Saffron

SCIENTIFIC NAME :
Crocus Sativus

MEDICINAL VALUE :
Medically, saffron finds application in fevers, melancholia, enlargement of liver and spleen. In Ayurvedic, saffron is used to heal arthritis, impotence and infertility. Also has wide range of application in Chinese and Tibetan medicines.

NUTRIENT VALUE :
a-crocin, a carotenoid compound, which gives the stigmas their characteristic golden yellow color. It also contains other carotenoids including zeaxanthin, lycopene, a- and ß-carotenes. These are important antioxidants that helps protect body from oxidant-induced stress, cancers, infections and acts as immune modulator

CULINERY AND OTHER VALUES :
Saffron used as a culinary seasoning in speciality breads, cakes, confectionaries and Mughlai dishes. Also used as a perfume in cosmetics.

GLOSSARY :
English : Saffron
Tamil : Kumkumapoo
Malayalam : Kumkumapoovu / Kesari
Telugu : Kukumpoovu
Kannada : Kumnkuma Kesari / Kesari
Hindi : Kesar
Bengali : Zafran
Gujarati : Kesar
Konkani : Kesar
Marathi : Keshar / Kesara
Punjabi : Kesar / Zafran
Kashmiri : Kong
Urudu : Zafran