For over three millennia, saffron has been used for a diverse array of purposes. Long before the development of the science of modern day medicine, the king of spices was mentioned in the writings of Hippocrates and Galen as an effective medicine for colds, coughs, insomnia, flatulence, heart trouble, among others. As one of the most valuable spices on the planet, saffron can be used for cooking, dyeing, and as a potent medicine for the treatment of a myriad of health issues. Let’s check them out in detail.  

As a Dye

Do you know that a single grain of saffron is enough to color 10 gallons of water? Among other things, saffron is used as a dye, and in fact, it is the source of the bright orange color of the robes worn by Buddhist priests in India. But the dye is not only used for fabrics. The rich red-orange color is also used to dye a wide range of foods in many cultures from Asia, Arabia, to Europe and the Americas. 

Spice

The most popular use of saffron is as a spice. With a strong, earthy aroma, saffron is used to add a unique flavor to foods in Indian, Mediterranean, Asian, European, and Arabian cuisines. It is widely used in countries where it is produced including Iran, Greece, Azerbaijan, Israel, Spain, Turkey, India, Italy, Mexico, China, Egypt, Morocco, and France, as well as the US, England, Germany, and Sweden where production is at a very small scale. 

Increased Vigor

Saffron can also help increase sexual performance. A pinch of saffron added to a glass of milk can be taken at bedtime to serve as a natural aphrodisiac. 

There is so much you can do with saffron. It is an excellent spice, can be used as a dye and also works wonders for the health.