JOY SAFFRON

“It is the saffron of Persian tradition, with a unique flavor, cultivated in Iran since ancient times.”

SAFFRON: A PRECIOUS SPICE.

Origins of Iranian Red Gold.

Saffron is a spice obtained from the stigmas of the Crocus Sativus flower. The saffron plant grows up to 20 or 30 cm and produces up to four flowers, each with three stigmas. The stems and stigmas, which make up the saffron flower, are harvested and dried for use primarily in cooking, as a seasoning and coloring agent.

Saffron is considered one of the most expensive spices in the world.

The earliest documented evidence of saffron cultivation dates back to about 2500 years ago, during the Bronze Age. The spice’s origin is located in Iran, in the Zagros Mountains; currently, however, most of the production is concentrated in the Khorasan region. The earliest written records of saffron being used as a spice date back to 500 BC. The Romans used saffron to flavor game meat and aromatize wines, and as an ingredient in a medicine to combat poisons.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the spread of saffron decreased significantly. It was only around the year 1000 that the cultivation of Crocus sativus was reintroduced to Europe by the Arabs, through Spain. From then on, Spain remained the main producer, consumer, and importer of saffron in Europe.

Our company cultivates saffron in the Khorasan province, in northeastern Iran, an area that has been very important in the production of Iranian saffron for half a century, importing it worldwide.

CERTIFICATIONS

Lo zafferano prodotto da Joy Saffron è certificato in CLASSE A
grazie al colore, al profumo e al sapore intenso, che permangono nel tempo.

Do you work in the Ho.re.ca sector and are interested in our products?

SAFFRON CULTIVATION

How is Iranian Red Gold cultivated and harvested?

Our company is a family-run business operating in the agricultural sector with respect for nature and the end customer, avoiding the use of herbicides and pesticides.

For over 50 years, we have been producing top-quality Class A saffron, ensuring the highest respect for standards and procedures to offer a superior-quality product.

Saffron harvesting lasts approximately 15 to 25 days. The entire procedure is carried out manually, thanks to the skills and experience of our collaborators.

THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN OUR COMPANY

Workdays produced:

0
WORKDAYS
0
DAYS PER YEAR PER HECTARE CULTIVATED

Female workforce employed in the production phases.

HARVESTING OF THE FLOWERS

0%

SEPARATION OF THE STIGMAS

0%

SAFFRON

Health benefits

Saffron has anti-inflammatory and healing effects. It is rich in vitamins, plant fibers, and minerals, which are recognized for their antioxidant properties, protection of cell membranes, strengthening of the immune system, and action against free radicals.

Saffron is an excellent remedy for insomnia, depression, stomach pains, heart diseases, and is also a powerful appetite suppressant. Incorporating saffron into your diet 2/3 times a week helps eliminate body fat, especially that localized in the abdomen and hips, thanks to the presence of vitamins B1 and B12, thus also constituting an excellent “anti-aging” agent.

Recent research has shown the beneficial effects of saffron as an antidepressant and as a natural remedy to increase sexual desire, thanks to its effect on blood flow. Important research has also been conducted on its potential contribution to the treatment of serious illnesses such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes.

Saffron has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of various ailments and issues. In Chinese medicine, it is used in cases of menorrhagia or amenorrhea. In Indian medicine, saffron is used for the treatment of bronchitis, sore throat, headaches, fever, and vomiting. In ancient Persia, saffron was used by ancient worshippers as a ritual offering to the deities.

IRANIAN SAFFRON Super Neghin

AAA+ Class All Red Cut

Only the final part of the stigmas is selected, the reddest part containing the highest concentration of properties that give the classic color, flavor, and aroma. This is a product of the highest possible quality, which allows for a high yield in relation to the quantity used in cooking or other contexts.

4 different qualities of saffron

Neghin, Sargol, Pushal e Bunch

DRIED FRUITS AND SEEDS

Pistachios

It originates from the Middle East, where it was cultivated already in prehistoric times and, in particular, in Persia. Several Greek and Hellenistic authors mention pistachios, placing their cultivation in Syria, Persia, and India. Pistachios fruit in a biennial cycle, which, along with climatic variations, causes significant fluctuations in yields and prices.

The food is composed of 55-60% lipids, 18-22% proteins, and 4-6% carbohydrates. They are highly energetic foods. Calories are mainly provided by lipids, followed by proteins, and finally by carbohydrates. Pistachios contain no cholesterol and are rich in fiber.

Walnuts

The two most common species of fruit-bearing walnut are Juglans regia and Juglans nigra. The former has Persian origins, while the latter comes from North America. Numerous walnut cultivars have been commercialized, almost all hybrids of Juglans regia.

The effects of essential fats on the body, especially in the case of pre-existing metabolic disorders, include: reduction of total cholesterol, reduction of triglycerides, normalization of blood pressure, reduction of systemic inflammation, reduction of complications related to chronic hyperglycemia, typical of type 2 diabetes mellitus, blood thinning, reduction in the incidence of atherosclerosis and thrombosis, maintenance of nervous and ocular structure and integrity, mood and brain activity benefits.

Almonds

Almonds are particularly recommended in the diets of individuals with chronic and metabolic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Beneficial effects on glycemic control, lipid profile, and fat deposits have been demonstrated. These effects appear to be able to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Like all oily seeds, almonds have a high caloric content, and their intake in the diet should always be balanced.

Cashews

The name Anacardium derives from the Greek kardia = “heart,” referring to the shape of the fruit. Cashews are a source of fatty acids with protective properties for cardiovascular health and antioxidants that can, in turn, protect heart and artery health.

Peanuts

Peanut seeds have a high protein content. They are also a good source of niacin and thus contribute to brain health and blood circulation.

Recent research on peanuts has found the presence of antioxidants and other chemical compounds that can benefit health. The antioxidant content of roasted peanuts is comparable to that of blackberries and strawberries and much higher than that of apples, carrots, and beets. Additionally, peanuts are a source of coenzyme Q10.

Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts, also known as “filberts,” are the fruit of the hazel tree, a plant cultivated by humans since ancient times. After almonds, they are the fruit richest in vitamin E and are a source of phytosterols, a group of substances considered important for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Hazelnuts also contain monounsaturated fats capable of lowering LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides.

Plums

Originally from Asia, specifically the regions of Persia and the Caucasus, it later began to be cultivated in Syria, primarily in Damascus.

The fruit contains vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, as well as some minerals: potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. Regarding minerals, noteworthy concentrations of potassium, magnesium, and manganese are present.

Plums do not contain cholesterol, lactose, or gluten. Dried plums also have tonic, purifying, and energizing properties, while fresh plums contain many substances with antioxidant action.

Jujubes

It is believed that the jujube originated in North Africa and Syria, and was later exported to China and India, where it has been cultivated for over 4000 years.

Rich in vitamin C, it is also excellent for digestion and for sleeping better and to alleviate anxiety. It is also rich in phosphorus and iron. Very effective for osteoporosis. Jujube enhances memory.

Dried figs

As we all know, figs are highly energetic fruits, packed with minerals, especially potassium, magnesium, and iron, but also antioxidant vitamins play an important role.

They have properties: emollient and expectorant, remineralizing, bechic and emmenagogue, and laxative.

Moreover, they have anti-inflammatory, digestive, tanning, and anti-gastric secretion properties.

Sultana grapes

Sultana grapes originate from Iran and Turkey.

They have strong antioxidant, anticancer, cholesterol-lowering, and positive effects on carbohydrate metabolism. Rich in fiber, excellent for those suffering from constipation, and high in potassium, useful for regulating blood pressure.

White mulberry

In Asia, the wood of the white mulberry tree was used for making composite bows, while in Emilia-Romagna, to this day, the wood of this plant is essential for the production of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, and is used for crafting queen barrels that impart a particular aroma to the product.

It contains vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, and is recommended for arthritis, gout, migraine, energy boosting, reducing LDL, arteriosclerosis, heart problems, aiding in weight loss, anticancer properties, Alzheimer’s, antidepressant, diabetes, high blood pressure, stress relief, kidney and liver cleansing, anemia, insomnia, bloating, helping prevent hair loss.

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds, despite their small size, can be considered a food rich in beneficial properties and a healthy appetite suppressant, to be substituted for typical packaged snacks.

Pumpkin seeds are beneficial for the heart, help ensure a good night’s sleep, and overall good health.

They contain a noteworthy amount of highly digestible proteins that contribute to maintaining stable blood sugar levels. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and zinc.

Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are calorific foods. However, sunflower seeds also abound in other vitamins.

Their high energy content makes them ideal for breakfast or between snacks, mixed with other foods or taken individually in doses of 20-10 grams per day.