Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus)
Flowers: Autumn. Height: Up to 10cm (4in).
Saffron comes from the three stigma in the flower which must be harvested by hand in the autumn and then dried. Often referred to as ‘red gold’, it can take thousands of flowers to produce a few ounces of dried saffron which is what makes it so expensive. It was very popular during medieval times and used by cooks, physicians, dyers, artists and even monks who used it to illuminate their manuscripts. Its name comes from the Arabic word for yellow, and in the 1500s women used it to dye their hair mixing saffron with honey, egg yolk and sulphur before sitting in the sunshine until the desired colour was achieved. Cleopatra reportedly used it to infuse her bathwater, as well as to improve her complexion.
Medicinal: It was also used as a treatment for various illnesses including menstrual problems, depression and asthma. Roman physicians recommended the rubbing of a saffron paste onto the heads of the mad and Alexander the Great bathed his battle wounds with saffron and drank saffron tea.
Culinary: A colorant and a seasoning.
Doctrine of Signatures: Its yellow color was thought to signify its natural ability to treat jaundice.
