffron as it requires much more work to prepare than any other. The colour quality and physical structure of the threads are unrivalled, making Negin the cornerstone of fine cuisine and a source of delight for those who savor its distinct attributes.
Sargol saffron is a highly sought-after variety of saffron known for its exceptional quality. Sargol saffron stands out due to its vibrant red color, its aromatic fragrance, intense flavor, and ability to impart a rich golden hue to any dish. The term "Sargol" directly translates to "top of the flower" in Persian, specifically indicating the uppermost part of the stigma from which Sargol saffron is extracted. Another amazing fact, Sargol has historically been treasured for its potential health benefits, including antioxidant properties and potential mood-enhancing effects. Sargol saffron is a big deal in cooking too – from the traditional stuff to the super gourmet dishes, it's the ingredient you want to show off.
Saffron is a highly prized and versatile spice used in a wide range of culinary dishes. Its distinct flavor, vibrant color, and aromatic properties make it an essential ingredient in various cuisines around the world. Here are just a few food uses for saffron:
1) Rice dishes
2) Traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes
3) Sweets and desserts
4) Tea and beverages
5) Marinades
6) Homemade syrups & jams
7) Vegetables
8) Meats
9) Seafood
10) Poultry
Check out the recipe page for delicious saffron dishes to try at home.
For centuries, saffron has been used for medicinal purposes. Here are some of the reported medicinal uses of saffron.
1. Antioxidant Properties: Saffron is rich in antioxidants which can contribute to overall health and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
2. Mood Enhancement and Anti-Depressant Effects: Some studies suggest that saffron may have antidepressant properties and can help improve mood and increase serotonin, earning it the nickname ‘The Sunshine Spice’.
3. Cognitive Health: Saffron is known to have a positive impact on cognitive function and memory.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Saffron has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. It may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with various chronic diseases.
5. Eye Health: Saffron contains compounds that are beneficial for eye health. Some research suggests that saffron may help protect against age-related macular degeneration and improve visual function.
6. Aphrodisiac Properties: Saffron has a long history of being considered an aphrodisiac. Some studies suggest that saffron might have positive effects on sexual function and libido, particularly in men.
7. Menstrual Discomfort: Saffron has been used in traditional medicine to alleviate symptoms of menstrual discomfort, such as cramps and mood swings.
8. Digestive Health: Saffron is sometimes used to aid digestion and alleviate digestive discomfort.
9. Cancer Prevention: Some preliminary research has explored saffron’s potential in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. The antioxidants and other bioactive compounds in saffron may play a role in cancer prevention.
Aus-KTC Foods is the importer and distributor of 100% pure Negin and Sargol saffron. We would love to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or feedback or you would like to get more information about our saffron products, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
