Yes, saffron was important to the development of Western culture and technology. In antiquity, the spice was used to make a number of medicines known as “saffron” as well as “dill” (which is thought to have been developed from mustard).
In the Middle Ages, saffron was a powerful source of vitamin D (it contains significant amounts of D3) and it was commonly used to treat a number of ailments, such as “disease of the breasts, heart disease, ulcerations, and headaches”.
Saffron is also rich in vitamin E.
Saffron in France
From the 17th to the 19th centuries, saffron was widely distributed throughout France until it was banned for commercial use, although some small plantations were permitted.
Nowadays, there are many varieties of saffron grown in France that you can pick and buy online, but in the 19th century, it was often used as a medicine and to whiten the skin in order to soothe the pains in the abdomen.
Saffron has been used to make a number of fragrant soaps before the modern era so, it should be a useful ingredient in a spa!
What would saffron taste like?
Safran is said to taste like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and nutmeg, though you should never eat saffron paste as it is still used as a medicine.
Saffron on your food
If you’re looking for more culinary inspiration, here are some pictures of famous saffron dishes:
Tinned Carpaccio (Italian)
This is a traditional Italian dish that includes roasted cauliflower and roasted tomato and is a traditional and traditional part of every wedding ceremony. In my family it was an important part of our dinner table on the weekdays and was something we ate all the time!
Saffron bread with butter (Swiss)
This is probably the most famous recipe that I have made and it’s so very tasty! This recipe includes two different saffron varieties and I always served it alongside cream with a small amount of butter on it, to top it off. The cauliflower is seasoned with saffron and then soaked in the butter all night.
Saffron tea (Japanese)
This is a popular drink in Japan and is very spicy that can get quite hot when heated (think: curry
saffron seeds, planting saffron crocus bulbs uk, how many years ago was the first saffron planted seed design, fedco saffron, how many years ago was the first saffron planted seeds designs