When we hear the word Saffron, Kashmir comes to our mind because Saffron is available only there. Actually saffron was first produced in South Europe. From there it spread to different countries. This is mostly produced in other countries like Greece, Spain, Iraq, sesli, Turkey, England and France. Among all these countries, the best quality saffron is available in India at Kashmir state. In Telugu it is known as 'Kumkumapuvvu' and in Hindi and in most of the Indian languages it is known as 'Kesar'. The word 'saffron' is derived from the word 'jafran'. The Jafran is an Arabic word. But most of the people in North India call it as saffron.

Saffron plant resembles an onion or red lily plant. The leaves of the saffron plant in Kashmir are not visible. The red color petals of the flower with pungent smell is known as saffron. These flowers blossom early morning and they should be plucked at that time. Later they separate the saffron flower from the flower and then they dry the saffron. Therefore, saffron will give good smell and taste. If we leave those flowers and later we pluck, they will become dull and become useless. So those flowers are plucked before morning 10'oclock.

For gathering 1kilo gram of saffron they need red petals from 1 and of lakh flowers. They do this with their hands. Therefore, it needs a lot of effort. This is one of the reasons behind its expensiveness in cost. In India, 1 gram of saffron costs from 60 Rs to 600 Rs. The cost varies according to the quality of it. This is the first spice used by human.

Our ancestors used this for taking a bath and coloring their hair. But now being much expensive, people use this for cooking only,  especially dishes like Biryani, Kesar Pulav, Kheer, Halwa etc. Most people use 1 pinch of saffron in the dishes for best taste. People  always use saffron  in Persian and Spanish dishes. As saffron has a good smell, this is also used in the making of perfumes. While using it in cooking, we should use in limited quantity only. If we use in huge amount, dish changes gets bitter taste and gets unpalatable.  

For beauty of skin

Saffron is best thing used to improve the beauty of our skin. So most of the companies prefer to use them their cosmetic products. 

• The anti-bacterial characteristics present in saffron help in curing pimples problem of our skin.
• Applying the mixture (of 1 tea spoon sandal powder, 2 to 3 petals of saffron, 2 spoons of honey) to your face. Then clean your skin by using cold water after 20 minutes. Therefore, the skin gets a special glow.

Saffron is compared with gold. It has many medicinal characteristics. 

• The saffron oil and other oils present in it give a smell. Due to epha-cochin, lycophin, beta carotene like carotenoids causes the red color of saffron. All these phytochemical improves our immune system. Therefore, Saffron is mostly used in Ayurveda.
• Saffron takes care of our kidneys, kidney system functioning and their problems. It even helps in blood purification and controls cholesterol.  It regularizes monthly periods in women and even reduces joint pains.
• It cures stomache. This is good for the digestive system. It sticks to the intestine walls and cures acidity, gastric like problems. It even works as an antiseptic and anti-depressant.
• For having a good sleep, it is suggested to have milk mixed with a little saffron. Therefore, problems like depression will also get cured.
• It even cure cough cold and headache. The crocin present in it helps in recovering fever.
• It even improves our memory powder and eye vision. 

You should always use saffron in limited quantity. If this is taken in huge amount, there may be health problem.