What is saffron? A beneficial, tasty, and pricey spice

You may have seen this spice on menus from around the globe. It’s an especially popular addition to grains like rice or flavorful curries. Its earthy and slightly sweet flavor adds a unique zest that makes you crave more and more. Adding it to your cooking results in a beautiful golden color that makes for an eye-popping presentation. You may have guessed it: saffron. 

Given saffron’s range in cuisines from all over the world, many have questions about it. What is saffron? Why is it so expensive? Does it offer nutritional value? We spoke with Ilisa Nussbaum, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at Yale Children's Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut, to find out everything you need to know about this special spice. 

What is saffron? 

Saffron is a spice derived from the crocus sativus flower (sometimes referred to as simply the saffron crocus.) According to the Food Network, saffron is commonly found in Indian, Moroccan and Iranian cuisines, but its influence is found in European dishes as well, like Spanish paella or Italian risotto. 

What is saffron and why is it so expensive? 

The part of the flower that is used to make the spice is the reddish-brown threads found in the flower. Nussbaum says it’s expensive because of how it’s harvested. “It's super, super expensive and that's because it's actually from the stigma of a flower, and it’s really difficult to harvest,” she explains. “You need people to actually pull it (the saffron threads) off individually,” she adds. 

There is also the issue of supply and demand. Saffron is largely grown in Greece, Iran, Morocco and India, so it’s expensive to import it here to the United States. 

What is saffron used for medically? 

Some groups have historically used saffron for its sedative effects, to treat muscle spasms, to aid in digestion and more. In Western medical practice, it’s unlikely that your healthcare provider will recommend saffron to treat a particular illness or disease but rather to supplement a healthy, well-rounded diet. However, this doesn’t mean that saffron doesn’t have properties that are beneficial for your health. Like many spices, it contains vital antioxidants. “It is known to be an antioxidant, but it also has been studied as a potential antidepressant – which I find so fascinating, that gut-brain connection,” says Nussbaum. “It’s also supposed to potentially aid in memory,” she adds. 

More research is needed to understand the potential therapeutic benefits of saffron – but for now, you have the go-ahead to add it to your favorite recipe. 

Turmeric health benefits:Does science back any of them up?

What are antioxidants?And how to make sure you get enough in your diet.