SAFFRON. ( Crocus sativus)

Safron is native to the Meditteranean areas . Ancient Assyrians used saffron for medicinal purposes and is listed in the medical papyrus of thebes ( 1552 BC). Saffron spice is the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus , it is the most expensive spice in the world , it requires 75,000 blossoms or 225,000 stigmas to make 1/2 kg . Saffron is available as whole stigmas and these are orange in colour . Saffron is used in cooking for its colour and its slightly bitter /sweet flavour. Saffron should be used sparigly as a little goes a long way .