SAFFRON

Scientific name: Crocus Sativus Common Name: Saffron Crocus The stigma is used to make the spice.

**Cool Facts**
1) Saffron can be used to cure 90 illnesses.

2) Saffron-based pigments have been found in 50,000 year old pictures.

3) Saffron was ritually offered to divinites by Persians.

4) Alexander The Great used saffron in rice and baths to heal battle wounds.

5) Saffron may protect eyes from direct effects of bright light.

There are other uses to saffron besides food. For example, the plant was used as a dye throughout South Asia. Indians wore saffron to show wealth and power and high ranking in caste system. Also, saffron was used to make medicine by the Chinese and the Egyptians. Back to Recipe