By Priya Raj
A Celebration of the Golden Herb with Health Benefits
The WMNC platform, renowned event of Mithai & Namkeen industry is popular for unveiling innovations in the manufacturing and allied industries, took center stage in Kolkata during WMNC 2023. This time, the spotlight was on the launch of the SAFFRON Handbook, a comprehensive guide curated by Rekha & Vipin Agarwal, the International Saffron Expert.
Distinguished personalities, including Madhusudan Agarwal (VP, Haldiram-Noida), Sanjay Singhania (Legal Advisor, Haldiram-Noida), Dr. Ashok K. Tyagi (Executive Director, Haldiram-Noida), Vikram Agarwal (Cornitos)and Dr. Baiju Bhai Mehta (Das Pendawala), graced the inauguration ceremony of SAFFRON.
Vipin Agarwal, a renowned saffron expert, shared his journey with the audience, highlighting the power of the universe to align with our character and goals. He worked with Taj Mahal Saffron and later with Spanish brand “PINA” Saffron.
Agarwal gained valuable insights into saffron varieties and agricultural methodologies while working in Iran, the world’s largest saffron-producing country. He experimented with elegant packaging options to enhance consumer appeal.
His collaborations with Indian brands led to the launch of SAFFRON products like “Kesari” and “Karmiq” in partnership with Big Bazaar. His association with Iranian companies Baidee and Nikanita played a crucial role in developing the Indian saffron market.
The SAFFRON handbook not only celebrates the golden herb but also sheds light on its health benefits. Saffron, known for its therapeutic properties, has been associated with improved mood, reduced anxiety, and enhanced memory. Rich in antioxidants, saffron is believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, contributing to overall well-being.
The book acknowledges the contributions of Mrs. Rekha Aggarwal, a Clinical Researcher, who compiled clinical applications of saffron through extensive research, including its potential in promoting cardiovascular health and alleviating symptoms of depression.
Vipin expresses gratitude to those who inspired him, including his better half, and anticipates new milestones and accomplishments on this saffron odyssey.
As the SAFFRON handbook unfolds, it promises to be a valuable resource celebrating the golden herb, sharing the expertise gained over the years, and highlighting its myriad health benefits.
Excerpts from THE SAFFRON Handbook
Industrial Use of Saffron
(Fusion of Flavours and Health)
Saffron is not only a super herb but also a highly prized commodity with significant commercial value. It finds applications in various industries, where it serves both to enhance flavours and to elevate the visual appeal of products. Some of these industries include:
Sweets and Confectionery Industry
Ice Cream Industry
Beverage Industry
Paan Industry
Perfume Industry
Saffron’s versatility and unique qualities make it a valuable ingredient across diverse sectors.
The Sweets and Mithai Industry in India and the Role of Saffron
Indians are known for their love for sweets, often serving them as desserts during auspicious occasions and cultural events. The country is the world’s largest sugar consumer, with a packaged sweets market size of INR 5,230 Crore in 2022 and expected to reach INR 15,057 Crore by 2028, with a CAGR of 19.1%.
The sweets sector in India is crucial, providing direct employment to over one crore people and indirectly benefiting others. An increasing awareness of health, convenience, and innovation is driving the development of healthier options, such as saffron-based sweets.
The slogan “Mithai ki Mithaas, Kesar ke Saath” has gained popularity, especially during festive seasons. The practice of infusing traditional Indian sweetmeats with saffron has led to an expansion of health-oriented options in the market, offering unique tastes and flavours while harnessing the goodness of saffron.
Some of the best saffron-based mithai are as follow:
Kesar Burfi, Kesari halwa, Kesar Laddu, Saffron- Rasmalai to name a few.
Saffron – Ice Cream
Ice cream is a refreshing treat that can provide a temporary mood boost by boosting serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter known as the “feel-good hormone.” It is also a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, making it an ideal treat for cooling down on a hot day or boosting spirits when feeling low.Ice cream is a popular summer and winter treat, evoked by nostalgia and a smile. Although high in calories and sugars, it’s acceptable to enjoy it as part of a balanced diet, as experts recommend consuming it in moderation, just like any other sweet treat. Ice cream offers health benefits, but it’s crucial to be cautious about the quality of ingredients used in its production, as some products may contain more varied ingredients than others.
The ice cream industry is undergoing a transformation to meet consumer preferences, with producers incorporating functional ingredients, organic herbal infusions, and exotic flavours. To present ice cream in a health-conscious manner, companies are adding nutrient-rich ingredients like fresh berries, nuts, chia seeds, bananas, pineapples, or whole-grain cereal. These ingredients not only enhance flavour and texture but also provide additional vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre.
Saffron ice cream is a healthier alternative for health-conscious consumers, offering a blend of taste and antioxidants. Saffron, a super-herb with 150 volatile and non-volatile compounds, protects the body from harmful free radicals, promoting heart health, digestion, sleep quality, and mood-lifting effects. It also enhances the nutritional value of the indulgence by providing additional vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre. The combination of saffron and ice cream creates a delightful and healthier option for those seeking a healthier alternative.
Saffron ice cream, a fermented dairy product, enhances immunity by fortifying the gastrointestinal tract and supporting the respiratory system, thereby strengthening the health of these systems.
Saffron, rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, has been proven to have anti-diabetic and blood pressure-reducing properties. Saffron ice cream, a delicious treat, can be customized to suit individual tastes and provides nutritional value. It also has anti-aging properties, safeguarding the heart and liver.
Saffron Ice-Cream
Saffron ice cream has a marvellously smooth, perfectly creamy texture, and its flavour is indisputably saffron – a characteristic that is often hard to describe. It combines the attraction of exotic flavour with the benefits of this treasured herb.
Recipe:
In small bowl, whisk corn-starch with 1/2 cup milk. Pour remaining 1 1/2 cups milk in small saucepan. Add saffron and salt. Let saffron infuse in milk for 30 minutes.
Heat saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in corn-starch-milk mixture. Continue whisking until milk begins to boil and mixture thickens. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add sugar and continue whisking 10 minutes.
Remove mixture from heat and transfer to 2-quart measuring cup or bowl. Whisk in crème fraîche and orange blossom (or rose) water. Cover cup or bowl with clean kitchen towel and let cool completely, whisking every few minutes to prevent skin from forming.
Once completely cooled, cover mixture directly with plastic wrap and refrigerate 4 hours until thoroughly chilled.
Saffron and Rose-water ice-cream
The fragrant ice cream is packed with flavour. It’s traditionally consumed sandwiched between tiny wafers to make ice cream delights, but it’s also delicious on its own. This delightful delicacy is the result of chefs’ culinary genius, with saffron as their well-guarded secret ingredient
Saffron and beverages
Water was once the primary beverage for humans, but over time, milk, beer, wine, coffee, and tea have emerged as healthier options. Sugary beverages like soda, sports drinks, and energy drinks have expanded the range of hydration choices but added unnecessary calories. Diet drinks, which offer sweetness without calorie load, raise questions about their health benefits. In an era where health takes precedence, individuals seek beverages that satisfy their thirst and offer antioxidants and other phytonutrients. Beverages infused with saffron have carved out a new and promising niche in the beverage industry, catering to daily fluid needs and increasing market share.
The beverage market is diverse, with products catering to a wide range of consumers, regardless of age or health considerations. Advancements in technology and modernization have improved manufacturing efficiency and reduced workload for beverage industry workers. Non-alcoholic product lines have gained heightened attention due to the growing emphasis on a healthy diet. Saffron-based beverages offer comprehensive health benefits that encompass the digestive, cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems.
These drinks enhance immunity, vision, memory, blood circulation, detoxify the body, boost vitality, strengthen the liver, and protect the heart. They also contribute to better sleep quality and offer relief from stress and anxiety. Some of the most remarkable and health-promoting saffron-infused beverages include Saffron tea (with or without sweeteners), Saffron Thandai, and Almond milk enriched with saffron.