Kesar or saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world. It’s 1 pound can cost you between $1000 to $5000 depending on the type and its origin.
It comes from the Crocus sativus flower, also called the saffron crocus. Saffron is made from the flower’s tiny, thread-like parts called stigmas.
Based on the location and the weather there are multiple varieties of kesar available. From Iranian saffron to Spanish saffron, there are multiple grades of saffron.
But only a few are popular and rare because of the traditional farming methods used to cultivate the spice that retains its true value.
And one of those special saffron is the pure Kashmiri Kesar. It originates from a town named Pampore which is known as the "Saffron Town" in Jammu and Kashmir.
Kashmiri Kesar benefits will help you live a healthy lifestyle and maintain your well being. Have a look.
What Is Kashmiri Kesar(Saffron)?
Pampore's saffron fields cover 80% of the area's farmland that provides both income and cultural pride. Kashmir saffron is special because it has longer and thicker threads, a natural deep-red color, a strong smell, and a bitter taste.
It's processed without any chemicals and is high in important compounds like crocin (which gives it color), safranal (which gives it flavor), and picrocrocin (which makes it bitter).
Saffron farming in Kashmir is a long-standing tradition that requires a lot of hard work. Farmers in Pampore carefully prepare the land by plowing it many times to make sure the soil is rich and airy, which is important for growing saffron.
The method has been passed down through generations and results in the famous pure Kashmiri saffron, known for its bright color, strong flavor, and wonderful fragrance.
The annual Saffron Picking Festival is a big part of Pampore's culture. Locals and visitors come together in the saffron fields to harvest, enjoy performances, and celebrate the long history of saffron farming.
But what are the Kashmiri Saffron benefits because of the traditional farming approach in the region 5000 ft above sea level?
5 Health Benefits of Kashmiri Kesar(Saffron)
Kashmiri Kesar(saffron) has multiple health benefits like supporting prenatal care for pregnant women, making childbirth easier, helping with baby brain development, and promoting mental health in early childhood.
Also, eating Kashmiri or Pahadi saffron before pregnancy may also reduce the risk of birth defects in babies. Apart from that here are the top benefits you must know:
Kashmiri Kesar is rich in Antioxidant
Kashmiri Kesar is packed with potent antioxidants like crocetin, safranal, crocin and kemper. These antioxidants play a crucial role in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. They also reduce oxidative stress and the risk of chronic diseases.
Crocin is the most notable antioxidant in saffron. It gives saffron its red color, and research suggests it may have antidepressant properties and could protect brain cells from damage.
That’s not all. Research shows that safranal may help with several health conditions, such as high blood pressure, cancer, inflammation, asthma, and depression.
Kashmiri Kesar benefits are also because of the kaempferol that may boost the immune system and help protect against several viruses, including HIV, and hepatitis B, flu, respiratory viruses.
Kashmiri Kesar may reduce PMS symptoms
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to the physical, emotional, and mental symptoms that happen before a woman's period starts.
A 2024 study found that kashmiri saffron may help with PMS symptoms by supporting different parts of the female reproductive system.
Note: It's important to talk to a healthcare professional before using saffron for PMS.
Kashmiri Kesar may help in weight loss
One of the top benefits of pure kashmiri saffron is tackling obesity. Research suggests that saffron may help reduce appetite and support weight loss.
For example, a 2023 study found that taking 60 mg of saffron daily for 12 weeks was more effective than a placebo in reducing waist size, body mass index (BMI), and weight.
Similarly, a 2017 study found that taking saffron extract for 8 weeks helped reduce appetite, BMI, waist size, and overall body fat.
Kashmiri Kesar may treat depressive symptoms
One of the prominent Kashmiri Saffron benefits is that it can help you improve your mood.
A 2019 study found that saffron was much more effective than placebos in treating mild to moderate depression.
Other studies showed that saffron worked as well as common antidepressants like fluoxetine, imipramine, and citalopram, with fewer side effects.
However, more extensive and longer studies with more people are needed to confirm these results.
Kashmiri Kesar may have cancer replant properties
Authentic Kashmiri kesar has high antioxidants that counter harmful free radicals. A 2020 study found that saffron and its compounds can selectively kill cancer cells or slow down tumor growth without harming healthy cells. The effect appears to apply to various types of cancer.
Crocin, the main antioxidant in saffron, may help make cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs. Although these findings are encouraging, more research is needed to fully understand saffron's anticancer effects.
Now that you know the top Kashmiri Kesar benefits, you must be aware about the right consumption quantity and method.
How to Consume Kashmiri Kesar(Saffron) For Maximum Benefits?
There are multiple ways you can consume Kashmiri Kesar(Saffron) to get all the benefits that we have listed above. Here’s a sneak peak:
- Indian Cuisine: In Indian dishes like biryani and kheer, you can soak Kashmiri saffron in warm water or milk for 40-45 minutes. It helps it release its bright color and nice smell and makes the food taste rich and look golden.
- Persian Cuisine: In Persian dishes like polavs and things you can use Kashiri kesar is ground into a fine powder and mixed with hot water to create a strong saffron paste. The paste is added during cooking, giving the food a deep color and wonderful flavor.
- International Dishes: For dishes like risotto, bouillabaisse, and paella, you just need a pinch of Kashmiri Kesar. You can add the saffron strands directly to the cooking food, and they will slowly release their flavor and color that improves the dish without taking over the taste.
To preserve its flavor, Kashmiri saffron should not be exposed to spoilage but must be stored in an airtight, cool, and dark environment. While its flavor degrades after six months under normal storage conditions, freezing can extend its flavor retention up to two years.
Important: Human consumption of less than 1.5 grams of pure Kashmiri saffron is considered non-toxic. However, doses exceeding 5 grams can induce toxicity, with mild symptoms including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Higher doses may lead to decreased platelet count and spontaneous bleeding.
But finding the original Kashmiri Kesar is a task in hand.
How To Find Best Quality Kashmiri Kesar(Saffron)?
Kashmiri Kesar is becoming more popular around the world, which has led to many fake products. Here’s how you can tell if you’re getting the real thing and why you should choose Pahadi Amrut for your Kashmiri saffron:
- Aroma: Real Kashmiri Kesar has a strong and inviting smell, like metallic honey with grassy hints. When you use Pampore Kashmiri Kesar from us, the aroma fills your kitchen, making your dishes even more special.
- Taste: The taste of saffron is sweet and a bit like hay. With Pampore Kashmiri Kesar, this flavor stands out, making your food taste amazing.
- Color: The bright yellow-orange color that saffron adds to food shows it contains crocin, a powerful antioxidant. Pampore Kashmiri Kesar has a high crocin content, giving your dishes a beautiful color and extra health benefits.
Also Read: How to Test The Purity And Quality of Saffron
At Pahadi Amrut, we take quality seriously. Our Kashmiri saffron goes through strict testing to ensure it meets Grade 1 quality standards. So, when you choose us, you can trust that you're getting pure, high-quality Kashmiri Kesar.
If you want the best saffron, look for its strong smell, sweet taste, and bright color.
Choosing Pahadi Amrut means you’re getting the real deal!
