Saffron: History, Benefits and Unique Flavor of the "Golden Spice"

Saffron, often nicknamed the “golden spice” or “red gold,” comes from the stigmas of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus). This precious spice, cultivated for thousands of years, is renowned for its culinary and medicinal uses. Traditionally used in dishes such as paella in Spain, risotto in Italy, and biryani in India, saffron is also prized in perfumery for its unique and sophisticated aromas.

Botanical presentation of Saffron

Saffron, scientifically known as Crocus sativus , belongs to the Iridaceae family. Native to the Mediterranean basin and West Asia, this bulbous plant is renowned for its precious mauve flowers. Saffron cultivation begins with the planting of crocus bulbs in late summer. The autumn bloom reveals delicate flowers whose red stigmas are harvested by hand. This extremely meticulous process requires picking each flower at dawn to prevent the stigmas from wilting. Then, the stigmas are pruned, dried, and stored away from light and humidity to preserve their aroma and coloring power.

The History of Saffron

The origins of saffron date back over 3,000 years, with early records of its cultivation in Mesopotamia, Persia, and Crete. In Mesopotamia, it was used in religious rituals and for its medicinal properties. In Persia, it adorned the gardens of kings and was incorporated into royal ceremonies, symbolizing light and beauty. In Crete, Bronze Age frescoes depict saffron harvests, testifying to its importance in Minoan culture.* In ancient times, saffron was revered for its medicinal properties and was used as a dye and perfume. The Egyptians used it to embalm mummies, while the Romans added it to their baths and perfumes. In India and China, saffron was prized for its medicinal properties and symbolized prosperity and purity. The saffron trade intensified during the Middle Ages, when it was traded along the Silk Roads between Asia and Europe. Its high value made it a symbol of wealth and social status. Today, saffron continues to play an important role in cooking, traditional medicine, and perfumery, perpetuating its cultural legacy through the ages.

* The Minoan civilization was an ancient civilization that developed on the islands of Crete, Santorini, and probably much of the Aegean Sea, south of Greece, from 2700 to 1200 BCE. ( Wikipedia )

The benefits of saffron

Saffron, known for its many medicinal properties, offers a wide range of health benefits. Rich in antioxidants such as carotenoids, it helps neutralize free radicals and prevent cellular aging. Studies have shown that saffron has anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and neuroprotective properties, helping to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Recent research has also revealed that saffron may be beneficial in treating age-related vision disorders. One study also showed that saffron can improve symptoms of persistent allergic rhinitis by reducing interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels.

In herbal medicine, saffron is used for its soothing and digestive effects. It is often incorporated into infusions to soothe stomach aches and aid digestion. In cooking, saffron is prized for its ability to flavor and color dishes, ranging from broths and risottos to desserts and jams. Its unique aroma and medicinal properties make it a valuable ingredient for both health and taste buds.

The scent of saffron

Saffron is distinguished by its unique, intense and complex aroma, which combines sweet, floral notes with metallic and slightly bitter undertones. This characteristic odor is mainly due to the presence of chemical compounds such as safranal, crocin, and picrocrocin. Safranal, in particular, is responsible for saffron's pronounced and captivating aroma, while crocin and picrocrocin contribute to its vibrant color and slightly bitter flavor, respectively.

The use of saffron in perfumery dates back to ancient times, where it was prized for its aromatic properties in Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures. Saffron-based perfumes were used to embalm bodies and in religious rituals, symbolizing luxury and sacredness. Today, saffron continues to be a valuable ingredient in the creation of niche perfumes, bringing an exotic and sophisticated note to olfactory compositions.

The process of creating a saffron perfume begins with the extraction of its essential oil, often by steam distillation of the dried stigmas. This essence is then blended with other essential oils and extracts to form a harmonious accord. Perfumers experiment with various combinations to balance saffron's rich, penetrating aroma with other floral, woody, or spicy notes, creating unique and captivating fragrances.

The use of saffron in perfumery

In perfumery, saffron brings a unique richness and depth to olfactory compositions. Here are some key points about its use and what characterizes its unique fragrance:

1. Richness and warmth: Saffron is enveloping. Its scent is often described as spicy, warm, and sensual. It can add an oriental touch to a fragrance and give it a luxurious dimension.
2. Complex nuances: Saffron has an aromatic complexity that allows it to blend harmoniously with a wide variety of other ingredients. It can bring floral, earthy, and slightly woody nuances to a perfume composition.
3. Top, middle, or base note: Depending on the concentration and combination of other ingredients, saffron can be used as a top, middle, or base note in a fragrance. It can also be used to bind other notes together and give them depth.
4. Exotic Accent: Due to its rare origin and high cost, saffron often adds a touch of exoticism and elegance to a perfume. Its inclusion in a composition can evoke distant travels and unique sensory experiences.
5. Complements other ingredients: Saffron blends well with many other ingredients commonly used in perfumery, such as sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla, and jasmine. It can be used to intensify and enhance the characteristics of other notes.

In short, saffron is a precious ingredient in perfumery, bringing its distinctive warmth, complexity, and exoticism to olfactory compositions. Its creative use allows perfumers to create unique and captivating fragrances.

Saffron in Aimée de Mars natural perfumes

In perfumery as in cooking, the secret of saffron is to put it in contact with water for at least a full day before use. This is how the aromas unfold. This is followed by a gentle and long maceration in pure alcohol, which will help extract its active molecules: safranal, crocin, etc.

Natasha Eau de Parfum 30ml

Natasha's natural perfume has the sweetness of a shower of roses and white flowers, combined with the power of Oud and the strength of Cedar. It was inspired by the artist Natasha St-Pier.

One of its secrets lies in the saffron, the heart note. This saffron is produced just 5km from the Aimée de Mars Laboratory, in Loiret. A unique encounter with a saffron farm... No coincidence!

The addition of saffron was the final touch to the Natasha perfume. It was during a pilgrimage to Lisieux, to visit Saint Therese, that Valérie Demars had the revelation.

The challenge was finding the right dosage of saffron, because in excess, it quickly unbalances the harmony of the fragrance. In the right dosage, it brings warmth, power, and that certain something that makes it so magical.

The 100% natural Aimée de Mars Natasha perfume is the heart that wins. You feel safe deep inside. Like in a mother's arms.

Indomitable Cybele, Eau de Parfum 30ml

"Indomitable Cybèle" is a sensual and captivating blend of woody, spicy and floral notes, with a touch of mystery and seduction.

Saffron, the top note of this fragrance, adds a rich and complex dimension to its composition. It brings vibrant warmth and captivating depth to Cybele, goddess of the wild in the kingdom of Phrygia. Combined with other ingredients such as cedarwood and patchouli, the saffron in this fragrance helps create a complex and captivating fragrance, perfect for those seeking grounding, combined with a memorable olfactory signature. Reveal the indomitable goddess Cybele within you!

Videos on saffron and its benefits:

• Saffron, spice and medicinal plant , by Christophe Bernard
• What are the benefits of saffron, by Julie Ayme
• Saffron, its virtues , by Dr Ludovic Rondini
• Growing saffron , by the Valsaintes Abbey Garden
• Saffron is huge , by My Wild Side
• Saffron words , by Pascal Arvicus

Specialized bibliography on saffron:

• Saffron, the spice of light , by Véronique Popinet
• Saffron, the red gold of spices , by Hélène Pasquiet
• Saffron , by Pierre Aucante
• Saffron , by Annie Casamayou

Recent scientific studies and research on the benefits of saffron on human health

1. Antidepressant effects of saffron "Saffron for treatment of fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in women: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study." 2013, Iran, Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
2. Antioxidant and neuroprotective properties of saffron "Crocin improves spatial learning and memory deficits in the Morris water maze via attenuating cortical oxidative damage in diabetic rats." , 2016, Iran, Neurological Sciences.
3. Anti-inflammatory effects of saffron, “Effect of saffron on liver metastases in patients suffering from cancers with liver metastases: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.” , 2018, Iran, Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine.
4. Effects of saffron on allergies "Saffron improves the symptoms of persistent allergic rhinitis and reduces IL-4 in patients with this disease: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study." , 2019, Iran, the Journal of Immunology Research.
5. Effects of saffron on ocular health, "Saffron in ocular diseases: a narrative review of the existing evidence from clinical studies." , 2019, Switzerland, the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics