Throughout the rise and fall of governments, the formation of history and cultures, spices have been with humans and their age can be considered the same as the age of human civilizations. Saffron, this precious and precious spice, has been with different cultures and governments for a long time. Follow along to tell you about the history of saffron production in Iran and the world.
History of saffron production in Iran
The origin of all kinds of spices in the world is the Middle East and East Asia. Several thousand years ago, the Silk Road was one of the main trade routes for spices in ancient history, and after the discovery of the sea route, spices from the Middle East and East Asia were imported to Europe and America. Iran, India, and China were the main centers of spice production in the ancient world. One of the popular spices of Iran, which has been traded for thousands of years, is called saffron. The consumption of saffron has been popular in all parts of the world since long ago and the benefits of saffron have not been hidden from anyone.
In ancient Iran, saffron flowers grew wild. The history of saffron in Iran can be traced back to the Achaemenid period. Ancient Iranians at that time used saffron to flavor their food. Even in the description of the biography of Darius Achaemenashi, saffron is mentioned, that this Iranian king used saffron together with milk to perfume his body.
The first export of saffron in Iran can be attributed to the Parthian period. Probably the first time saffron was taken to China, Greece, and Rome among the Parthians. In the past, doctors used the properties of saffron for treatment. Saffron color has also been used as ink for writing commands and dyeing fabrics.
In general, the age and history of saffron production in Iran can be considered about 3 thousand years. The first cultivation of saffron became popular in the Sassanid period and from the city of Qom. Of course, some historical sources mention that saffron is 5 thousand years old in Iran. Because in a botanical book belonging to the Assyrian era, it is written about saffron flowers. Also, in one of the ancient paintings in the northwest of Iran, it is clear that saffron color was used for coloring. It is even said that the Sumerians used saffron to prepare medicines and treatments. It may not be possible to name an exact date for the age of saffron in Iran. But for sure, Iran was one of the first origins of saffron in the world.
History of saffron production in the World
Based on the evidence, it seems that saffron was first discovered in the Bronze Age in Greece (4th millennium BC). The history of saffron production can be considered as ancient as “time”. It is said that Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of ancient Egypt and one of the most powerful and greatest female kings in the history of the world, went to a lion and saffron bath before meeting her suitors. John O’Connell wrote in the book “Spices” that the women of the Minoan civilization (2000 BC) dyed their clothes with saffron and used saffron and beeswax to prepare lipstick and cosmetics.
Throughout history, saffron has been used for everything from dyeing clothes to writing spells, preparing food, makeup, and treating diseases. The ancient Romans used saffron to make the public space fragrant. Even during the outbreak of the black plague, saffron has been used as an antidote. The popularity of saffron as a medicine reached its peak in the Middle Ages. In a cookbook written by Le Viandier de Taillevent, which was printed in 1300 AD, saffron is used in the preparation of food.
Production of saffron at the present time and saffron producing countries
Saffron flower needs special conditions to grow and it does not grow in every region. Saffron can be produced in areas with hot and dry climates. This flower does not need a lot of watering and grows in low-water areas. For this reason, many countries are currently engaged in the production of saffron. Iran, Afghanistan, Spain, India, Greece, and Italy are the main saffron production centers in the world.
About 90 to 93% of saffron production in the world is allocated to Iran, and Iran has the largest volume of saffron production in the world. However, many people consider Spain to be the first saffron production center in the world. Because most of Iran’s saffron is exported to Spain and this country packages and exports them under its own brand name. For this reason, many countries, when buying saffron from Spain, think that they have bought saffron from this country.
Currently, Afghanistan, Greece, Morocco, Turkey, and India are engaged in the production and cultivation of saffron in the world. China also produces saffron using the greenhouse method. For example, in the last eight years, Afghanistan has been able to claim the title of the highest-quality saffron-producing country in the world. However, Iran can still be considered the first producer of saffron in the world. The first rank of saffron production in the world belongs to Iran, the second to India and the third to Afghanistan.
The history of saffron production can be traced back thousands of years to the Bronze Age. This precious spice has a long history among different ethnic groups, especially in Iran.
