Studies have determined that saffron can slow and even reverse cancer growth, help prevent cardiovascular disease, improve vision and mood, and may help prevent kidney damage for those with diabetes.
Tips for Cooking with Saffron
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Using Saffron Threads
Before adding to recipes, cooks sometimes warm saffron threads gently for a few minutes in a preheated oven. Warmed or not, crumble threads lightly and infuse in warm chicken or vegetable broth, or warm water for a few minutes. Then add to your recipe.
Or crumble a few threads in your fingers and add toward the end of cooking, which is what I often do when steaming vegetables and preparing whole grains such as brown rice.
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Using Saffron Powder
Powdered saffron can be put directly into recipes.
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Avoiding Aluminum
To avoid exposure to aluminum, line roasting pans with lining paper—the parchment side is exposed to the food, while the aluminum liner is on the other side.