Saffron is one of the most popular spices among different nations that gives a unique aroma and color to foods
Saffron is one of the most popular spices among different nations that gives a unique aroma and color to foods. The aroma of saffron is sweet and its taste is a little astringent and bitter. However, it gives a wonderful golden yellow color to a variety of foods such as rice, stew and soup. In addition to the aroma and color of saffron, the healing properties of this spice are also very important, and for this reason, many people turn to saffron to enjoy its benefits and cure many diseases. Because saffron is rich in antioxidants and is very effective in treating cancer, Alzheimer's, depression and reducing menstrual symptoms. However, in order to be able to use the color and aroma of saffron in our food properly or to benefit from its healing properties, we must be able to consume saffron in the right way. Follow us to introduce you to the correct methods of saffron consumption and the amount of saffron consumption for each person.
Methods of saffron consumption
1. Brew saffron with boiling water
One of the most common ways to consume saffron is to brew it. To do this, you need to grind saffron strings. Then pour the ground saffron powder into a small bowl or glass and add some boiling water enough to cover the saffron. Then cover it and let the saffron brew for 30 minutes. You can also expose this dish to indirect heat by placing it on the samovar so that it inhales faster.
2. Melt saffron with ice
To melt saffron with ice and benefit from the color of this spice, first grind saffron. Then pour the saffron powder into a bowl or glass and put a few pieces of ice on it. The amount of ice cubes depends on the amount of your saffron powder. The ice should cover the saffron powder. Then, with the melting of ice at room temperature, saffron returns the same color and dissolves in water.
Note: After lightening the color of saffron in one of the above two ways, you can use this saffron to flavor and color all kinds of foods and beverages. For example, to prepare saffron rice or saffron syrup, you must use one of these two methods to first soak or brew saffron and then add it according to the recipe of the food or drink.
3. Saffron tea
First, boil the water. Then powder the saffron and pour it into the teapot. After the water boils, add it to the teapot containing saffron and tea. It would take about 10 minutes to brew saffron and tea. You can also add a little cardamom or rose to make saffron tea delicious. You can also use whole noodles or ground saffron to make saffron tea.
4. Saffron herbal tea
First, grind the saffron strands to get saffron powder. Then add saffron powder to the teapot and pour a little cold water into it. You can also add candy if you wish. Now place the teapot on the samovar. The samovar should have water and heat so that the saffron is steamed in a teapot. Let the saffron stay in this state for 30 minutes. Now your saffron tea is ready and you can taste it hot or cold.
The correct way to consume saffron
According to studies, the best correct way to consume saffron is to use its powder. Saffron powder is more efficient and releases more compounds. For this reason, it is better to grind saffron strings first and then use it. To enjoy the most properties and compounds, be sure to use ground saffron powder and use this powder in foods or beverages.
The best way to grind or pulverize saffron is to use a hand mortar. Put some saffron in a hand mortar and grind it. If you live in a humid area, you can add a little sugar, powdered sugar or a sugar cube to make the saffron grinding process easier.
The use of mortars or electric mills to pulverize saffron is not recommended. It may be faster and easier to work with these, but due to the heat and high speed of work, saffron is damaged and the aroma of saffron is reduced. In some cases, even saffron burns. Also, to pulverize saffron, always grind the required amount of saffron to use it immediately. Storage of saffron powder is not recommended, as it will destroy its quality and aroma.
The permissible consumption of saffron for each person
As much as saffron is useful and has many properties, it can be very dangerous and deadly if consumed in excess. For this reason, you should pay attention to the permissible consumption of saffron. It is generally said that it is better to use only three strands of saffron for one meal a day. Each gram of saffron is approximately equal to 463 strands. Therefore, one gram of saffron can be consumed for approximately 150 meals. Consumption of five grams of saffron or more can cause poisoning and consumption of 12 to 20 grams of saffron can even be fatal.
The permissible consumption of saffron for women
There is no difference between the permitted consumption of saffron for both women and men. Only about 30 mg of saffron per day is allowed and will not be dangerous. However, pregnant women should be careful in consuming saffron. In the early months of pregnancy, when the risk of miscarriage is high, it is recommended not to use saffron, and after five months when the condition of the fetus is proven, you can use saffron in very small amounts.
The permissible consumption of saffron for children
Saffron consumption for children is no different from men and women. Because saffron has many properties for children and saffron tea can be used to treat their cough and sore throat. However, for children under 6 months, it is better to combine a string of saffron with breast milk and no more.
Note: We recommend that before consuming saffron during pregnancy or for children, be sure to consult a specialist to determine the best dose for your baby or yourself.
Who should not use saffron?
1. Pregnant or lactating women
As we have said, women during pregnancy or lactation should be careful about consuming saffron and should not use saffron more than the permitted oral consumption. Because saffron can cause uterine contractions and abortion and therefore saffron consumption is not recommended in the early months of pregnancy (up to five months).
There is no exact information during breastfeeding, however, we suggest that you consult your doctor about the amount of saffron consumed during this period so that your health and that of your baby are not endangered.
2. Bipolar disorder
If you suffer from bipolar disorder, we do not recommend using saffron. Because saffron can affect mood and may cause irritability and manic behaviors in people with bipolar disorder.
3. Allergy to plants
If you are allergic to cranberries, olives, and olives or salt grass yourself, you may also be allergic to saffron. Therefore, be careful in consuming it.
4. Heart disease
Saffron can affect heart rate, and in some cases, high consumption can make heart problems and diseases even more acute. Therefore, if you have heart disease, it is better to be careful in consuming saffron and consult your doctor.
5. low blood pressure
It seems that saffron can lower blood pressure, so people with low blood pressure should avoid saffron. Because saffron can lower their blood pressure further.
Last word
Do not forget that in order to benefit from all the properties of saffron, you must pay attention to the correct method of consumption and the amount of saffron consumed. Because if you do not prepare saffron properly or consume too much, not only will you not benefit from its properties, but also you will also harm yourself.