Saffron in the 10th century BC.

Saffron in the 10th century BC. saffron threads were woven into textiles, ritually offered to divinities, and used in dyes, perfumes, medicines, and body washes.
Saffron threads would thus be scattered across beds and mixed into hot teas as a curative for bouts of melancholy.

Non-Persians also feared the Persians' usage of saffron as a drugging agent and aphrodisiac.

During his Asian campaigns, Alexander the Great used Persian saffron in his infusions, rice, and baths as a curative for battle wounds.

Alexander's troops imitated the practice from the Persians and brought saffron-bathing to Greece.
#Saffron

Originally shared by Jon “the chef” Hole

Saffron Zaafaran, Azafrán, केसर, ज़ाफ़रान.
Aromatics for Food and Music 
Saffron is rather unique among spices in that its main aroma and colour components are water-soluble;
therefore, the stigmata may be soaked overnight in water, filtered and the water then added,.
Another method is preferred in Persia and India:
The spice is powdered and then extracted with a little milk; after half an hour, the milk has the deep colour of egg yolk and is added to biriyanis or sweets.
Using the dry spice  directly for cooking is not favourable, as it releases its fragrance too slowly, and prolonged cooking should be avoided for loss of aroma.
Thus, it is best to prepare an extract with cold liquid and add that extract to the hot foods.

Full Article  at Digital Food @ http://goo.gl/H22VKm
With Spice music by Galina

#spices   #saffron