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This is the description page for Saffron (Crocus sativus) and includes a description as well as an image, if available and a selection of recipes from this site that relates to the herb: Saffron.   Although typically thought of as a spice Saffron (which is derived from the saffron crocus Crocus sativus, members of the Iridaceae (Iris) family) actually represents the dried stamens of the flower and should probably be more accurately be classed as a dried herb. The saffron flower itself has three red stigmas (right-hand image) that are the distal ends of the plant's carpels. Together with its style (the stalk that connects the stigmas to the remainder of the plant) these components are often dried and used in cooking as a seasoning and colouring agent. Saffron is native to Southwestern Asia, where its wild precursor Crocus cartwrightianus still grows. Some 3000 years ago it seems that a sterile mutant of this plant, Crocus sativus, emerged in late Bronze Age Crete. Saffron has been used as a spice and medicine in the Mediterranean region since then, with usage and cultivation slowly spreading to other parts of Eurasia as well as North Africa and North America. In the last several decades, saffron cultivation has spread to Oceania. In Europe, saffron cultivation declined steeply following the Roman Empire's fall. Saffron was reintroduced when Moorish civilization spread to Spain, France, and Italy. During the 14th century Black Death, demand for saffron-based medicine skyrocketed, and much saffron had to be imported via Venetian and Genoan ships from southern and Mediterranean lands such as Rhodes. Far of piracy and the loss of saffron imports led to the crocus being gown in Northern Europe, first in Basel and then Nuremberg and finally in England. Saffron's aroma is often described by connoisseurs as reminiscent of metallic honey with grassy or hay-like notes, while its taste has been noted also as hay-like and yet somewhat bitter. Saffron also contributes a luminous yellow-orange colouring to foods. Because of the unusual taste and colouring it adds to foods, saffron is widely used in Arab, Central Asian, European, Indian, Iranian, and Moroccan cuisines it is also a crucial ingredient in any authentic paella. Confectionaries and liquors also often include saffron. Saffron remains the most expensive spice, mostly as it requires about 60 000 flowers to produce 0.5kg of the spice and about forty hours of frenetic day-and-night labour are needed to pick 150,000 flowers. Saffron grows well in all climates, from temparate to tropical and you can create a small crop even in your own garden and as an autumn flowerer it amkes a colourful addition to any garden. Recipes Utilizing Saffron Verde Sawse Kookoo Sabzi (Seasoned Savoury Cakes) |
Welcome to the Celtnet Herb Guide. As this site has grown and many more recipes have been added it's become evident that a guide to the various herbs available to the cook is necessary. With spices becoming more commonly available herbs have become the 'Cinderella' flavourings in the culinary world and more and more herbs are falling out of common usage. These pages are an attempt at bringing all the various culinary herbs together into one place so that you can see what's available and perhaps find something new to use in your own cooking. To use this Herb Guide simply click on the first letter of the herb name above or below. Alternativey why not just browse through the guide. All the herbs given here whether common or rare can be obtained via a specialist herb nursery.
This is the description page for Saffron and includes a description of the plant and the parts used as an herb, as well as an image, if available, and a selection of recipes from this site that reletes to the herb: Saffron.
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Below you will find links to other pages dealing with the various other Herbs described on this site
List of Herbs 'A'
List of Herbs 'B' List of Herbs 'C' List of Herbs 'D' List of Herbs 'E' List of Herbs 'F' List of Herbs 'G' List of Herbs 'H' List of Herbs 'I' List of Herbs 'J' List of Herbs 'K' List of Herbs 'L' List of Herbs 'M' List of Herbs 'N' List of Herbs 'O' List of Herbs 'P' List of Herbs 'Q' List of Herbs 'R' List of Herbs 'S' List of Herbs 'T' List of Herbs 'U' List of Herbs 'V' List of Herbs 'W' List of Herbs 'X' List of Herbs 'Y' List of Herbs 'Z' The Guide to Spices and their Uses PDF file — It takes time and money to keep The Celtnet Recipe Site on the world wide web. You can help via the PayPal donation system: you remain anonymous as all eMail details are destroyed once your gift has been verified and a 'thank you' email has been sent. I need your trust and do not keep or sell eMail addresses. Once your donation has been made you will receive a copy of my The Guide to Spices and their Uses PDF file which contains a description of 57 spices along with recipes showing you how to use them. In addition the book contains recipes and techniques to create restaurant-style curries at home (recipes that are not on this website). Any donation you make goes towards the Help Stefan charity campaign. For more information see the Frequently Asked Questions. Also, if you purchase a book through any of the Amazon links below then a portion of the price will go to the maintenance of this site. Thank you for your help in keeping 'Celtnet Recipes' running. |
According to tradition, marmalade came to Scotland in 1797 when Mrs Janet Keiller had to do something with a ship-load of ripe oranges her husband had bought. From this was born Dundee Marmalade and this bitter-sweet product has been a traditional part of Scottish cookery ever since. Here you will find recipes that include marmalade as an essential ingredient.
Fusion cooking is the blending of ingredients and cooking techniques from different areas of the globe. Though most people thing of Asian-influenced dishes as being typically 'Fusion' modern Fusion cuisines can represent dishes influenced by the foods of any region of the world. Though South-east Asian, African, Middle Eastern and Indian influences tend to predominate. Here you will learn a little more about fusion cookery and will be presented with a classic Australian fusion dish.
Senegal was formerly the capital of French West Africa and the French influence remains strong in the country, not least in the cooking. French cooking techniques and European vegetables mix with rice, fish and hot chillies to yield a cuisine that is vibrant exciting and above all tasty. Try out two classic Senegalese dishes for yourselves here.
British cookery is often treated as 'poor relation' in terms of European cuisine. And whilst this may well have been true in the past, there has always been one area of cookery where Britain has always excelled... the production of desserts. Here you will find recipes for two classic British desserts.
Many cooks are apprehensive about baking, thinking it to be an extremely laborious and involved process. Following a complicated recipe and ensuring that everything is 'just so'. In fact, the basic sponge cake recipe is a very simple one and this article takes you through some of the rules and pitfalls of baking and gives you two sponge cake recipes to try. Follow this guide and they will come out perfectly every time.
Spring is the time for new resolutions and to make the best of fresh and new ingredients. Spring lamb and fresh rhubarb are at their best now and these two classic recipes show off these ingredients at their best. Here you will see some of the best of traditional British cookery that will allow you to make a spectacular meal from these ingredients.
Chilli recipes to blow your brains out... Here are three recipes from India and Africa, incorporating the world's hottest chillies. Each could claim itself to be... The world's hottest chilli dish...
Scottish cookery swings from the essential spartan nature of Highland Cookery, where the most is made of scant ingredients, to the richness of the recipes of the East Coast ports and border towns. Despite its reputation as something of a joke (which is, at least partially, deserved) Scottish cookery is alive and vibrant and represents a fusion of good ingredients, old recipes and modern techniques. Here, recipes are provided for a traditional highland meal and this is contrasted with a traditional rich cake.
Chillies (chili, chilé, ají) is an amazing spice that originates in Central and Northern South America. It was unknown in the Old World until the early 1500 but by 1549 had made its way across the world from Europe through Africa, the Near East and had reached China and Japan. Learn about the history of the spread of chillies and why this is such an amazing spice.
Halloween has a 2000 year history, extending from the time of the Ancient Celts to the modern day. Learn how the Romans and Christians changed this ancient feast and how it found its way to the Americas. You will also get recipes for a Celtic stew and a pumpkin dish associated with Halloween.
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