Are Saffron Crocus petals edible?
Can the saffron crocus flower petals be used for food/drink coloring? Are they poisonous/edible? (With reference please.)
I found a link, that states that the bulbs are edible, but there is nothing regarding the petals.
Best Answer
It seems that the answer is yes...
The vast majority of the literature out there around saffron petals relates to the pharmacological compounds found in the petals. For normal use, the petals are considered a "waste" product from the production of saffron in the forms of the well known stamens used in food flavoring and coloring.
However, I have found that petals contain less of the flavoring and coloring compounds, but still contain some and are sometimes used as an adulterant (see Substitutes and Adulterants section near the bottom) in the commercially produced stamens. I also found a book Saffron production and processing, which states (see linked page 8 of chapter 1) that the petals could be used to generate natural colorings for foods, particularly anthocyanines.
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In traditional medicine, saffron petal is consumed as antispasmodic, stomachic, curative of anxiety, antitumor and antidepressant. According to economical properties, phytochemical compounds and traditional usage, it can be used in different medicinal fields (27).Can a saffron flower be eaten?
Saffron in CookingThe flower petals and sitgmas are the parts of the Saffron crocus used for culinary purposes. The orange-red stigmas produce the spice, saffron, and make a yellow dye when steeped. True saffron flavor has been described as bitter, yet savory.What can you do with saffron flower petals?
Saffron Petals are mainly used for Cosmetics and Decoration. Saffron Petals for Cosmetics. The Saffron Flower contains antioxidant compounds that make it a good ingredient in cosmetics and moisturizing, nourishing, and anti-aging creams.Can crocus flowers be eaten?
Known for its edible fruit, which go from green and tart to golden yellow and very sweet. But, it also has edible flowers and leaves that are used like sorrel. The acid flowers are used in salads or used to make conserves.What part of saffron is edible?
The herb saffron refers to the harvested stigma of the Crocus sativus plant. This crocus is the source of the most expensive spice in the world. The corms are dormant in the spring and summer, with the production of flowers in early autumn. The stigma is the only edible part of this plant.Harvest Saffron Flowers \u0026 Make Saffron Spice: Simple, But So Tiny!
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