EXPLORE AND KNOW MORE ABOUT THE SUNSHINE SPICE'S HISTORY

Posted by DreamSaffron on January 18th, 2021

Saffron, being one of the expensive spices, is used worldwide for the incredible benefits inculcated in it. From reducing stress to skincare, we know that a lot of goodness is infused in Saffron. However, we may not know how our ancestors started using the saffron spice after identifying the benefits. In this blog, we are traversing through time to find the history of Saffron. 

Saffron since the stone age?

It is difficult to trace the roots and find when people started using the spice, but there are so many treatises found when we turn ancient history pages. In a nutshell, it seems like the usage of saffron threads started fifty thousand years ago. This is not an exact calculation, but the researchers have found strong evidence while exploring the most remarkable civilizations. After the Stone Age, the spice was used for medicinal purposes, and it can be seen in Minoan paintings that belong to the Bronze Age. The spice has been used in many countries, Egypt and Greek, to name a few. 

From medicinal purpose to lavish spice, Saffron seizes history. 

For several centuries, Saffron has been used in the medical field, and it was also used to treat plague victims. A Saffron war occurred when nobles stole nearly 400 Kgs. of the spices, but it was later returned. However, the spice was contaminated, and fake threads were sold for a long time. There were times when thieves left gold behind and stole "Saffron threads" instead. Interesting, isn't it? It is all because of the fantastic features incorporated in Saffron. When Saffron was cultivated, the guards prevented the thieves from picking the flowers. However, a few years later, the saffron harvest ebbed. 

In the 14th century, Saffron spice was used in cooking, and it became famous. However, there was piracy, and most of them were not authentic. In the 19th century, Saffron entered America and many parts of the world. As the people understood Saffron's benefits, trading the spice became very popular. There are no exact records about Saffron's arrival in South and East Asia. Still, the Persian records provide a little bit of information about the Saffron's spread, and it was the Persian rulers who introduced it in India. However, the records in India highlight the arrival of the spice around the 12th century. When foreign people who came to the country became sick, spiritual leaders used the Saffron threads. 

Conclusion 

Many scrips, treatises, and paintings are available to highlight Saffron spice's usage for several centuries. There are countless benefits hidden in the tiny little threads, a few are identified, and many advantages are yet to be found. There is no doubt in calling it a "Sunshine spice" as many healthy characteristics have lurked in the spice. Since the Stone Age, Saffron's value has never faded away, and its value will increase in the upcoming years when more and more benefits in the spice are revealed.

Author's Bio: Reza is the owner of Leading USA Saffron Brand DreamSaffron, he likes to exploree the pages of history to trace the roots of many spices that we use in today's world. he is keen to gain knowledge and write about the spices.