2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
In ancient times, saffron was the most famous and used herb. In addition to healing, it was also part of magical elixirs. Today, saffron is the most expensive herb in the world, indispensable in the preparation of many dishes.
As a spice, dark, orange tentacles are used. In dry form, it enjoys an atypical aroma and slightly bitter taste.
In our country saffron is not a very popular spice. This is mainly due to the necessary growing conditions. It is resistant to dry and warm winds, as well as cold winters. It grows mostly in Greece and Spain. Its name comes from Latin - safranum, translated as yellow.
Saffron has a relatively bitter taste and a specific odor resembling iodoform or hay. These characteristics are due to its composition. It contains over 150 essential and aromatic compounds. There is no lack of volatile oils and wax - a real spectacle of benefits.
In culinary terms, the use of saffron is most common in Indian, Arabic and Asian cuisine. In Europe, it is mostly used in the Mediterranean, where it is grown.
Apart from being a spice, saffron also has the function of a colorant. It is therefore often added to confectionery and spirits.
One of the main rules in the use of saffron is its economical use. Its strong aroma requires minimal amounts added to dishes. It is an indispensable spice for all kinds of fish and seafood.
Of the meats, chicken is best. It is also added to rice and couscous, as well as to tomato soups. It is also part of various pasta products, and is added during kneading.
When saffron is added to a particular dish, it is done at the very end of cooking. The spice is stored in tightly closed boxes, in a dark and dry place.
Saffron has a high price. This is due to the high costs of cultivation and processing. Therefore, since ancient times there have been attempts at forgery, against which there were strict laws.
However, even today fraudsters offer marigold petals, mixtures of turmeric and others instead of real saffron.
Recommended:
Culinary Use Of Barley
Barley (Hordeum distichon, Hordeum vulgare) is a plant of the Cereal family. It has been used for food since the Neolithic. Written data about it are found from the 1st century. Then the ancient Greek healer Diskoridis recommended it as a remedy for sore throat, against a bad mood and for weight loss.
Culinary Use Of Lemongrass
Lemongrass is also called citronella. It has a bright and fresh aroma of lemon and over 50 varieties. It is distributed mainly in the tropics and temperate zones. It is a perennial plant with long and sharp and tall leaves. From it the leaves in the ground part of the grass are used.
Culinary Use Of Macaw
Few have heard the word "ararut", and those who have heard it from somewhere have no idea what it is. Ararut is a type of cereal crop, little known in Bulgaria. However, it is very useful because it is extremely easy to digest and contains many vitamins.
Culinary Use Of Indrishe
Indrisheto is a highly aromatic herb that should be present in every household. Few people know that indrisheto is actually the only type of geranium edible. Visually it looks like geranium, but it smells like a rose - interesting, isn't it?
Saffron - A Cheap Alternative To Saffron
Saffron (Carthamus tinctorius) is a herbaceous plant resembling thistle. This herb is one of the oldest crops grown. Its color can be yellow, orange or red. Saffron is used both for flavoring and coloring dishes, and for the production of oil.