Spices part5

Saffron is a rare spice produces by the stigma of saffron flowers. The centers of about 75,000 flowers are needed to make a pound of this spice. It takes the form of dried brownish filamentss or an orange-yellow powder and has a pungent smell and bitter flavor. Saffron is said to help ease menstrual problems, depression, and chronic diarrhea. It also contains a blood pressure lowering chemical called crocetin-in fact, some authorities speculate that the low incidence of heart disease in Spain is due to the nation's high saffron consumption.