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Saffron
Because saffron is probably the most expensive spice on the market that you can buy, it would be easy to simply ignore it and decide to use something else, but there are good reasons why this spice is so expensive.
Some of the reasons are:
• Taste – If you have never tasted saffron, then you have never tasted anything like it. Although there have been attempts to recreate the taste, everything thus far has fallen short. In short, saffron has a bold, honey-like flavor, but it must be tasted to be truly understood.
• Health benefits – Saffron has been used in the past for medicinal purposes. This usage is becoming less common in the Western world but research has shown saffron actually improves your mood.
• Color – The reason why culinary artists love saffron so much is because not only does it taste great, but the dark, rich red and orange colors associated with saffron also add a certain luxurious element to the dishes being prepared with this spice.
It is for these reasons that saffron may be worth the price to you if you are hoping to try something new.
Much of the world’s saffron is Spanish saffron.
Spanish saffron
When it comes to saffron, the fact is that much of the saffron in the world is actually Spanish saffron. In fact, more than half of the saffron used in the world comes from Spain.There are some areas in Spain that are more plentiful of saffron than other areas. Much of the saffron comes from the La Mancha area. Although saffron is now able to be found in many different places, there still is some demand from Spain, but not nearly as much as there once was.
This saffron was brought to Spain more than a thousand years ago by the Moors. Even though it is not new, it is now more popular than ever.
One of the things that people specifically look for in Spanish saffron is a dark red or orange color. The saffron with a yellow hue is considered inferior.
Spanish saffron is an interesting choice because not only is the taste distinct, but it also features interesting colors. This makes the saffron a culinary item that many chefs love to use.
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