Decoding the Secrets of Buying the Best Saffron

Decoding the Secrets of Buying the Best Saffron

by | May 20, 2023 | Guest Column

Decoding the Secrets of Buying the Best Saffron

Did you know that saffron is one of the most expensive spices of the world? It is used in a variety of dishes in India. Its application extends to traditional medicine and cosmetics as well. Also, saffron is an important part of many religious ceremonies in India, particularly in Hinduism and Buddhism. However, shopping for saffron can be confusing and overwhelming. As a consumer, it’s important to consider quality, safety, price, and other factors when purchasing this delicate spice.  In this article, we talk about saffron, its benefits, and some consumer tips that can help you in your search for the perfect saffron in the market. 

                                                                                                                         Richa Pande

Saffron cultivation requires specific geographic and climate conditions. This limits its production to specific areas, which contributes to its high cost. Saffron is primarily produced in these countries- Iran, Afghanistan, India and Spain. It’s also cultivated in Morocco and Greece. Saffron cultivation and harvesting is a labour-intensive process that must be done by hand, which makes the production of saffron a time-consuming and expensive process. Also, it is only harvested once a year. This means that there is a limited supply of saffron each year, which drives up the price. It is used in a variety of dishes due to its unique flavour, and aroma. It is also used in traditional medicine and cosmetics due to its potential health benefits. This high demand drives up the price of saffron.  

Saffron has a long and rich history in the Indian state of Kashmir, where it has been cultivated for centuries. Saffron was first introduced to Kashmir by Persian traders in the 11th century, who brought the spice to the region for cultivation. The spice quickly became popular in Kashmir due to its potential health benefits and its use in culinary and religious ceremonies The Mughal emperors, who ruled over Kashmir during the 16th and 17th centuries, were particularly fond of the spice and encouraged its cultivation. Saffron production in Kashmir declined in the 20th century due to factors such as political unrest and the availability of cheaper imports. In recent years, efforts have been made to promote sustainable farming practices and improve the quality of the Kashmiri Saffron. Today, Kashmir is still one of the major producers of saffron in the world, with the spice being a key part of the region’s cultural and culinary heritage.

Saffron is an essential spice in Indian cuisine. Its unique flavour and aroma make it a popular choice in both sweet and savoury dishes. Saffron is used to add colour and flavour to popular dishes like Biryani and Korma. It is added to kheer, and other milk-based recipes such as Lassi, Shrikhand, and Kulfi. It gives these delicacies a beautiful yellow colour and a distinct aroma. Saffron is also a popular ingredient in many Indian sweets and desserts, including Rasmalai, Jalebi, Gulab Jamun, and Kesar Peda. It gives them a rich and exotic flavour.

Saffron in also used to prepare Kashmiri Kahwa, a traditional Kashmiri tea made with green tea leaves, saffron, cardamom, cinnamon and almonds. It is known for its unique taste and aroma and is commonly consumed in the Kashmir as a refreshing beverage. In addition to its delicious flavour, Kashmiri Kahwa is believed to have several health benefits.

Easy recipe to make Kashmiri Kahwa

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons green tea leaves
  • 2-3 strands of saffron
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4-5 cardamom pods
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds

Preparation:

  • In a pan, bring the water to a boil.
  • Add the green tea leaves, saffron, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods to the boiling water. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and let the tea steep for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add honey or sugar (optional) and stir well.
  • Strain the tea and discard the tea leaves and spices.
  • Serve hot with slivered almonds on top.

Enjoy the delicious Kashmiri kahwa!

Saffron has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its various health benefits. Here are some of its potential health benefits.

  • Anti-inflammatory properties: Saffron contains compounds like crocin and safranal, which have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can be beneficial for conditions such as arthritis and asthma.
  • Antioxidant properties: Saffron is a rich source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
  • Mood enhancer: Saffron is believed to have mood-enhancing properties and can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
  • Digestive health: Saffron can aid digestion by increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes, reducing inflammation in the gut, and promoting healthy gut bacteria.
  • Respiratory health: Saffron has been used to treat respiratory problems such as asthma and cough, as it can help relax the airways and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.
  • Heart health: Saffron may help improve heart health by reducing cholesterol levels, improving blood circulation, and reducing inflammation in the blood vessels.
  • Immune system booster: Saffron has been shown to boost the immune system and may help prevent infections and illnesses.
  • Eye health: Saffron contains compounds that may help prevent age-related macular degeneration and improve vision.

Skin health: Saffron can help improve skin health by promoting blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and preventing oxidative damage.

Traditional Preparation for Good Skin Health using Saffron, Aloe Vera & Kumkumadi Tailam

  • Soak a few strands of saffron in a tablespoon of milk /distilled water for about 15-20 minutes. This will help extract the beneficial compounds from the saffron.
  • Mix the saffron-infused milk with a tablespoon of aloe vera gel and a few drops of kumkumadi tailam.
  • Apply the mixture onto your face and neck, massaging gently in circular motions.
  • Leave the mixture on for about 20-30 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
  • Use this mixture 3-4 times a week for best results.

*Note- It is important to note that if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, it is recommended to do a patch test before using any new skincare products or ingredients.

Skin benefits – It hydrates skin, prevents premature aging, and evens out the skin tone and reduces the appearance of pigment.

Buying High-Quality Saffron 

  • Choose  ISO Certified Grade A++ Saffron 

The ISO grading system categorizes saffron into grades based on the levels of crocin, picrocrocin, and safranin present in the spice. Choose Saffron with A++ gradation marked on the label. 

  • Look for the  GI TAG 

Geographical Indication (GI) sign is used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. In India, there’s GI tagging available Kashmiri Saffron. By choosing saffron with Kashmiri saffron GI Tag, you ensure that you aren’t buying adulterated saffron. Buying it also is in economic interests of Indian Saffron producers.

What is Kashmiri Mongra Saffron?

Kashmiri Mongra Saffron is one of the best quality saffron in the world. It has a higher percentage of crocin, the compound responsible for its colour, flavour and aroma, which makes it more potent and flavourful than other varieties of saffron. It is grown in the Kashmir Valley, has a unique climate and soil that is ideal for growing saffron. The region experiences cold winters and mild summers, which is optimal for saffron cultivation. The soil in the Kashmir Valley is also rich in minerals, which helps to enhance the flavour and aroma of the saffron. It is traditionally cultivated using organic methods, without the use of any pesticides or chemical fertilizers. This results in saffron that is pure and free from harmful chemicals.

  • Check Packaging Before Purchasing Saffron

Saffron should be packaged in an airtight container to preserve its quality. Look for saffron that is packaged in a sealed, opaque container to protect it from light and air.

  • Compare Prices

Saffron is a highly valued spice, and its price can vary widely depending on the quality and the seller. Compare prices, and attributes of saffron sold by different sellers to ensure that you are getting a fair price for good quality saffron.

Determining Saffron Adulteration 

Common adulterants- Parts of saffron flowers other than stigma, filaments from other plants, including corn fibres, safflower stigmas, calendula stigmas, pomegranate fruit fibres, filaments from other sources dyed with plant dyes such as beetroot, turmeric powder, and

Test 1

Check for colour and aroma. Good quality saffron should have a bright red colour and a strong, pleasant aroma. If the saffron looks dull or has a weak or unpleasant aroma, it may not be of good quality. Do not buy the same brand again.

 

Test 2 

Put the saffron threads in lukewarm water. If the saffron threads loose the colour rapidly, then it’s adulterated.

All Guest Column

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

World Consumers Rights Day – 2022 “Fair Digital Finance”-for testing

World Consumers Rights Day – 2022 “Fair Digital Finance”-for testing

by | May 14, 2023 | coo-desk

World Consumers Rights Day – 2022 “Fair Digital Finance”-for testing

Ashim Sanyal       
BY ASHIM SANYAL, COO CONSUMER VOICE

World Consumer Rights Day was inspired by John F Kennedy, who was the first leader to send a special message on 15 March 1962 to the US Congress in which he formally discussed consumer rights concerns. In 1983, it was first marked by the consumer revolution and now mobilizes every year because of important issues and campaigns which is now celebrated every year on March 15 as World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) raising global awareness of consumer rights, consumer protection and empowerment.

This year the theme of WCRD 2023 will be: Empowering Consumers Through Clean Energy Transitions. In India too the day is being celebrated by the Department of Consumer Affairs and other organizations.

Global energy crisis is looming large with energy shortages, increased prices of oil and other economic factors especially after the pandemic. However, the energy crisis deepened following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This had an untold impact on vulnerable consumers and also on climate change. The International Energy Agency (IEA) said the world faces its first “truly global energy crisis” in addition to unaffordable energy bills. It added that unaffordable energy bills remain a huge problem, driven up as the exports of oil and gas have been restricted.

Why is Clean Energy Transition the need of the hour?

Currently most of the global energy is depended on excessive use of non-renewable sources of energy like coal and gas which in turn puts a strain on our water and oxygen resources by causing pollution. Fossil fuels contribute to almost 75 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions. It is therefore imperative to prevent deadliest impact of climate change to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.This should be seen as a turning point for speeding up the world’s transition to green energy.

The clean energy transition means shifting energy production away from sources that release a lot of greenhouse gases, such as fossil fuels, to those that release little to no greenhouse gases. Nuclear power, hydro, wind and solar are some of these clean sources.

One must realize that the shift to clean and sustainable energy resources will involve shift of resources between industrial sectors and local governments. Governments must quickly adapt to the use and disbursing of renewable energy as availability and quality of renewable resources vary.

Stakeholders in this process have varying degrees of political and economic power, and understanding how political economic factors influence clean energy transitions is crucial to effective policy formulation and facilitating transitions to sustainable energy systems.  A ‘clean energy transition’ refers broadly to a substitution of technologies and associated fuel inputs across the full set of energy subsectors and consumers of energy, both as intermediates and final goods.

India’s clean energy transition

No one needs a net zero world more than the world’s largest and oldest democracy- India. India has huge potential for green transition investments such as solar, hydro or wind.

However, a clean energy transition is highly unlikely to occur on its own.  Political economy considerations take a leading role. India and China are cases in point. In 2009, it is fair to say that India’s negotiation strategy aimed to position climate change as a developed country problem. In contrast, India’s INDC (Intended Nationally Determined Contributions) offers serious attempts to reduce the carbon intensity of its GDP. China has gone further, offering to peak emissions by 2030 with declines thereafter.

However in 2019 India announced that it would take up its installed capacity of renewable energy to 450 GW by 2030. The Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) scheme is another initiative of the Government of India with respect to enhancing the manufacturing sector for the production of raw materials for renewable energy. Offshore wind too has been given a new lease of life through recent government reforms and targets. With a coastline of about 7,600 km, offering the potential to install ~195GW of offshore wind capacity, the segment can contribute to India’s clean energy target.

A latest report of Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, India’s renewable energy capacity is projected to grow rapidly with 35-40 GW added annually through to the fiscal year 2029/30. Installed renewable energy capacity (including large hydro) rose from a few megawatts (MW) in 2010 to ~163 gigawatts (GW) as of August 2022. India’s ambitious renewable energy targets and the associated policy and reform framework have been an important tailwind for the sector’s development.

“The good news is that the lifeline is right in front of us,” says UN Secretary-General António Guterres, stressing that renewable energy technologies like wind and solar already exist today, and in most cases, are cheaper than coal and other fossil fuels.  We now need to put them to work, urgently, at scale and speed.

All Coo Desk

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

World Consumer Rights Day – Shifting to Clean Energy for a Greener and Cleaner World-for testing

World Consumer Rights Day – Shifting to Clean Energy for a Greener and Cleaner World-for testing

by | May 14, 2023 | Uncategorized

World Consumer Rights Day – Shifting to Clean Energy for a Greener and Cleaner World-for testing

BY ASHIM SANYAL, COO CONSUMER VOICE

World Consumer Rights Day was inspired by John F Kennedy, who was the first leader to send a special message on 15 March 1962 to the US Congress in which he formally discussed consumer rights concerns.

In 1983, it was first marked by the consumer revolution and now mobilizes every year because of important issues and campaigns

which is now celebrated every year on March 15 as World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) raising global awareness of consumer rights, consumer protection and empowerment.

This year the theme of WCRD 2023 will be: Empowering Consumers Through Clean Energy Transitions. In India too the day is being celebrated by the Department of Consumer Affairs and other organizations.

Global energy crisis is looming large with energy shortages, increased prices of oil and other economic factors especially after the pandemic. However, the energy crisis deepened following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This had an untold impact on vulnerable consumers and also on climate change. The International Energy Agency (IEA) said the world faces its first “truly global energy crisis” in addition to unaffordable energy bills. It added that unaffordable energy bills remain a huge problem, driven up as the exports of oil and gas have been restricted.

Why is Clean Energy Transition the need of the hour?

Currently most of the global energy is depended on excessive use of non-renewable sources of energy like coal and gas which in turn puts a strain on our water and oxygen resources by causing pollution. Fossil fuels contribute to almost 75 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions. It is therefore imperative to prevent deadliest impact of climate change to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.This should be seen as a turning point for speeding up the world’s transition to green energy.

The clean energy transition means shifting energy production away from sources that release a lot of greenhouse gases, such as fossil fuels, to those that release little to no greenhouse gases. Nuclear power, hydro, wind and solar are some of these clean sources.

One must realize that the shift to clean and sustainable energy resources will involve shift of resources between industrial sectors and local governments. Governments must quickly adapt to the use and disbursing of renewable energy as availability and quality of renewable resources vary.

Stakeholders in this process have varying degrees of political and economic power, and understanding how political economic factors influence clean energy transitions is crucial to effective policy formulation and facilitating transitions to sustainable energy systems.  A ‘clean energy transition’ refers broadly to a substitution of technologies and associated fuel inputs across the full set of energy subsectors and consumers of energy, both as intermediates and final goods.

India’s clean energy transition

No one needs a net zero world more than the world’s largest and oldest democracy- India. India has huge potential for green transition investments such as solar, hydro or wind.

However, a clean energy transition is highly unlikely to occur on its own.  Political economy considerations take a leading role. India and China are cases in point. In 2009, it is fair to say that India’s negotiation strategy aimed to position climate change as a developed country problem. In contrast, India’s INDC (Intended Nationally Determined Contributions) offers serious attempts to reduce the carbon intensity of its GDP. China has gone further, offering to peak emissions by 2030 with declines thereafter.

However in 2019 India announced that it would take up its installed capacity of renewable energy to 450 GW by 2030. The Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) scheme is another initiative of the Government of India with respect to enhancing the manufacturing sector for the production of raw materials for renewable energy. Offshore wind too has been given a new lease of life through recent government reforms and targets. With a coastline of about 7,600 km, offering the potential to install ~195GW of offshore wind capacity, the segment can contribute to India’s clean energy target.

A latest report of Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, India’s renewable energy capacity is projected to grow rapidly with 35-40 GW added annually through to the fiscal year 2029/30. Installed renewable energy capacity (including large hydro) rose from a few megawatts (MW) in 2010 to ~163 gigawatts (GW) as of August 2022. India’s ambitious renewable energy targets and the associated policy and reform framework have been an important tailwind for the sector’s development.

“The good news is that the lifeline is right in front of us,” says UN Secretary-General António Guterres, stressing that renewable energy technologies like wind and solar already exist today, and in most cases, are cheaper than coal and other fossil fuels.  We now need to put them to work, urgently, at scale and speed.

The Insurer had a duty to inform the appellants that a change regarding the limitation on its liability was being introduced

by | Apr 17, 2023 | Legal

The Insurer had a duty to inform the appellants that a change regarding the limitation on its liability was being introduced

Case Title: Jacob Punnen and another versus United India Insurance Co Ltd

Decided on 9 Dec 2021

“The Insurer had a duty to inform the appellants that a change regarding the limitation on its liability was being introduced”

In this case Jacob Punnen and another versus United India Insurance Co Ltd, a bench comprising Justices S Ravindra Bhat and KM Joseph was considering an appeal against an order of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, which denied relief to the appellants.

The appellants, two senior citizens, had availed a mediclaim policy from United India Insurance in 1982, which was renewed on yearly basis. In 2008, the second appellant had to undergo angioplasty surgery. A claim of Rupees 3.82 lakhs was submitted by the appellants to the insurer with respect to the angioplasty surgery. The coverage at the relevant time was Rs 8 lakhs. However, the insurer accepted the claim for only Rupees 2 lakhs, saying that the renewed agreement had a clause which limited the liability with respect to surgeries like angioplasty to an amount of Rs.2 lakhs.

  • The policy holder is under the impression that the existing conditions are being renewed.
  • “If the renewed contract is agreed, in all respects, by both parties, undoubtedly the fresh terms (with restrictions) would be binding. However, that would not be the case when a new term is introduced unilaterally about which the policy holder is in the dark. Further, the allusion to continuation of the terms of the Gold policy in respect of senior citizens (who were not to be compelled to migrate to another policy) but were to be subject to the same terms, upon payment of a different rate of premia, reinforces the conclusion that there was in fact, a renewal of the existing terms”.

Duty of insurers

  • The Court noted that a striking feature of the insurance contract is the principle of uberrima fide (duty of utmost good faith). In this backdrop, the insurer cannot plead that it is the duty of the policyholders to satisfy themselves about the terms and conditions. The Court took note of two particular facts – (1) the appellants are in need of health insurance due to advanced age; (2) the insurance policies are in standard form which offers no space for bargain or negotiation.
  • “In the present case, the standard form contract, renewed year after year, left the appellants only with the choice of raising the insurance cover”. That being the situation, the “informational blackout” by the insurer was a crucial omission, held the Court.
  • Justice Joseph held :

“‘The Insurer had a duty to inform the appellants that a change regarding the limitation on its liability was being introduced. there was unjustifiable non-disclosure by the Insurer about the introduction of clause of limitation and, in this case, it constituted a deficiency in service and resultantly the appellants are entitled to relief”.

Shopping Malls cannot ask for parking fee Quotes from Consumer Judgments

by | Apr 16, 2023 | Legal

Shopping Malls cannot ask for parking fee Quotes from Consumer Judgments

Case Title: Pauly Vadakkan v. Lulu International Shopping Mall Pvt Ltd. (WP(C) NO. 29749 OF 2021),January 28, 2022.

The first petition was moved by a social worker Bosco Louis who appeared as a party in person. Another petition was moved by film director Pauly Vadakkan after he was charged Rs 20 as parking fees when he visited the mall on December 2.

In his plea, Vadakkan had alleged that the mall staff closed the exit gates and threatened him when he initially refused to pay the amount

Kerala High Court on Friday opined that prima facie, the collection of parking fees by Lulu International shopping mall was not appropriate while adjudicating upon a couple of pleas alleging that the mall collecting parking fees from its customers was illegal.

Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan sought a clear response from the Kalamassery Municipality on this question and posted the matter to be taken up after two weeks.

“As per the Building Rules, parking space is a part of the building, and a building permit is issued on the condition that there will be a parking space. Based on this undertaking a building is constructed. After construction, whether the owner can collect a parking fee is the question. Prima face, I am of the opinion that it is not the case. Now I want to know the stand of the Municipality in this issue.”

The Court after hearing both sides directed the Municipality to file a statement on its definite stand whether a parking fee can be collected for a parking space mandatory under Building Rules

The matter taken up on January 28, 2022.

  • It was observed that collecting parking fees was a blatant violation of the Kerala Municipality Act and Kerala Municipality Building Rules 1994 since as per the rules, the mall is a commercial complex and the place earmarked in the approved building plan for parking cannot be converted into a pay & park facility.
  • If any conversion is made, that is a fraud on the statute and unsustainable in the eye of the law, the petitioner had submitted.
  • In 2019, the Gujarat High Court had ruled that malls and multiplexes should not collect parking fees as they are under a statutory obligation to provide car parking space.

 Prepared By Dr Prem Lata

Enquire Now

    X
    Enquire Now