Saffron is a spice derived from the saffron crocus's dried stigmas. It has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries. It is also one of the most expensive spices in the world, with a pound costing around $1,500. The best place to buy Saffron in Delhi would be from a local vendor or store in India. You can also purchase it online, but make sure you purchase from an authentic source you trust to ensure authenticity and quality.
Introduction
India is one of the largest spice markets in the world. The Indian market in Delhi is the largest wholesale food market in Asia and the third-largest wholesale market globally. The Indian saffron market is one of the most vibrant markets in India, with a long history of trading. It has a total turnover worth Rs 1,000 crore annually. Historically, Saffron was one of the most sought-after spices in Europe and considered a luxury item.
As it is difficult to cultivate, Saffron has been traditionally grown in Iran, Turkey, Morocco and India. Saffron production is at its highest during autumn when the other in the Mediterranean is cool enough for crocus flowers to grow. India produces about 70% of the world's Saffron and commands over 80% of the global market for this spice. The Pampore Town in southern Kashmir is considered to be the centre of saffron production in India, with a long history dating back to medieval times.
Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, and it is worth its height in gold. It has a distinctive flavour that any other spice cannot replicate. It is also used to make medicines and perfumes.
Delhi is one of the most important cities in India, so it should not come as a surprise that there are many stores where you can buy Saffron. However, you need to know where to look for it and what is reasonably priced for this precious spice.
FAQ'S
Can Saffron gets expire?
Saffron doesn't go bad after a certain amount of time and can last for years if stored properly. Properly storing Saffron will ensure that its colour, flavour, and aroma will not fade or deteriorate over time.
Why is Saffron costly?
Saffron comes from a flower, which is the plant's stigma, so it is tough to harvest. The stigmas are hand-picked, making the process expensive and labour intensive. There's not just one plant that can be used for Saffron but many types of plants, including crocus, iris, and autumn crocus.
Which country produces the best quality saffron?
India at (Kashmir) is considered one of the best and pure producers of Saffron worldwide.
How to identify if the Saffron is pure?
The best way to identify the pure quality of Saffron is to use the three methods below:
Smell the Saffron - if it has a strong, pleasant aroma, then it is most likely pure quality
Rub the threads between your fingers - if they turn red and produce a hay-like odour then it is most likely pure quality
Place a few threads in hot water and wait for them to turn red - if they do not turn red, then it is most likely not pure quality.
Where is the best place to buy Kashmiri Saffron online?
The Kashmir online store is the best place to buy top-quality Saffron.
Conclusion
It is important to note that Saffron is not just a spice. It has many health benefits and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Saffron is a natural antidepressant and may be effective against mild to moderate depression. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, lowers cholesterol levels and has been shown to prevent organ damage in the brain and heart. It can help with fatigue, insomnia, dry coughs and fever.
