Saffron in Kashmir

Saffron is one of the most famous spices grown in Kashmir. Locally known as ‘Kong’, Saffron grown in Kashmir is famous throughout the world for its vibrant colors, unique quality and unparalleled aroma.

One of the major towns of Kashmir – known as Pampore – is majorly known for its vast saffron cultivation. This town is one of the major places in the world where the more than gold expensive Saffron spice is harvested. It also has markets and shops that sell this handmade exotic spice to the visitors and travelers.

saffron fields

Price of Saffron in Kashmir

As a rarely cultivated spice and famous throughout the globe, the Kashmiri Saffron has a high price. One KG of Kashmiri Saffron has an average price of 300000 rupees. However, this price is justified because Kashmiri Saffron is a dry spice and too rare to be in your home

History of Saffron in Kashmir

The Saffron cultivation in Kashmir dates back to pre-Christ era. It is said that almost 2500 years ago, the saffron bulbs were distributed by two famous Sufi saints to the people of Pampore. Pampore even today is known as the Saffron town of Kashmir.

Since then, Saffron has become one of the most important parts of Kashmir’s culture, economy and tradition. 

Cultivation of Saffron

Saffron cultivation starts in late summer season. In the vast fertile lands of Pampore, the Saffron Bulbs are planted at a precise depth. The purple color flowering begins in late October. 

In the late November, Saffron is harvested. Harvesting of saffron is one of the most painstaking process as well as beautiful. Harvest happens all with hand and early in the morning. The process is minute so the work needs to be precise.

Saffron

Culinary uses of Saffron

Kashmiri Saffron is one of the most famous spices using in the making of food, desserts and beverages throughout the globe. Some of the best dishes that are made with this spice include:

  1. Kashmiri Saffron Biryani: Biryani is a famous Indian dish. When the Kashmiri saffron is added of this dish, it becomes more flavored, tasty and colored. Saffron also has multiple health benefits as well.
  2. Kashmiri Saffron Rice: Saffron is also used in many simple cooked rice dishes. ‘Kashmiri Pulao’ is also a famous Kashmiri dish that is made with the addition of Kashmiri Saffron. This spice adds to the taste and flavor of the dish.
  3. Desserts: there are also many desserts that take their unique taste from Kashmiri Saffron. Some of the famous desserts include “Kheer” Rice Pudding, Phireen “Milk Based Dessert, and Saffron Kulfi Saffron ice cream.
  4. Saffron Kehwa: Kehwa is famous Kashmiri Beverage which is usually made and consumed during the winter. This is a hot beverage made without milk, but with saffron and some allied spices and sugar. This keeps one warm in winters and is tasty as well.
Saffron
Saffron

Health benefits of Kashmiri Saffron

Kashmiri Saffron is globally known for its taste as well as color and aroma. It is known to have multiple health benefits that make all the more wanted spice that everyone should have in their kitchen. Some of the health benefits of Kashmiri Saffron are:

  1. Antioxidant: Saffron reduces the risk of chronic diseases and improves the overall health.
  2. Anti–inflammatory: Saffron also helps in reduction of pain and inflammation in cases of Arthritis.
  3. Mood Enhancement: Recent Studies also showed that Kashmiri Saffron also has mood enhancement effect and can help a person improve their mood.
  4. Digestion: Saffron Spice is also known to improve digestion as well as overall gut health
Saffron
Saffron

Why Kashmiri Saffron is the best?

The demand for Kashmiri Saffron is more than any other spice in the world. The reasons are as follows

  1. Climatic Conditions: Kashmir has a unique climate with hot summers and cold winters. This creates an ideal environment for the saffron cultivation. The saffron grown in such conditions is considered the best.
  2. Deep red Stigmas: Kashmiri Saffron is known for its deep, red and large stigmas which are ric in Crocin. This makes the saffron more potent and flavorful.
  3. Traditional Harvesting: Kashmiri Saffron is harvested with hands in a completely traditional way. There is very minimal use of machinery and everything is done by mere hands to preserve the taste and color of the stigmas.
  4. Unique flavor and Aroma: Kashmiri Saffron also is known for its very unique aroma. The taste it gives to the foods is very much unique as well as pure bliss. If you are in kashmir, enjoy some dishes with Kashmiri Saffron and buy some to carry home
Saffron
benefits-of-saffron

Where can I buy Saffron in Kashmir?

Kashmir is known for its Saffron production. Pampore – the town known as saffron Town – is known for the cultivation as well as selling of Saffron, which is pure, trustworthy and a true spice. You can buy Traditional Kashmiri Saffron from the any of the following places:

  • Amrit Kesar, Pampore
  • Tahura Saffron, Srinagar
  • Saffron Hut Dry Fruits, Srinagar
  • The Real Kashmiri Saffron, Srinagar
Frequently asked questions

Yes, Kesar is the Hindi name of Kashmiri Saffron. It is also known as Kong and Zafraan as well

Pampore town in Kashmir is famous for its Saffron Cultivation

Yes, Zafran and Kesar are same

No, there is not any expiry date for saffron as such. But as is always the dictum – the fresh the better.

10 gram will usually come in a price between 3000 and 4000 rupees

Kashmiri Saffron is so expensive because of its superior quality and premium taste.it has no other match in the entire world.

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