Saffron has a centuries-old history as a much sought after herb with healing properties. Kings, queens, pharaohs, and monks used saffron in their food and drinks, baths, during prayers and to scent their beds.2 In the Middle Ages, saffron was so highly prized, those who sold adulterated saffron were imprisoned and harshly punished.

Given saffron’s high price, it’s good to know that in cooking, a “little goes a long way.” For most recipes, a pinch of soaked, dried and crushed saffron threads will do the trick — 1 teaspoon of saffron threads equals about a one-eighth teaspoon of ground saffron. In addition to its culinary uses, saffron also has a number of valuable health benefits.