Zafran (زعفران)

Common Name: Zafran (Irani)
English Name: Saffron (Irani)
Urdu Name: زعفران
Scientific Name: Crocus sativus
Dietary Information: Halal, Vegetarian

Description

Zafran, also known as Iranian saffron, is a highly prized spice recognized for its vivid crimson threads, distinctive fragrance, and delicate yet complex flavor. These threads are the dried stigmas of the crocus flower and are traditionally valued for both culinary and cultural uses.

A small amount can add an elegant golden color and aromatic depth to biryani, rice dishes, desserts, sweets, warm milk, tea, and other beverages. Saffron is also used in traditional preparations, cosmetics, and as a natural coloring ingredient.

Its naturally occurring compounds, including crocin, crocetin, safranal, and picrocrocin, contribute to its characteristic color, aroma, and flavor.

Nutritional Information

The following information is provided for 10 milligrams of Zafran:

• Carbohydrates: 6.3 mg

• Proteins and Amino Acids: 1.2 mg

• Fats: 0.5 mg

• Vitamin A: 0.0027 micrograms

• Vitamin B1: 0.012 micrograms

• Vitamin B2: 0.027 micrograms

• Vitamin B3: 0.146 micrograms

• Vitamin B6: 0.00101 micrograms

• Vitamin B9: 0.0093 micrograms

• Vitamin C: 8.08 micrograms

• Potassium: 172 micrograms

• Magnesium: 26 micrograms

• Phosphorus: 25 micrograms

• Sodium: 14.8 micrograms

• Iron: 1.11 micrograms

• Calcium: 11 micrograms

• Zinc: 109 micrograms

• Copper: 0.033 micrograms

• Manganese: 2.84 micrograms

• Selenium: 5.6 micrograms

Nutritional composition can vary depending on saffron variety, growing conditions, and processing methods.

Naturally Occurring Compounds

Zafran contains several distinctive naturally occurring compounds:

• Crocin: 0.8 mg

• Crocetin: 1.08 mg

• Safranal: 0.01 mg

• Picrocrocin: 0.1 mg

Crocin and crocetin contribute to saffron's characteristic color, while safranal is associated with its recognizable aroma and picrocrocin contributes to its flavor profile.

Potential Benefits

Zafran contains naturally occurring compounds that have been studied for their nutritional and biological properties. As part of a balanced diet:

• It contains antioxidant compounds such as crocin and crocetin.

• Its naturally occurring compounds have been studied for potential anti-inflammatory activity.

• Saffron has been studied for its potential role in mood and neurological health.

• Traditionally, it has been used in preparations intended to support comfortable digestion.

• Its compounds have also been investigated for various other potential health effects.

These potential benefits should not be interpreted as claims that saffron treats, cures, or prevents any disease.

Healthy Daily Serving Size

A small amount of a few saffron threads, approximately 10 milligrams, is the serving information provided for daily use.

How to Use Zafran

Zafran can be used in both traditional and modern recipes:

• Soak a few threads in warm milk or water before adding them to recipes.

• Add to biryani and rice dishes for aroma and color.

• Use in desserts, sweets, and traditional Pakistani recipes.

• Infuse into warm milk or tea.

• Add to selected drinks and beverages.

• Use as a natural coloring ingredient where appropriate.

Because saffron is highly aromatic, only a small quantity is generally needed to impart its distinctive character.

About Fruity Nuts

At Fruity Nuts, Zafran is part of a wider selection of natural food products alongside Dry Fruits, nuts, seeds, spices, and other pantry essentials. Explore the collection at fruitynuts.pk for ingredients suited to Pakistani cooking, traditional recipes, and everyday use.