Its heady, almost sweet aroma is one that will pick up the entire appeal of any dish that it is added to. Be careful though, as a slight overdose is enough to make your dish bitter. Kesar or Saffron comes from the ‘saffron crocus’, which is a spice native to Southwest Asia. It is a spice that has long been treasured, for it happens to be the most expensive spice in the world by weight. The legends behind this flavorful spice are many; however, one that has mostly been endorsed is that while in small doses it can offer an aphrodisiac effect, large amounts are capable of inducing a deadly narcotic effect.
While Iran produces a majority of the Saffron in the world and Spain is its largest exporter, Kashmiri Kesar is said to be the finest, as its distinctly long, deep red, silky threads produce an unmatched aroma, color and flavor. This is one of the reasons that when it comes to send gifts to India, Kashmiri Kesar ranks highest on the priority list if one needs to make an impact. Used in various delicacies, even the tiniest amounts of Kashmiri Kesar is enough to drench any dish in a gorgeous golden hue. It can make any Mughlai or rice dish taste more royal, and any sweet dish more mouthwatering.
Though Saffron is quite expensive, especially its more refined varieties such as Kashmiri Kesar, only a few strands are enough to flavor and color a dish, thus making it within budget for the home kitchen. It is said that adding one part kesar to 150,000 parts of water will lend it a distinct flavor along with a bright yellow color.
So, just like Saffron is considered to be worth its weight in gold, if you intend to send gifts to India, do consider making it a part of your list, to add that royal touch to your gesture.
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