Treasured by royalty from Solomon to Cleopatra to Emperors, Monks, and Alexander the Great, the lure of saffron brought sensuality to scented waters, soaps, potpourris, perfumes, ointments, cosmetics, culinary qualities, coloring properties, and therapeutic treatments.
“If I had a palace made of pearls, inlaid with jewels, scented with musk, saffron and sandalwood, a sheer delight to behold - seeing this, I might go astray and forget You, and Your Name would not enter into my mind.” Sri Guru Granth Sahib
Saffron has throughout history been viewed as an aphrodisiac, which is often true of any spice rare and exotic. From Samuel Morewood's "A Philosophical and Statistical History of the Inventions and Customs of Ancient and Modern Nations in the Manufacture and Use of Inebriating Liquors" (1838), we can read of a Turkish recipe containing saffron:
"The Turkish opium is said to soothe or excite the senses, according to the preparation it undergoes. That, which is mixed with nutmeg or saffron, becomes aphrodisiac, and inspires amorous desires. It is made up in small pills, of which the wealthy Turks know how to take advantage, to administer most to their own sensualities."
Medicinal Properties
Science is beginning to give support to the traditional use of saffron in the treatment of inflamation as animal studies have proven that extracts provide some pain relief in acute inflammation and anti-inflammatory effects in chronic inflamation.
Recent research suggests saffron may promote healthy immunity and provide protection against cancer, memory loss, depression, and coronary heart disease.
Cancer. Crocin, a water-soluble carotene responsible for much of saffron's golden color, has been shown to contain antioxidant and anticancer properties, having triggered apoptosis (programmed cell death) in human cancer cells such as found in murine tumors and leukemia.
Saffron extract in research has displayed the ability to inhibit the growth of human malignant cancer cells without effecting normal cells. It actually stimulates formation of the normal cells and of lymphocytes (immune cells that help destroy cancer cells). Studies in China also showed saffron to act against several types of cancer, "including leukemia, ovarian carcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, papilloma, squamous cell carcioma, and soft-tissue sarcoma." (Source)
In a study with mice, two groups were exposed to genotoxins with one group given a water extract of saffron for five days and then compared against another group that was not given the water extract. The saffron showed to provide significant protection against damage to cellular membranes and other lipid rich molecules and to increase the liver enzymes and antioxidants which remove carcinogens from the body.
Heart disease. When twenty people (ten healthy and ten with existing cardiovascular disease) were given less than 1/4 tsp. of saffron dissolved in 3-1/2 oz. of milk twice daily, the susceptibility to damage by free radicals was shown to decrease in both groups: 57 percent in the healthy individuals, 64 percent in those with cardiovascular disease.
Recently in the news, FDA has expressed concern over hyperactivity in children stimulated by food coloring. Saffron as an alternative, albeit an expensive alternative, could replace some of the synthetic food additives currently in use. FDandC Yellow #5, for example, is a very common allergy trigger while saffron makes for a hypoallergenic choice.
Also, it has been shown that the common food additive butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) used to prevent rancidity is not as effective as saffron.
The safety of saffron for young children or for those individuals with liver or kidney disease is not yet known. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy or nursing.
Caution: In larger doses (2T), saffron can be poisonous and even lethal, causing hemorrhages.
Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen is about 130 miles from Yakima in Walla Walla, Washington. "Our menu is Mediterranean inspired, using seasonal, local, organic and all natural ingredients whenever possible.....Saffron is walking distance from many wine tasting rooms, hotels and BandB’s." For reservation information, please call 509.525.2112 // Address: 125 West Alder Street.
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