Saffron Strings -per gram
Crocus sativas
Spain

Saffron strings - Crocus sativas - from Spain. This treasured spice produces a warm, sweet, sensuous, spicy and flowery aroma when burned.

Saffron is the stigma from the flower of the lilac colored crocus, a plant of the Iris family. To produce 10 grams of saffron powder you'll need 1,500 flower stigmas, collected by hand.

For incense burning mixtures only a few filaments are required. In ancient Arabia saffron was used for ceremonies of birth, weddings and death. Ayurvedic medicine also uses saffron for some incense burning mixtures.

Family: Iridaceae

Synonyms: saffron crocus, fan hong hua

Origin: Mediterranean region; now grown mainly in Iran, Spain, Kashmir, Turkey and Azerbaijan

Parts Used: styles (stigmas)

Aroma Description: warm, intensely sweet, sensuous, spicy, floral, slight herbaceous undertone

Emotional Attributes: sensuous, love, happiness, strengthening

Cosmetic Uses: used as a dye for hair, nails, etc.

Culinary Uses: used as a flavoring and colorant for liqueurs, cakes, cookies, puddings, sweetmeats, sauces, fish stews, rice dishes (i.e. Spanish Paella, Italian Risotto Milanese and India's Biryani), etc.

Medicinal Attributes: pungent, bitter-sweet herb that improves digestion, increases perspiration, stimulates circulation and menstruation, reduces high blood pressure. Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat stagnant liver energy, depression and menstrual disorders.

*Warning: Avoid if pregnant*

Element Association: Fire

Magical Associations: healing, awareness

Astrological Association: Taurus, Leo, Libra

Planetary Association: Moon, Venus, Mars

Season: Summer

Aromatic Note: Middle to Top note

Essential Oil: Not commercially available, a tincture can be made using saffron threads soaked in diluted alcohol.

*Warning: Avoid if pregnant*

Mixes Well With: aloeswood, benzoin, cassia, cinnamon, cloves, dammar, frankincense, ginger, labdanum, musk seeds, rose, sandalwood, sandarac, etc. Medical Disclaimer: Information on this web site is for entertainment purposes only. This information is NOT intended as medical advice or for use as diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or as a substitute for consulting a licensed medical professional.

Prices:
Per gram: $8.40 Per 5 grams: $33.60