Saffron, often called "golden spice" or "red gold," comes from the stigmas of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus). This precious spice, cultivated for millennia, is renowned for its culinary and medicinal uses. Traditionally used in dishes such as paella in Spain, risotto in Italy, and biryani in India, saffron is also prized in perfumery for its unique and sophisticated aromas.
Botanical presentation of Saffron
Saffron, scientifically known as Crocus sativus , belongs to the Iridaceae family. Native to the Mediterranean basin and Western Asia, this bulbous plant is renowned for its precious purple flowers. Saffron cultivation begins with planting crocus bulbs in late summer. The autumn bloom reveals delicate flowers whose red stigmas are harvested by hand. This extremely meticulous process requires picking each flower at dawn to prevent the stigmas from wilting. The stigmas are then trimmed, dried, and stored away from light and moisture to preserve their aroma and coloring power.
The History of Saffron
The origins of saffron date back more than 3,000 years, with the earliest evidence of its cultivation in Mesopotamia, Persia, and Crete. In Mesopotamia, it was used in religious rituals and for its medicinal properties. In Persia, it adorned royal gardens and was incorporated into royal ceremonies, symbolizing light and beauty. In Crete, Bronze Age frescoes depict saffron harvests, attesting to its importance in Minoan culture. In antiquity, saffron was revered for its medicinal properties and was used as a dye and perfume. The Egyptians used it to embalm mummies, while the Romans added it to their baths and perfumes. In India and China, saffron was prized for its medicinal virtues and symbolized prosperity and purity. The saffron trade intensified during the Middle Ages, when it was traded along the Silk Road between Asia and Europe. Its high value made it a symbol of wealth and social status. Today, saffron continues to play an important role in cooking, traditional medicine, and perfumery, thus perpetuating its cultural heritage through the ages.
The Minoan civilization was an ancient civilization that flourished on the islands of Crete and Santorini, and probably across much of the Aegean Sea, south of Greece, from 2700 to 1200 BCE. ( Wikipedia )
The benefits of saffron
Saffron, known for its numerous medicinal properties, offers a wide range of health benefits. Rich in antioxidants such as carotenoids, it helps neutralize free radicals and prevent cellular aging. Studies have shown that saffron possesses anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and neuroprotective properties, thus contributing to improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Recent research has also revealed that saffron may be beneficial in treating age-related vision problems. One study also demonstrated that saffron can improve the symptoms of persistent allergic rhinitis by reducing levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4).
In herbal medicine, saffron is used for its soothing and digestive effects. It is often included in infusions to relieve stomach aches and aid digestion. In cooking, saffron is prized for its ability to flavor and color dishes, from broths and risottos to desserts and jams. Its unique aroma and medicinal properties make it a valuable ingredient for both health and culinary enjoyment.
The scent of saffron
Saffron is distinguished by its unique, intense, and complex aroma, which combines sweet, floral notes with metallic and slightly bitter undertones. This characteristic scent is primarily due to the presence of chemical compounds such as safranal, crocin, and picrocrocin. Safranal, in particular, is responsible for saffron's pronounced and captivating aroma, while crocin and picrocrocin contribute to its vibrant color and slightly bitter flavor, respectively.
The use of saffron in perfumery dates back to antiquity, where it was prized for its aromatic properties in Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures. Saffron-based perfumes were used to embalm bodies and in religious rituals, symbolizing luxury and the sacred. Today, saffron continues to be a precious ingredient in the creation of niche perfumes, bringing an exotic and sophisticated touch to olfactory compositions.
The process of creating a saffron-based perfume begins with the extraction of its essential oil, often through steam distillation of the dried stigmas. This essence is then blended with other essential oils and extracts to form a harmonious accord. Perfumers experiment with various combinations to balance the rich, penetrating aroma of saffron with other floral, woody, or spicy notes, creating unique and captivating fragrances.
The use of saffron in perfumery
In perfumery, saffron brings a unique richness and depth to olfactory compositions. Here are some important points about its use and what characterizes its singular fragrance:
- Richness and warmth: Saffron is enveloping. Its fragrance is often described as spicy, warm, and sensual. It can add an oriental touch to a fragrance and give it a luxurious dimension.
- Complex nuances: Saffron has an aromatic complexity that allows it to blend harmoniously with a wide variety of other ingredients. It can bring floral, earthy, and slightly woody nuances to a fragrance composition.
- Top, middle, or base note: Depending on its concentration and combination with other ingredients, saffron can be used as a top, middle, or base note in a fragrance. It can also be used to bind other notes and give them depth.
- Exotic accent: Due to its rare origin and high cost, saffron often adds a touch of exoticism and elegance to a fragrance. Its inclusion in a composition can evoke faraway journeys and unique sensory experiences.
- Complementing other ingredients: Saffron blends well with many other ingredients commonly used in perfumery, such as sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla, and jasmine. It can be used to intensify and enhance the characteristics of other notes.
In summary, saffron is a precious ingredient in perfumery, bringing its distinctive warmth, complexity, and exoticism to olfactory compositions. Its creative use allows perfumers to create unique and captivating fragrances.
Saffron in natural perfumes by Aimée de Mars
In perfumery as in cooking, the secret to using saffron is to let it soak in water for at least a full day before use. This allows the aromas to develop. This is followed by a gentle, long maceration in pure alcohol, which helps to extract its active molecules: safranal, crocin...
Natasha Eau de Parfum 30ml
The natural Natasha fragrance has the sweetness of a shower of roses and white flowers, combined with the power of Oud and the strength of Cedar. It was inspired by the artist Natasha St-Pier.
One of its secrets lies in the saffron, its heart note. This saffron is produced just 5km from the Aimée de Mars Laboratory, in the Loiret region. A unique encounter with a saffron farm… No coincidence!
The addition of saffron was the finishing touch to the Natasha perfume. It was during a pilgrimage to Lisieux, to visit Saint Thérèse, that Valérie Demars had her revelation.
The challenge was finding the right amount of saffron, because too much quickly throws off the harmony of the fragrance. At the right dose, it brings warmth, power, and that certain something that makes it so magical.
Aimée de Mars Natasha's 100% natural fragrance is a win for the heart. You feel safe deep inside. Like in a mother's arms.
Indomitable Cybèle, Eau de Parfum 30ml
"Indomptable Cybèle" is a sensual and captivating blend of woody, spicy and floral notes, with a touch of mystery and seduction.
The saffron top note of this fragrance adds a rich and complex dimension to its composition. It lends Cybele, goddess of the wild nature of the Phrygian kingdom, a vibrant warmth and captivating depth. Combined with other ingredients such as cedarwood and patchouli, the saffron in this perfume helps create a complex and captivating fragrance, perfect for those seeking grounding and a memorable olfactory signature. Unleash the untamed goddess Cybele within!
Videos about saffron and its benefits:
- Saffron, spice and medicinal plant , by Christophe Bernard
- What are the benefits of saffron, by Julie Ayme
- Saffron, its virtues , by Dr Ludovic Rondini
- Growing saffron , by the Valsaintes Abbey Garden
- Saffron is amazing , by My Wild Side
- Words from a saffron grower , by Pascal Arvicus
Specialized bibliography on saffron:
- Saffron, the spice of light , by Véronique Popinet
- Saffron, the red gold of spices , by Hélène Pasquiet
- Saffron , by Pierre Aucante
- Saffron , by Annie Casamayou
Recent scientific studies and research on the benefits of saffron on human health
- Antidepressant effects of saffron "Saffron for treatment of fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in women: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study." 2013, Iran, Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
- Antioxidant and neuroprotective properties of saffron "Crocin improves spatial learning and memory deficits in the Morris water maze via attenuating cortical oxidative damage in diabetic rats." , 2016, Iran, Neurological Sciences.
- Anti-inflammatory effects of saffron, “Effect of saffron on liver metastases in patients suffering from cancers with liver metastases: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.” , 2018, Iran, Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine.
- Effects of saffron on allergies "Saffron improves the symptoms of persistent allergic rhinitis and reduces IL-4 in patients with this disease: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study." , 2019, Iran, the Journal of Immunology Research.
- Effects of saffron on ocular health, "Saffron in ocular diseases: a narrative review of the existing evidence from clinical studies." , 2019, Switzerland, the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics