Why India is turning only country that got Geographical Indication (GI ) for Saffron

Saffron cultivation is believed to have been introduced in Kashmir by Central Asian immigrants around the 1st Century BCE.

• It has been associated with traditional Kashmiri cuisine and represents the rich cultural heritage of the region.

It is a very precious and costly product.

In ancient Sanskrit literature, saffron is referred to as ‘bahukam’.

It is cultivated and harvested in the Karewa (highlands) of Jammu and Kashmir.

Uniqueness: The features which differentiate it from other saffron varieties available the world over are:

• It is the only saffron that is grown at an altitude of 1,600 m to 1,800 m above mean sea level

• .It has longer and thicker stigmas, natural deep-red colour, high aroma, bitter flavour, and chemical-free processing.

It also has a high quantity of crocin (colouring strength), safranal (flavour) and picrocrocin (bitterness)

Types:

 There are three types of saffron available in Kashmir — Lachha Saffron, Mongra Saffron and Guchhi Saffron.

Uses:

• Kashmir saffron is used globally as a spice. It also helps in revitalizing health.

It is used in cosmetics and for medicinal purposes.

The benefit of the tag: With the GI tag, Kashmir saffron would gain more prominence in the export market.

Iran is the largest producer of saffron and India is a close competitor.