The gold of Persia - origin and history of saffron.

For thousands of years, Saffron has been used in a variety of ways. For a long time it was assumed that the Orient was the home of the noble spice, but today researchers assume that the Greek island of Crete is the actual home of saffron. More than 3500 years old frescoes, which can be assigned to the Minoan culture, prove the use of the plant on the island. But saffron, which at that time still had the Latin name "Crocus sativus" (in Greek "crocus"), quickly found its distribution. In particular the Phoenicians traded with the spice in the Mediterranean region, and saffron was already considered a real luxury item in ancient times. The ancient poet Homer wrote that the population was willing to pay any price for saffron.

The gold of Persia – origin and history of saffron

Saffron in the ancient Orient

As a result of the brisk trade in antiquity, saffron came to the ancient Orient and was used in many ways. The noble yellow threads were not only used to refine delicious dishes - especially rice dishes - but saffron was also used to prepare precious balsams and oils. Because of its healing properties, saffron was also found in ointments and medicines. And there was another property that made the spice a popular luxury item even in antiquity: its bright yellow color, which was used in the ancient Orient to dye shawls, veils and fabrics and, in particular, valuable ruler's garments.

Saffron in the Middle Ages

In the early Middle Ages, oriental trade expanded into the Mediterranean. This established the Arabic name "zaʿfarān", from which the term saffron used today comes from. It was not just taste and color that made saffron a coveted luxury item in medieval Europe. Its health effects have also been used in many ways. Medieval anecdotes also tell of the intoxicating effects of saffron. In the Middle Ages, saffron was traded at three times the price of pepper - and this was already considered extremely expensive and luxurious.

Today, like many other spices, pepper is part of everyday products that have long since lost their exclusivity. Saffron, however, still stands for pure luxury and uniqueness today.

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– Our products –

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Private customers find our products in partner stores. You are entrepreneur or want to be a business partner? Please don't hesitate to contact us via our contact form.

for your business for private buyers

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