Saffron (pronounced /ˈsæfrən/ or /ˈsæfrɒn/) isa spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as thesaffron crocus. Crocus is a genus in the family Iridaceae. Saffron crocus growsto 20–30 cm (8–12 in) and bears up to four flowers,each with three vivid crimson stigmas, which are the distal end of a carpel.Together with the styles, or stalks that connect the stigmas to their hostplant, the dried stigmas are used mainly in various cuisines as a seasoning andcolouring agent. Saffron, long among the world's most costly spices by weight,is native to Greece orSouthwest Asia and was first cultivated in Greece. As a geneticallymonomorphic clone, it was slowly propagated throughout much of Eurasia and waslater brought to parts of North Africa, North America, and Oceania.

Thesaffron crocus, unknown in the wild, probably descends from Crocuscartwrightianus, which originated in Crete; C.thomasii and C. pallasii are other possible precursors. The saffron crocus is atriploid that is "self-incompatible" and male sterile; it undergoesaberrant meiosis and is hence incapable of independent sexual reproduction—allpropagation is by vegetative multiplication via manual "divide-and-set"of a starter clone or by interspecific hybridisation. If C. sativus is a mutantform of C. cartwrightianus, then it may have emerged via plant breeding, whichwould have selected for elongated stigmas, in late Bronze Age Crete.

Saffron'staste and iodoform- or hay-like fragrance result from the chemicals picrocrocinand safranal. It also contains a carotenoid dye, crocin, which imparts a richgolden-yellow hue to dishes and textiles. Its recorded history is attested in a7th-century BC Assyrian botanical treatise compiled under Ashurbanipal, and ithas been traded and used for over four millennia. Iran now accounts for approximately90% of the world production of saffron.

Saffron's aroma is often describedby connoisseurs as reminiscent of metallic honey with grassy or hay-like notes,while its taste has also been noted as hay-like and sweet. Saffron alsocontributes a luminous yellow-orange colouring to foods. Saffron is widely usedin Indian, Persian, European, Arab, and Turkish cuisines. Confectioneries and liquorsalso often include saffron. Common saffron substitutes include safflower(Carthamus tinctorius, which is often sold as "Portuguese saffron" or"açafrão"), annatto, and turmeric (Curcuma longa). Saffron has alsobeen used as a fabric dye, particularly in Chinaand India,and in perfumery. It is used for religious purposes in India, and is widely used in cooking in manycuisines, ranging from the Milanese risotto of Italyto the bouillabaisse of Franceto the biryani with various meat accompaniments in South Asia.

Saffronhas a long medicinal history as part of traditional healing; several modernresearch studies have hinted that the spice has possible anticarcinogenic(cancer-suppressing), anti-mutagenic (mutation-preventing), immunomodulating,and antioxidant-like properties. Saffron stigmas, and even petals, may behelpful for depression. Early studies show that saffron may protect the eyesfrom the direct effects of bright light and retinal stress apart from slowingdown macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. (Most saffron-relatedresearch refers to the stigmas, but this is often not made explicit in researchpapers.) Other controlled research studies have indicated that saffron may havemany potential medicinal properties.

1, What kinds of certificates can you offer?

Foodchem is an ISO2008 9001 certified company, as for Saffron Extract, we can offer HAPPC, KOSHER, HALAL Certificates, ect.

2, Is Foodchem a manufacturer or just a trading company?

Foodchem is both manufacturer and trading company, we are Saffron Extract distributor, at the same time, we are manufacturer of other products.

3, What is the Min Order Quantity of Saffron Extract?

Different products have different MOQ, for Saffron Extract, the MOQ is 500kg.

4, What is the price of Saffron Extract?

Foodchem is a famous supplier and manufacturer of Saffron Extract in China, and has been corporate with many Saffron Extract suppliers for several years, we can provide you with cost-effective Saffron Extract.

5, How long shall we wait for your reply?

We can guarantee to reply your inquiries of Saffron Extract in less than 24 hours in working days.

6, What kinds of transportation types can you provide?

Our main transportation methods include air transportation, land transportation and water transportation.

7, What kinds of payment terms can you accept?

The most commonly used payment terms are T/T, L/C, D/P, D/A, etc.

8, How long will I receive my good?

Foodchem has its own EDC warehouse in Shanghai, when your purchase order has been confirmed, inventory products will deliver within 1 week, other products delivery in 2 weeks.