[Saffron Uses]
Saffron is one of the world’s most precious spice, used throughout the world and extensively in the Middle - East & Sub - continent as natural food flavouring, colouring, and is considered good for health.

Approximately 150000 flowers are needed for one kilogram of dried saffron; typically, one would need 2000 m2 field area per kg harvest.
                      
Pic1: Saffron Flower                                          Pic2: Saffron threads which is packed and sold
The main uses of saffron are as follows:
Cooking
Saffron constitutes an irreplaceable condiment in certain national & international dishes. In Indian and Sub-continent cuisine, saffron has varied uses, a necessity in many dishes, specially used with milk. In the Middle-East it is extensively used in rice, coffee, desserts. In the Arab countries of the Gulf, visitors are welcomed with a drink prepared from coffee, saffron and cardamom. Tea is also prepared with saffron. A refreshing saffron-syrup can be prepared at home. In Spain, "Spanish Paella" and "Zarzuela de Pescado" are recognized throughout the world and any visitor who comes to Spain, will not leave this country without tasting what they call the typical Spanish cuisine.
Prestigious gift
Saffron is always appreciated as a unique gift item. Saffron is presented & appreciated as a valuable gift item during very special occasions like Engagements, Weddings, Christmas, New Year, Eid, Diwali, Onam, and other festive seasons. Expatriates and visitors from Sub-continent and Far-East carry saffron back home, for their women-folk,as a coveted gift item, and as a sign of respect when presented to elders.
Medicinal
Dioscorides, a Greek doctor from the Kingdom of Neron attributed saffron to have medicinal properties. Hippocrates, Teofasto, Galeno and other therapists considered it to be an appetite stimulant, an aid for easing digestive disorders and praised it’s calming effects on infants. Even now, in the Sub continent it is used for stomach ailments and is given to children during a bout of chicken pox. Research has revealed it to be rich in Vitamin-B2 and Riboflavin. Research by Allan Conney (New Jersey), has revealed that Saffron protects the digestive system against Cancer ( Le Figaro Magazine 23/12/94).
Perfumes
Owing to its health properties as a relaxant and natural cure against headaches, in the Middle East, Saffron is used to prepare an oil based perfume called "Zaafran Attar" which is a blend of saffron and sandal wood. Saffron is also used as a perfume ingredient in many famous internationally renowned brands