Kashmiri Saffron (Kesar)

What Is Kashmiri Saffron - The Story Of Saffron

Kashmiri saffron is a worldwide treasured spice, considered to be invariably unique, expensive and of superior quality. It is also referred to as “red gold: due to its vivid crimson-golden colour, flavoursome aroma and a delectable taste that remains unmatched. Cultivated in the beautiful valley sand snow-capped mountains of Kashmir; this royalty spice represents the rich cultural heritage and traditional cuisine of Kashmir. It is being grown for centuries through intensive manual labour and is the only saffron in the world to grow at an altitude of 1,600 m to 1,800 m above mean sea level; such rare features have only led to an increase in their value over time. India’s Kashmiri saffron has finally received the long-awaited Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This will help put it on the global map and aid the hard-working farmers in getting a much-deserved better income.

Quality Of Our Saffron

We’ve put our all to bring you the world’s finest quality mogra saffron, hand-picked straight from rare flowers and certified farmers. Authentic Kashmiri mogra saffron is incomparable to all other varieties of saffron and can always be recognised by its tasteful flavour, exotic fragrance, and rich chromaticity. We work hard to ensure that there are no added colour, flavour, or preservatives so that you get to taste this unique crimson spice in its most pure and organic form.

Types of Kashmiri Saffron

Mongra/ Mogra Saffron: Kashmiri Mongra is one of the oldest in the world found only in Kashmir. It grows at 1530 feet above sea level. Kashmiri Mongra is known for its signature superior quality and purity. It contains more than 150 volatile and aroma-yielding compounds. It is very dark in colour with a strong earthy flavour and warm aroma, making it the most preferred type of saffron.

Lacha Saffron: The three dark red threads of Mongra with a yellowish-red tail, which are found in the flower of saffron, are known as Lacha Saffron. It has a strong, aromatic and pleasant, slightly metallic smell. This type of saffron contains more than 150 volatile and aroma-yielding compounds. Lacha saffron contains the full stigma of the saffron flower so during their cultivation stigmas are just separated from the flowers and dried without further processing.

Zarda Saffron: This type of saffron has only the bottom tail part of the saffron flower which is yellow-red in colour. Zarda saffron is popular due to its various uses, utility factors and beneficial applications in multiple products such as cosmetic products, food items, sweets etc.

Why Is Kashmiri Saffron Expensive?

The high retail value of original Kashmiri saffron is maintained on world markets because of labour-intensive harvesting methods. Since the saffron flowers are extremely delicate, the saffron threads can only be plucked by hand. Therefore, some 200,000 saffron stigmas are hand-picked from 70,000crocus flowers for each 1 pound (0.45 kg) of saffron product. Approximately, forty hours of labour are needed to pick 150,000 flowers. On top of that, these flowers aren't the easiest to grow; they can’t be overwatered or exposed too much to the sunlight otherwise the entire crop can be destroyed, and therefore they require a lot of attention and effort. All these factors are the reason behind the high value of the original Kashmiri saffron.

Benefits and Uses of Organic Kesar

Organic Kashmiri kesar has been awarded the title of ‘king of allspices’ and is considered to be extremely beneficial for our health and skin because it contains a high amount of crocin which gives it colour and medicinal properties. Original Kashmiri kesar is a powerful antioxidant and research studies show that saffron has many impressive health benefits. It may:

●       have cancer-fighting properties

●       boost vision health

●       promote brain health

●       promote digestive health

●       protect brain cells against progressive damage

●       improve mood and help with depressive symptom

●       reduce appetite and aid in weight loss

●       promote learning and memory retention

●       enhance immunity

●      improve heart health

Since saffron has photo protective effects, it might protect skin from UV radiation and help in enhancing skin complexion because of its flavonoid and phenolic compounds. Apart from being used as a spice in food items and for medicinal purposes for revitalising health, organic kesar is also used in the preparation of cosmetic products like face packs and creams. It has anti-bacterial properties and acts as a natural exfoliant for the skin.

Where To Buy Saffron Online In India?

We at Healthy Buddha believe in fresh organic produce for a healthy lifestyle with a touch of great taste. We are committed to providing you with the world’s finest Kashmiri saffron online, delivered at your doorstep. So, buy Kashmiri saffron online at our organic grocery store in Bangalore and indulge yourself in its authenticity, purity and premium quality.

For some beautiful pictures of the farm where they grow -click here

FAQs

What is the price of 1gm saffron?

1gm of Kashmiri saffron price is ₹445.

Where is saffron grown in India?

Saffron is cultivated in Pampore, Srinagar, and Kishtwar in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

What does Pure Saffron taste like?

Pure saffron has a complex nuanced flavour with a perfect balance between bitter and earthy taste. Pure saffron has a sweet aroma but it never tastes sweet.

Which type of saffron is best?

Pure Kashmiri saffron is the best among all other varieties of saffron.

How to use Saffron for Skin?

Saffron is a great natural ingredient containing antioxidants which are great for treating skin inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and blemishes and giving an overall healthy glow to your skin. It can be used in face packs mixed with other ingredients separately such as honey, sandalwood, rosewater etc.

How to use Saffron in Milk?

You can prepare saffron milk by steeping 2-3 strands of saffron in a cup of warm milk for about 5 to 10 minutes.