Saffron Sowing.

Saffron sativum: description of the plant and its use

Saffron sativum is a perennial herbaceous plant, up to 20 cm high, which belongs to the iris family. It has a spherical corm, covered with dry, elongated, mesh-fibrous remains of leaf sheaths. The basal leaves are narrow-linear, surrounded by membranous sheaths, and appear simultaneously with the flowers. After flowering they lengthen and remain throughout the winter until spring.

Saffron blooms in September, and in the southern regions - in October-November. The flowers are purple, located on short stalks, with a pleasant scent. One corm produces two or three flowers, but no seeds are produced. The plant is widespread in Azerbaijan, the North Caucasus and Central Asia, and is also used in cooking, medicine and the textile industry.

Saffron grows on sunny rocky slopes of heaths and along roads, and is one of the oldest cultivated plants. In Russia, it is cultivated in Transcaucasia and Central Asia, propagated by corms. Flower stigmas are used in oriental cuisine as a seasoning for various dishes, such as pilaf, bozbash and others. Saffron has preservative and spicy properties. Food prepared with this plant lasts well for many days. The dye obtained from saffron stigmas is used for dyeing linen, cotton and wool fabrics, as well as in the food industry for tinting creams, ice cream, cream and marmalade.

The stigmas of saffron flowers are used in medicine as medicinal raw materials. They contain a large amount of coloring matter, as well as crocin, carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamins Bi, B2, fatty oil, nitrogenous substances, sugar, ash, calcium and potassium. Saffron preparations have cardiac, diuretic, antiseptic and anticonvulsant effects. They are used to treat various blood diseases (leukemia, etc.) and as a pain reliever. An aqueous infusion of the plant has found wide application for the treatment of angina pectoris, functional diseases of the heart and kidneys. It is a good diuretic and anti-inflammatory that can also help lower blood cholesterol levels.

In addition, saffron sativum has antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals and prevent the development of certain diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Saffron stigmas may also help improve your mood and reduce anxiety and depression.

However, you should not overuse saffron and use it only after consulting a doctor or an experienced professional. In large doses, saffron can be toxic and cause side effects such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting, as well as allergic reactions.

In general, saffron sativum is a valuable plant with many beneficial properties and a wide range of uses. It is used in cooking, medicine and textiles, and may have health benefits if used correctly and in moderation.