Saffron Tea (Zafran Ki Chai)

Saffron is known as the “sunshine spice” for being a mood booster.

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world because it must be harvested by hand. It also takes a large quantity of blossoms and dried stigmas to make 1 kilogram (kg) of the spice.

The spice has a long history. It’s believed that humans used saffron as early as 3,500 years ago. Historically, people used it to treat a long list of health conditions, including:

• Trouble urinating
• Menstrual issues
• Eye disorders
• Ulcers
• Stomach issues
• Tumors
• Mental disorders
• Depression
• Stress
• Pain
• Anxiety
• Diabetes
• Skin disorders

How to make Saffron Tea:

Quantity:

3 to 4 strands of Saffron

a teaspoon of Honey

Water

Preparation:

Put the saffron in a cup with a little warm water and leave to simmer for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, pour boiling water over it and add a little honey to taste.

How to make Saffron Milk Tea:

Ingredients for (2 servings):

• MIlk                        1 ½ cups

• Water                      1 cup

• Saffron strands          15 to 25

• Cardamom pods         3 (optional)

• Honey                     2 teaspoon as required taste

Preparation:

• Place the water and optional cardamom into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil.

• Simmer the pods for 5 minutes.

• Turn off the heat and add the saffron strands. Allow the strands to steep for 5-8 minutes.

• Add the remaining ingredients. Stir and heat the milk to warm, not boiling, to protect the living nutrients in the raw milk.

• Strain and serve, adding more sweetener if desired, to taste.