Saffron

Winner of the M.F.K Fisher Award for Excellence in Culinary Writing from Les Dames d'Escoffier New York Times Best Cookbooks of the Year Wall Street Journal Best Cookbooks of the Year BBC Food Programme Best Cookbooks of the Year A glorious celebration of the food and people of Iran, featuring stories from home kitchens and more than 80 delicious, modern recipes. "This is so much more than a compilation of recipes, gorgeous though they themselves are. This is a book that tells a story, both cultural and personal, and her voice is as engaging as her food." --Nigella Lawson "Barberries, fresh herbs, date molasses, dried limes, saffron; Yasmin's Persian pantry staples are a roll call of my favourite ingredients. Her recipes are a mouthwatering showcase of a beautiful country." --Yotam Ottolenghi "Not just a great cookbook but a book full of stories – a love letter to Iran and its people." --Diana Henry Armed with little more than a notebook and a bottle of pomegranate molasses, and fueled by memories of her family's farm in the lush seaside province of Gilan, British-Iranian cook Yasmin Khan traversed Iran in search of the most delicious recipes for this Persian cookbook. Her quest took her from the snowy mountains of Tabriz to the cosmopolitan cafés of Tehran and the pomegranate orchards of Isfahan, where she was welcomed into the homes of artists, farmers, electricians, and teachers. Through her travels, she gained a unique insight into the culinary secrets of the Persian kitchen, and the lives of ordinary Iranians today. In The Saffron Tales, Yasmin weaves together a tapestry of stories from Iranian home kitchens with exclusive photography and fragrant, modern recipes that are rooted in the rich tradition of Persian cooking. All fully accessible for the home cook, Yasmin's recipes range from the inimitable fesenjoon (chicken with walnuts and pomegranates) to kofte berenji (lamb meatballs stuffed with prunes and barberries) and ghalyieh maygoo (shrimp, coriander, and tamarind stew). She also offers a wealth of vegetarian dishes, including tahcheen (baked saffron and eggplant rice) and domaj (mixed herb, flatbread, and feta salad), as well as sumptuous desserts such as rose and almond cake, and sour cherry and dark chocolate cookies. With stunning photography from all corners of Iran and gorgeous recipe images, this lavish cookbook rejoices in the land, life, flavors, and food of an enigmatic and beautiful country.

“Glorious.” —Kirkus Reviews A colorful journey of self-discovery and identity, this sweet, vibrant picture book follows young Leila as she visits her grandmother’s house for their weekly family dinner, and finds parts of herself and her heritage in the family, friends, and art around her. Sometimes I’m not sure if I like being me. When Leila looks in the mirror, she doesn’t know if she likes what she sees. But when her grandmother tells her the saffron beads on her scarf suit her, she feels a tiny bit better. So, Leila spends the rest of their family dinner night on the lookout for other parts of her she does like. Follow Leila’s journey as she uses her senses of sight, smell, taste, touch to seek out the characteristics that make up her unique identity, and finds reasons to feel proud of herself, just as she is.

Saffron: Science, Technology and Health summarizes the scientific, technical and health aspects of this crop. Saffron possesses unique agronomical, ecological, social and physiological characteristics. And, there are various chemical components present in saffron, including carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, color pigment, aromatic and flavoring agents. Saffron has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and in recent years, the application of saffron in the medical industry as a cancer curing and antidepressant agent has brought more attention. There is also a growing trend of saffron use in the conventional food industry, including saffron desserts, cream, butter, beverages, powders, cake mixes and soups. Intended for nutrition scientists and scientists and technologists working in the areas of food, agriculture, new product development and pharmacology. Summarizes the scientific, technical and health aspects of saffron Explores the use of saffron in the conventional food industry in the development of new products Uncovers the unique agronomical, ecological, social and physiological characteristics of saffron

From the vibrant souks of Tripoli and Beirut to the quiet calm of the Chouf Mountains and Qadisha Valley, Lebanon is a land of bold colours, exquisite flavours and hidden beauty. For this gorgeous book, John Gregory-Smith travelled the length and breadth of the country to bring back the very best of Lebanese cuisine. Classic streetfood, delicate pastries and little known Druze recipes are given John's signature twist, creating dishes that are bursting with flavour and sure to become star players in your kitchen. With stunning location photography to bring the country to life, Saffron in the Souks is sure to delight and inspire its readers.

An exotic tale of lost family secrets from the #1 Kindle Bestseller 'The perfect holiday companion' Heat 'The ultimate feel-good read' Candis 'Sun-soaked escapism' Best After the death of her beloved mother, Nell travels from rural Cornwall to the colour and chaos of Marrakech. Her marriage may be on the rocks, but exploring the heady delights of Moroccan cuisine could help her fulfil her dream of opening her own restaurant. It's there she meets Amy - a young photographer trying to unravel the story behind her family's involvement in the Vietnam War. The two women develop a close friendship and discover a surprising connection between their own pasts. This connection will take Nell and Amy on a journey to find their own 'saffron trail' - from the labyrinthine medina and bustle of Moroccan bazaars all the way back home to Cornwall and to the heart of their families' origins. SEE WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT ROSANNA LEY: 'Impeccably researched and deftly written . . . kept me hooked until the end' Kathryn Hughes, bestselling author of The Letter 'Loved it from start to finish. A brilliant holiday read' Amazon reviewer 'Perfectfor fans of Santa Montefiore, Victoria Hislop and Leah Fleming' Candis 'A fantastic read'Amazon reviewer 'A fascinating story with engaging themes' Dnah Jefferies, bestselling author of The Tea Planter's Wife 'Warm, enthralling, one of my favourite authors' - Amazon reviewer

A brief meeting with a Buddhist nun in India made a deep impression on Christine Toomey. It sent her on a two-year, 60,000-mile odyssey to learn more about the contemporary women choosing in their thousands to become part of a long tradition of female spirituality that stretches back through the centuries and now embraces the radical possibility that the next Dalai Lama could be female. In The Saffron Road, Toomey follows in the footsteps of earlier generations of Buddhist nuns to trace the routes by which the philosophy has spread from a solitary order in a remote area of India in the 5th century BC, via 1950s San Francisco where Zen was popularised by the Beat generation, to the globally-renowned practitioners of mindfulness of today. Beginning her journey in the Himalayas, close to the birthplace of the Buddha, Toomey travels from Nepal, to India, through Burma, Japan and on to North America and Europe, along the way visiting contemporary nunneries to meet the women who practise there. Amongst those she talks to are a group of "kung fu" nuns, an acclaimed novelist, a princess, a concert violinist, a former BBC journalist, and a one-time Washington political aide. Through these conversations, the daily reality of the Buddhist existence is gradually revealed, together with the diverse spiritual paths leading these women towards nirvana. Combining travelogue, history, interviews and personal reflection, The Saffron Road opens the door to a rarely glimpsed world of ritual, discipline and enlightenment.

Saffron is a precious spice which is mainly grown in Iran, India, Spain, Greece, Italy, Pakistan, Morocco, and central Asian countries. Until recently, saffron was perceived only for its value as a spice. However, with recent research findings pointing to the medicinal properties of saffron such as its antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic and antioxidant effects, interest in this plant has increased. The book presents a comprehensive account of saffron which includes the historical background, acerage underproduction, yield and applications, botanical ecophysiology, production technology, irrigation, pests, diseases and weeds, genetics, sterility, reproduction and production of secondary metabolites by in vitro method, economic aspects, indigenous knowledge in saffron production, processing, chemical composition and quality control, and research strategies.

There are few words as evocative as saffron. Over thousands of years it has perfumed the halls of Crete's palaces, made Cleopatra more alluring, and driven crusaders and German peasants to their deaths. While spices that drove adventurers to the ends of the earth, such as cinnamon, mace, and ginger, have become commonplace, saffron remains tantalizingly exotic. Nothing more than the dried stamens of the autumn-flowering purple crocus, it might as well be fairy dust. Resistant to modern horticultural technology, the fragile blossoms must still be gathered by hand from the ancient fields of Iran, Greece, Italy, southern France, and Spain. Secrets of Saffron is the story of this extravagant rover. Guided with wit and assurance by acclaimed food writer Pat Willard, we roam the rich landscapes of history and personal memory. We dine in the heavenly gardens of Persia; bathe with Alexander the Great; are served golden swans at the medieval court of France. With Willard's help, we also discover the quiet comforts of saffron, from soups that have eased illness to pies that defy death, until we arrive at last in the present day at a small garden in Brooklyn. Told in sumptuous prose, complete with fabulous ancient and modern recipes—including a Moorish wedding feast, a luscious creme brulee, and a balm for an aching heart—Secrets of Saffron will awaken in you a voracious desire for the private pleasures of this most precious spice. "I am impressed by Pat Willard's singleminded devotion to one of my favorite subjects. I have been under saffron's spell for some time and it is an integral ingredient in my cooking. I love the romance of its noble and complicated history, as well as the painstaking process of cultivation." —Todd English, author of The Olives Dessert Table "Saffron, the haughtiest, most expensive, and most mysterious of spices, has found its rightful biographer in Pat Willard, who plumbs its historical, mythological, and psychological depths with illuminating insight and a richly evocative (and surprisingly personal) prose. For saffron lovers, this book is a necessary read; for those like myself who have previously equated that spice with such culinary esoterica as gold leaf flakes or wild fennel pollen, Secrets of Saffron is a revelation—and a highly enjoyable page-turner, as well." —John Thorne, author of Outlaw Cook and Pot on the Fire "An admiring account of an exotic spice with a long and varied history, by a food writer whose imagination keeps the story light and lively... a charming little gift for an inquisitive cook."—Kirkus Reviews

Gifted journalist Gelareh Asayesh writes indelibly of her struggle to balance an Iranian childhood with her adult life in America. "A brave and beautifully written memoir that should be read by all who seek to understand Iran, America, or the divided life of the exile. Rarely have the enduring questions of time, place, faith, and identity been explored with such an array of amazing images. -Tom Drury, author of The Black Brook

Saffron: Science, Technology and Health summarizes the scientific, technical and health aspects of this crop. Saffron possesses unique agronomical, ecological, social and physiological characteristics. And, there are various chemical components present in saffron, including carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, color pigment, aromatic and flavoring agents. Saffron has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and in recent years, the application of saffron in the medical industry as a cancer curing and antidepressant agent has brought more attention. There is also a growing trend of saffron use in the conventional food industry, including saffron desserts, cream, butter, beverages, powders, cake mixes and soups. Intended for nutrition scientists and scientists and technologists working in the areas of food, agriculture, new product development and pharmacology. Summarizes the scientific, technical and health aspects of saffron Explores the use of saffron in the conventional food industry in the development of new products Uncovers the unique agronomical, ecological, social and physiological characteristics of saffron

Saffron: The Age-Old Panacea in a New Light is the first book to detail the functions and effect of saffron in medicinal situations. This book explores the medicinal aspects of saffron and the effect saffron imparts on various diseases of the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, locomotor system, urogenital system, eye, skin, and immune system, along with their mechanism of action. This perpetual bulb found mainly in Asia and Europe, Iran, India and Mediterranean countries has been shown to reduce seizures, delay convulsions, and as a neuroprotective agent against cerebral ischemia, brain damage, and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. In addition, it also reduces depression, hypnosis and anxiety and enhances learning and memory skills. Outlines the history of the medicinal use of saffron Provides details on the mechanism of action of saffron Explores the effect of saffron on specific aspects of the body

A month ago, eunuch sword-dancer and spy Varazda collided with ex-soldier Damiskos at a seaside villa during a dizzying week of intrigue, assassinations, and a fake love affair that—maybe—turned real. Now Varazda is back home in Boukos, at the center of a family and community he dearly loves, and Damiskos is coming to visit. Things aren’t going according to plan. Varazda’s family members suspect Damiskos’s motives. Varazda grapples with his own desires. Add in a horrible goose, a potentially lethal sculpture, and yet another assassination plot, and any man other than Dami would be boarding a ship straight back to Pheme. It’s going to take all of Damiskos’s patience, and all of Varazda’s strength, to make this new relationship work. After all that, solving one more murder shouldn’t be too hard. Saffron Alley is the second book in the Sword Dance trilogy, the continuation of Dami and Varazda’s story from Sword Dance. It crosses over with One Night in Boukos, but you don’t have to have read that book to enjoy this one.

Saffron explores the properties, metabolism and health effects of saffron ingredients, along with processing issues and the industrial applications that are affected by these aspects. The book addresses the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of bioactive compounds found in saffron and investigates recovery methods for the extraction of these target ingredients, as well as their encapsulation. Each of these methods aims to prevent the degradation of saffron's bioactive compounds by environmental factors and to improve their bioavailability in different applications. The book is an excellent reference for food scientists, technologists, chemists, new product developers, researchers, academics, professionals working in the food industry, and pharmacologists, pharmacists and clinicians interested in nutrition and metabolism. Analyzes the potential of already commercialized processes and products Discusses metabolomics, the effect of saffron on chronic diseases, and its efficacy and safety issues Investigates recovery technologies and applications in foods and nutraceutical markets

Sea Salt and Saffron Threads weaves through the life stages of a woman growing up with an alcoholic parent. From a child witnessing the turmoil of her fathers addiction without being able to comprehend it's impact; as young woman navigating complex emotions around attachment and worthiness, to adulthood with her own family and deep understanding of what happened to her during each stage of life. Through poetic description the author describes significant events, feelings, trauma and personal growth from her own life experiences.

Aliya may not have inherited her family's patrician looks, but she is as much a prey to the legends of her family that stretch back to the days of Timur Lang. Aristocratic and eccentric-the clan has plenty of stories to tell, and secrets to hide. Like salt and saffron, which both flavor food but in slightly different ways, it is the small, subtle differences that cause the most trouble in Aliya's family. The family problems and scandals caused by these minute differences echo the history of the sub-continent and the story of Partition. A superb storyteller, Kamila Shamsie writes with warmth and gusto. Through the many anecdotes about Pakistani family life, she hints at the larger tale of a divided nation. Spanning the subcontinent from the Muslim invasions to the Partition, this is a magical novel about the shapes stories can take- turning into myths, appearing in history books and entering into our lives.

A young American woman's journey to track down her missing lover becomes an enthralling adventure of mystery, passion, danger and self-discovery set against the spellbinding backdrop of 1930s Marrakech. Sidonie O'Shea enjoys the quiet life she shares with fiancé Etienne Duverger in upstate New York. But when Etienne suddenly disappears without word, she finds a letter amongst his belongings that turns her world upside down. Refusing to believe that Etienne would abandon her, Sidonie travels to Morocco in search of him, determined to know the truth. But nothing can prepare her for what she is about to discover, both about the man she thought she loved and an unknown world of dangerous secrets in a country steeped in mystery...

Saffron the Yellow Fairy is stuck in a very sticky situation. Rachel and Kirsty must follow a twisting trail of lemony fairy dust to find her.

Enjoy healthy home cooking with this fresh, lighter take on Indian food, one that Mira is creating with her vibrant and healthy cooking style! Inspired by her mother and grandmother's cooking, Mira Manek's style of food is a modern interpretation of the Indian classics, creating utterly delicious and naturally healthy dishes. Whether you want to cook a Saffron & Lime Chia Pot, an Indian Summer Salad, a Masala Almond Milk, or a Mango Shrikhand Cheesecake, Saffron Soul combines the best of the core elements of Indian cooking with original health-promoting twists. As well as offering the best and most naturally healthy Gujarati recipes, Mira also recreates some perennial favorites, replacing traditionally used grains and sugar with more nutritious ingredients such as millet, chia and jaggery, and cutting down on oils and fats, to make her dishes even healthier. Whether cooking a filling spicy curry, a soulful brunch, a nutritious light meal, or a luscious dessert, Mira's dishes vibrantly burst with color, and rich flavor and spice fit for a feast.

Table of Contents The Magic of Saffron Introduction Saffron Test How to Use Saffron? Cultivating Saffron Right Soil for Saffron Preparation of the Soil Crocus Diseases and Infections Harvesting Your Saffron Drying of Saffron Using Saffron in Cuisine Traditional Cooling Saffron – Almond Drink Saffron for Beauty and Health Saffron for Lightening the Complexion Beauty lotion Saffron to Cure Diseases Depression Cure Getting Rid of Kidney Stones Saffron as a Cold Preventative and Cure Saffron Milk Saffron as a Headache Remedy Best Moisturizing Lotion Saffron for Women’s Personal Health Teething problems Appendix Where Do You Get Edible Camphor? Conclusion Author Bio Publisher Introduction The moment you hear the word “saffron”, your immediate reaction is the vision of an exotic, valuable and very expensive spice. You may also think of a golden – orangeish color. The term saffron comes from the Persian term Zaferan for orange gold. That is because the Persians were supposed to be the first of the culinary gourmets to use saffron in cooking. They already knew all about the healing qualities of this precious spice and used it extensively in medicine. But when they found out that just a couple of stigmas of the precious crocus was able to give their dishes a lovely tint, aroma, and look, saffron came into popular usage. It is also said that saffron was used extensively in China, more than 2000 years ago, where it was used in herbal medicine. A saffron plant had up to four flowers. Each of them had three Crimson and bright stigmas. These stigmas are the most precious providers of saffron in their dried form. In ancient Greece, which is also a contender for “we discovered saffron first,” the people of Minoan and Cretan origin painted beautiful paintings of saffron collectors on their walls. Santorini excavations, going back to the Bronze Age, – more than 5000 years ago have extremely well defined frescoes of saffron collectors , wearing their native garb. This plant, belongs to the crocus family, and is called Crocus Sativus. It is supposed to be a native of Southwest Asia, from where it slowly and steadily spread to North America, North Africa, and Europe. As time went by, and people began to use new sea routes to discover brave brand-new worlds, the demand for more and more saffron began to grow, especially in ancient civilizations where cuisine and the standard of living was steeped in luxury. This is why the conquering Romans who could not do without crocus, make sure that wherever they went, they did take some crocus bulbs and corms along with them. Since those long gone days, this is considered to be one of the most expensive and exotic of spices known to mankind.