Mad about saffron
Updated: 2015-04-30 08:15
By Mike Peters(China Daily)
|
|||||||||||
Saffron yields its vibrant aroma and color to a Persian rice pudding.[Photo provided to China Daily] |
"Traditional Chinese medicine values saffron as a pain killer and for treating cramps, asthma, bruises and stomach ailments, as well as for lowering blood pressure," she notes. "Recent clinical studies in the West show it might ease some depressive symptoms. More than a decade ago, people found that turmeric had these tremendous anti-inflammatory qualities, and that spurred both laboratory and clinical focus on all kinds of traditional medicine, especially Ayurveda and TCM."
Sayer Ji concurs, observing that while recent mainstream coverage on the Dr. Oz show highlighted saffron for potential weight-loss promoting properties, because it can suppress appetite, "saffron has far more to offer than that. It may, in fact, hold promise for serious neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease."
In California, where locals can wax as poetic about food as any Iranian, a small Santa Cruz company slowly infuses saffron and other spices known for their health qualities into a tonic-a cordial syrup marketed as Silk Road Genuine Original Elixir, an all-natural marinade or a topping for ice cream and other sweets.
Saffron's complex chemistry includes more than 150 volatile and aroma-yielding compounds.
It is saffron's aroma, of course, that makes poets sing and food lovers sigh.
Related Stories
Meadow Saffron 2010-06-09 15:43
Posh spice judges the International Woolmark Prize 2015-03-19 14:28
Wasabi to bring spice to China concerts 2014-12-11 09:09
Beijing's most lauded Spanish restaurant a weekend treat 2015-01-17 07:10
Easy Talk: Restaurant service 2014-07-29 11:01
Today's Top News
China hits out as Abe visits the US
US Senate rejects bid to toughen Iran nuclear review bill
New Zealand voices dismay at executions in Indonesia
No hiding place overseas for fugitive officials
Nepalis wait for quake help as death toll passes 4,000
Australia recalls ambassador after Indonesia executes drug smuggling pair
61 suspects back home to be tried
PLA's Moscow debut confirmed
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
What do we know about AIIB |
Full coverage of Boao Forum for Asia |
Annual legislative and political advisory sessions |
Festival Special: Apps that make holiday shopping easier |
Listed firms caught in anti-corruption net |
Conca set to return to China |