When was saffron first used?

When was saffron first used?

Saffron was first documented in a 7th-century BC Assyrian botanical reference compiled under Ashurbanipal. Since then, documentation of saffron’s use over a span of 4,000 years in the treatment of some ninety illnesses has been uncovered.

What is the origin of Kesar?

Believed native to the Mediterranean area, Asia Minor, and Iran, the saffron crocus has long been cultivated in Iran and Kashmir and is supposed to have been introduced into Cathay by the Mongol invasion.

Who brought saffron to India?

It was popularized by the Mughals — the Turkic kings from Central Asia that made the subcontinent their home in the 16th century, who took saffron wherever they established court and introduced it into their cuisine. Under the Mughals, saffron, as a color and scent, became commonplace in the royal kitchens.

How Kesar is formed?

Corms are sowed in summer and the saffron crocus flowers are ready to be harvested mid- to late-autumn. Each flower produces only 3 stigmas. Once the flowers have been harvested, its stigmas must be plucked and dried for around 12 hours. It takes between 15,000-16,000 flowers to produce 1 kilogram of saffron spice.

Where is Kesar found in India?

Jammu and Kashmir is the only state in India where saffron is produced.

How did saffron come to India?

According to legend, an arhat Indian Buddhist missionary by the name of Madhyântika (or Majjhantika) was sent to Kashmir in the 5th century BC. Upon his arrival he seemingly sowed the first Kashmiri saffron crop. From there, saffron use spread throughout the Indian subcontinent.

Who first discovered saffron?

Some historians believe that saffron first came to China with Mongol invaders by way of Persia. Saffron is mentioned in the ancient Chinese medical text Shennong Ben Cao Jing, believed to be from the 3rd century AD (but attributed to mythological emperor Shennong).

Is saffron a drug?

History. Saffron has traditionally been used for its sedative, emmenagogue, stimulant (appetite), aphrodisiac, diaphoretic, and antidepressant properties, and for a wide variety of conditions, including cramps, asthma, menstrual disorders, liver disease, and pain.

Does India grow saffron?

Jammu and Kashmir is the only state in India where saffron is produced. Spain with 600 ha of land is the 3rd largest producer with an average productivity of 8.33 kg/ha which is highest in the world.

Is Kashmiri saffron best?

Kashmiri Mongra Saffron is considered the most expensive saffron because of its superior quality. The stigma is longer compared to other types and it is most-sought-after because of its bold flavor and its rich and deep red hue.

When did the first episode of Kesar air?

Kesar ( saffron) is an Indian television serial that aired on Star Plus from 19 April 2004 to 31 May 2007. The story follows the life of a young girl named Kesar.

Where does the flavor of Kesar sweets come from?

The exotic sweets were created using delicate flavors of rose petals, cardamom, thandai and pistachio, originating from the Royal Kitchens of Rajasthan. Indian Embassy got in touch with Kesar to create a special giveaway as a token of friendship to the Italian Embassy in March 2016.

Where does the saffron in Kesar come from?

Kesar is harvested from the Crocus sativus flower. It is believed to have originated in Iran or Greece. It’s cultivated in North India but 90% of it is produced in Iran. Saffron is used in cooking as well as an Ayurvedic medicine for several health problems. Kasar is known as Kuṅkumappū in Tamil and Kuṅkuma in Telugu.

Is the TV series Kesar on Zee TV?

The story follows the life of a young girl named Kesar. The series was supposed to go on air as Karvachauth on Zee TV. However, as things didn’t work out between the channel and production house, it was later granted permission by Star Plus and it went on air as Kesar.