Saffron | कुमकुम | kumkuma | crocus sativus l.
What is Kumkuma (कुमकुम) – Kumkuma (कुमकुम) is the Sanskrit name name for Saffron (Kumkuma). Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus L., commonly known as the “saffron crocus“. It belongs to the Iridaceae
The vivid crimson stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried for use mainly as a seasoning and colouring agent in food.
Kumkuma (कुमकुम) has been the world’s most costly spice by weight for long. It was first grown in Iran, where currently about 90% of the global production comes from.
Other producing countries are Spain, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Egypt, Israel, New Zealand, Australia, Pakistan, and India. In India, it is cultivated in Jammu & Kashmir and in Himachal Pradesh.
Read more: Health Benefits of Kumkuma
Kumkuma or Saffron is an excellent source of minerals like copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, selenium, zinc and magnesium.