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Saffron

Dried saffron (Crocus sativus L.)
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy 1,298 kJ (310 kcal)
65.37 g
Dietary fibre 3.9 g
5.85 g
Saturated 1.586 g
Monounsaturated 0.429 g
Polyunsaturated 2.067 g
11.43 g
Vitamins
Vitamin A 530 IU
Thiamine (B1)
(10%)
0.115 mg
Riboflavin (B2)
(22%)
0.267 mg
Niacin (B3)
(10%)
1.460 mg
Vitamin B6
(78%)
1.01 mg
Folate (B9)
(23%)
93 μg
Vitamin C
(97%)
80.8 mg
Minerals
Calcium
(11%)
111 mg
Iron
(85%)
11.10 mg
Magnesium
(74%)
264 mg
Phosphorus
(36%)
252 mg
Potassium
(37%)
1724 mg
Sodium
(10%)
148 mg
Zinc
(11%)
1.09 mg
Other constituents
Water 11.90 g
Selenium 5.6 μg

Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults.

Saffron (pronounced /ˈsæfrən/ or /ˈsæfrɒn/) is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the "saffron crocus". Saffron crocus grows to 20–30 cm (8–12 in) and bears up to four flowers, each with three vivid crimson stigmas, which are the distal end of a carpel. The styles and stigmas, called threads, are collected and dried to be used mainly as a seasoning and colouring agent in food. Saffron, long among the world's most costly spices by weight, is native to Southwest Asia and was probably first cultivated in or near Greece. As a genetically monomorphic clone, it was slowly propagated throughout much of Eurasia and was later brought to parts of North Africa, North America, and Oceania.

Saffron's taste and iodoform or hay-like fragrance result from the chemicals picrocrocin and safranal. It also contains a carotenoid pigment, crocin, which imparts a rich golden-yellow hue to dishes and textiles. Its recorded history is attested in a 7th-century BC Assyrian botanical treatise compiled under Ashurbanipal, and it has been traded and used for over four millennia. Iran now accounts for approximately 90% of the world production of saffron.


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