The unique taste and aroma of saffron and its numerous properties have turned this plant into an expensive spice. Although today saffron is famous worldwide, its history goes back to the ancient land of Iran. In this article, we will summarize the history of saffron.

About the saffron plant

Saffron is a plant from the lily family known by the scientific name Crocus sativus. This precious spice first grows from saffron bulbs; each bulb can contain 1 to 3 saffron flowers. Saffron flowers have 6 petals and the pistil is placed in the center. The yellow cream grows from the pistil and divides into three branches. After picking and drying, the cream and accompanying stigmas will be dried and sold as different products.

History of saffron in Iran

Many historical and archaeological evidence show that Iran was the origin of saffron. Some believe that the saffron plant is more than 3000 years old, while researchers have found evidence of the use of saffron in ancient paintings, preparation of medicine, and therapeutic uses, which shows that saffron can be 5000 years old. Of course, it is said that with the invasion of Iran by the Mongols, saffron cultivation was limited for a while. Still, Iranians started cultivating saffron again in various cities such as Khorasan, Isfahan, Yazd, Kerman, and Fars. Also, the first saffron farms were found in Hamadan and Kermanshah, but nowadays the most saffron production is for Razavi Khorasan.

History of saffron in the world

Archaeologists believe that the cultivation of saffron was transferred to India, Kashmir, and then to Greece and Spain after the invasion of the Mongols. Also, Arabs have taken saffron to their land after attacking Iran. There is evidence that the Greeks knew about the saffron plant, such as ancient paintings in palaces of women and goddesses planting and harvesting saffron flowers. In Greek myths, people were mentioned who brought saffron from Asia by ship. It is clear that Iran was the origin of saffron cultivation and then it was exported to other parts of the world. Today, saffron is cultivated and exported to Morocco, Greece, Kashmir, Spain, and Italy.

There is no doubt that saffron has played a significant role in the culture of ancient countries for many years and now it is used in various food-related, pharmaceutical, and therapeutic industries. Although saffron was first discovered in Asia, today this valuable and unique spice is exported and known all over the world.