Saffron is the world’s most expensive spice, but it is also known as kesar. Kesar is a variety of saffron which grows in Kashmir. The best kesar comes from Kashmir, where it is grown on some 50 plantations. A kilo costs Rs 2 lakh (Rs 1.5 million). The price of kesar is expected to rise further as saffron farmers have decided to stop producing the spice as they are not getting good remuneration for their produce.”
Kesar is a variety of saffron, the world’s most expensive spice.
Saffron is a variety of saffron, the world’s most expensive spice. Saffron has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice and as a dye. It is grown in Kashmir, where it is known as Kesar (meaning “red” or “yellow”).
The best kesar comes from Kashmir, where it is grown on some 50 plantations.
Saffron is a spice derived from the dried stigmas of an autumn-flowering crocus (Crocus sativus). It may be used whole, or ground into a powder. Saffron has a strong flavour and aroma with bitter notes, but it’s also been used as a colouring agent for thousands of years.
Saffron can be used to flavor rice, desserts and ice cream.
A kilo costs Rs 2 lakh. The price of kesar is expected to rise further as saffron farmers have decided to stop producing the spice as they are not getting good remuneration for their produce.
A kilo costs Rs 2 lakh. The price of kesar is expected to rise further as saffron farmers have decided to stop producing the spice as they are not getting good remuneration for their produce.
Farmers grow saffron on a small scale in Rajasthan, Punjab and Kashmir but the yield is very poor due to lack of irrigation facilities and low productivity per acre. “The demand for saffron has increased manifold over the years but farmers are unable to meet it because they do not get good price for their produce,” said Rajendra Singh Bhati who owns around 20 acres in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan where he grows orange coloured threads used in cooking and perfumery industry among others.”I could earn only Rs 6 lakh from selling my entire crop last year which was nothing compared with what I used to get about 10-15 years ago when there was no competition from overseas countries like Iran,” he said adding that even though prices have gone up considerably since then (Rs 1 lakh per kg), it still does not cover all expenses incurred during cultivation such as labour charges etcetera.”This year onwards we’ll just cultivate other crops like wheat because growing saffron doesn’t make sense anymore,” he added
Saffron can be used in desserts, ice cream, rice and many other dishes.
The saffron plant, also known as Crocus sativus Linn, is a perennial herb which belongs to the family of Iridaceae. It has purple or crimson-coloured flowers and white or greenish-yellow stigmas.
The best kesar comes from Kashmir, where it is grown on some 50 plantations. The variety is native to India and Pakistan and its name means “saffron of kings” in Persian (kesar).
It can be used as a spice or as an ingredient in food items such as halva, pulao and ice cream.
Saffron is a very precious spice and it’s not easy to find the right one. The best kesar comes from Kashmir, where it is grown on some 50 plantations.
