The Red Gold of Persia

The name of the saffron comes from the Persian "safra" which means yellow. There is no doubt that saffron is the oldest spice and most used by the Human Being.The cultivation of this plant is intimately linked to the most cultured and refined civilizations of the Eastern world. Therefore, the discovery of saffron in the West, is linked to the progressive displacement of nations that, from East to West, constituted the different cultures along the Mediterranean shore. Exactly, saffron was introduced in Spain during the Arab domination. Arab cuisine was very rich in herbaceous aromas and saffron was the most important, used as a dye and seasoning in most of their recipes. Saffron has been used throughout history for its medicinal properties, for its coloring power and for its pleasant aroma.
In ancient Egypt saffron was used as an aromatic essence and excellent dye. In Classical Greece, as excellent perfume and for composition of medicinal prescriptions.

The Romans used saffron as an infusion and also as an aphrodisiac.