Zafran or Saffron belongs to the lily family and is considered the world's costliest spice due to being extremely labour-intensive. Zafran has long been used in several cuisines and has also been a major part of Ayurvedic herbal treatments. The herb has multiple health benefits and is also used to treat several skin and hair conditions.

Zafran is commercially produced in Kashmir, Iran, Morocco, Greece, Spain and Italy. Kashmiri Zafran is the costliest and the most sought after for its thicker strands and for being more fragrant. The price and quality heavily depend on the grade of the saffron. You can also buy it online through daraz, shopsy etc in Pakistan. In USA, you can through amazon for best quality.

Here are some of the most common uses and benefits of Zafran.

1. Culinary Preparations
This aromatic spice is added to food to give it colour, fragrance and a distinct taste. It is an essential spice for the cuisines of Pakistan, Iran, Kashmir, Morocco, Greece, India, Spain and Italy. Middle eastern cuisine also uses this fragrant spice in some of their soups, rice dishes and meat dishes. Zafran gives an exotic taste, fragrance and colour to Biryani, Pulao, Paella, Risotto, Bouillabaisse and several dishes made of meat, rice and seafood.

It also works great when added to a fish marinade. In Pakistan and India, zafran is also used in some sweet beverages and desserts such as Zarda, Kheer, Firni, Lab-e-Shireen etc. Some cultures also use saffron to prepare different types of teas and warm milk concoctions. Remember to use saffron in moderation as excess can make your dishes or beverages taste bitter.

2. Medicines & Herbal Treatments
There are some potent herbal medicines that use Zafran extract as it has healing, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These are used to treat multiple issues such as depression, anxiety, skin problems, liver conditions, blood pressure etc. Regularly taking a specific type of zafran extract has been known to improve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

It is also used for the treatment of cough, asthma, whooping cough and is considered an expectorant. Those with insomnia and sleep problems can use herbal medicines containing saffron as it has a calming effect on the nerves. Some experts believe saffron to have aphrodisiac properties that can help boost libido.

3. Beauty Treatments
Zafran is long known to be one of the major ingredients in ancient beauty treatments. It is considered an anti-ageing and whitening agent. A homemade face mask made of zafran, warm milk and honey can enhance your skin tone and give it a youthful glow. Regular use can brighten the complexion and make it a good 2 or 3 tones lighter. Zafran soaked in rose water can be used to give a radiant pinch of colour to the cheeks and lips.

4. Weight Loss & Health
Saffron may curb your appetite and reduce hunger pangs in individuals fighting with obesity. It is high in antioxidants and can elevate moods, sexual function and help decrease PMS symptoms. Adding zafran to your diet can increase blood flow to the retina, preventing photo-oxidative damage and improving eyesight. Drinking saffron milk is claimed to have a calming effect on your nerves

The way to bring the best flavour and aroma out of saffron is to soak its threads in hot water, then add the threads along with the liquid to your dishes for a unique and exotic flavour and fragrance. Saffron is generally safe for human consumption and has a great safety profile in terms of allergies so it can easily be added to your diet. Fresh zafran is much more potent and fragrant than old and stored one so it is always better to use it fresh as a year old saffron will lose its potency and aroma. To store zafran, keep it away from light and moisture and wrap it in foil and store in an airtight container in a cool dark place for up to 6 months.