There are several recipes in which saffron can be used. From appetizers to desserts, its peculiar flavor due to the presence of the elements that compose the picrocrocina and its scent made up of active ingredient safranal joined to the beautiful yellow gold color given by crocin, makes it one of the most unusual and versatile spice.
The Romans used it to prepare dishes for cooking game and aromatic wines. Arabs for cakes and breads. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance it was used for the preparation of "crayons" spices and meat pies, breads, soups, cakes savory, vegetables and legumes in meats and cheeses, fruit and cakes.
Today, appreciated by the best international chefs including those in the restaurant "Dulcis in Fundo", San Gimignano, is used for preparing countless recipes and creative cooking.
venerdì 18 marzo 2011
Saffron: Aphrodisiac and Therapeutic Treatments
Its scientific name is Crocus Sativus Linnaeus while its name "saffron" derives from Arabian "za'faran" which means yellow. The plant is a perennial bulbous of the Iridacee family. The beautiful purple flower gives the three red stigmas in the middle, which once dried according to technical specifications, they are called "saffron". It takes about 150,000 flowers to obtain one kilogram of product.
Considered precious since ancient times, saffron was used in Persia as an aphrodisiac. In Greek mythology, Hermes, the patron god of love, awaken his sexual desire with saffron.
Actually it has been proved effective against impotence and frigidity, stimulates appetite, it is a cardio-tonic and a strong antioxidant. Helps the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Protects against damage caused by free radicals and improves blood flow to the brain and memory. Useful against cough, indigestion, insomnia and reduces menstrual pain. It is also useful in the treatment of light depression. For external use it is used to treat contusions and bruises, burns, bruises and in the preparation of astringent eye drops.
Recent studies testify the effectiveness of this spice for leukemia, breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
It has to be used in small doses because too much can be lethal, causing severe poisoning, abortions and lead to death from internal bleeding.
Considered precious since ancient times, saffron was used in Persia as an aphrodisiac. In Greek mythology, Hermes, the patron god of love, awaken his sexual desire with saffron.
Actually it has been proved effective against impotence and frigidity, stimulates appetite, it is a cardio-tonic and a strong antioxidant. Helps the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Protects against damage caused by free radicals and improves blood flow to the brain and memory. Useful against cough, indigestion, insomnia and reduces menstrual pain. It is also useful in the treatment of light depression. For external use it is used to treat contusions and bruises, burns, bruises and in the preparation of astringent eye drops.
Recent studies testify the effectiveness of this spice for leukemia, breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
It has to be used in small doses because too much can be lethal, causing severe poisoning, abortions and lead to death from internal bleeding.
Zafferano in cucina
Svariate sono le ricette in cui lo zafferano può essere utilizzato. Dagli antipasti ai dolci, il suo particolarissimo sapore dovuto alla presenza fra gli elementi che lo compongono della picrocrocina e il suo profumo costituito dal principio attivo del safranale uniti al bel colore giallo oro donatogli dalla crocina, ne fanno una delle spezie più particolari e versatili.
I romani ne facevano uso nella preparazione di piatti a base di selvaggina e per quella di vini aromatizzati. Gli arabi per dolci e pani. Durante il medioevo e il rinascimento si utilizzava per la preparazione dei”pastelli” pasticci di spezie e carni, nel pane, nelle minestre, nelle torte salate, sulle verdure e i legumi, nei salumi e i formaggi, sulla frutta e nei dolci.
Oggi, apprezzato dai migliori chefs internazionali fra cui quelli del ristorante “Dulcis in Fundo” , di San Gimignano, viene utilizzato per la preparazione di innumerevoli ricette tradizionali e di cucina creativa.
Lo zafferano e le sue proprieta' afrodisiache e terapeuriche
Considerato prezioso fin dall’antichità, lo zafferano in Persia veniva utilizzato come afrodisiaco. Nella mitologia greca Ermes, il dio protettore degli amanti, risveglia il loro desiderio sessuale con lo zafferano.
In realtà si è dimostrato efficace contro impotenza e frigidità, stimola l’appetito, è un cardiotonico e un forte antiossidante. Aiuta il metabolismo dei grassi, dei carboidrati e delle proteine. Protegge dai danni causati dai radicali liberi e migliora la circolazione sanguigna del cervello e la memoria. Utile contro la tosse, la cattiva digestione e l’insonnia, è un potente emmenagogo e attenua i dolori mestruali. E’ anche utile nella terapia di depressioni leggere. Per uso esterno viene utilizzato per curare contusioni ed ecchimosi, scottature, escoriazioni e nella preparazione di alcuni colliri astringenti.
Recenti studi testimonierebbero l’efficacia di questa spezia contro la leucemia, il carcinoma mammario e il morbo di Alzhaimer.
Va usato in piccole dosi perché in quantità eccessiva può essere letale, causare gravi intossicazioni, aborti e condurre al decesso per emorragia interna.
venerdì 21 maggio 2010
Saffron, San Gimignano exceptional taste
Together with art, culture, towers, wine, San Gimignano is proud of another antic traditional product: Saffron.
Since ancient times, Saffron has always been considered a symbol of material and spiritual wealth, probably because of its warm color that recalls gold. The clothes of the Egyptian priests, the curtains wrapping mummies, the veils of brides in ancient Rome, the robes of the Assyrians and Babylonians king, wedding dresses of medieval women to that of the Dalai Lama were all dyed using saffron.
In San Gimignano the tradition of its use dates back to medieval times, when the cultivation of this precious flower, crocus, extended throughout the territory surrounding the town. During the flowering, lilac/purple fields struck the traveler eyes along the Via Francigena pilgrimage. Introduced by the first crusaders, saffron found in San Gimignano, ideal conditions for a huge development.
A few years ago some willing producers, among them "Fortezza de 'Cortesi, encouraged by the Region of Tuscany, ARSIA Agricolture Authority and the Municipality, re-started the recovery path of production of this precious spice. After a testing phase, carried out for the first time under international yardsticks, have come to obtaining the Denomination of Origin (PDO). Laboratory tests conducted on the product gave surprising results and gave to The Saffron Dop of San Gimignano the most prestigious category in the world. Cultivated, harvested and processed entirely by hand according to biological criteria, is packed while keeping intact the stigmas to protection from counterfeiting.
Since ancient times, Saffron has always been considered a symbol of material and spiritual wealth, probably because of its warm color that recalls gold. The clothes of the Egyptian priests, the curtains wrapping mummies, the veils of brides in ancient Rome, the robes of the Assyrians and Babylonians king, wedding dresses of medieval women to that of the Dalai Lama were all dyed using saffron.
In San Gimignano the tradition of its use dates back to medieval times, when the cultivation of this precious flower, crocus, extended throughout the territory surrounding the town. During the flowering, lilac/purple fields struck the traveler eyes along the Via Francigena pilgrimage. Introduced by the first crusaders, saffron found in San Gimignano, ideal conditions for a huge development.
A few years ago some willing producers, among them "Fortezza de 'Cortesi, encouraged by the Region of Tuscany, ARSIA Agricolture Authority and the Municipality, re-started the recovery path of production of this precious spice. After a testing phase, carried out for the first time under international yardsticks, have come to obtaining the Denomination of Origin (PDO). Laboratory tests conducted on the product gave surprising results and gave to The Saffron Dop of San Gimignano the most prestigious category in the world. Cultivated, harvested and processed entirely by hand according to biological criteria, is packed while keeping intact the stigmas to protection from counterfeiting.
venerdì 14 maggio 2010
About Charming Country Resort in Tuscany
The Charming Country Resort will be the right choice for a holiday, making you experience the full potential of this land, combining pleasures of the countryside comfort and relax, luxury and antic, wellness and culture, art and food, wine and traditions.
A stay of excellence, the pleasure of living according to natural rhythms of the seasons, to enjoy the taste of the old home made breakfast and meals with local produce, to spend time lost in idleness reading or just listening to the chirping of cicadas on the edge of a swimming pool or chatting in front of a fireplace, have the luxury of this era in which everything is experienced in haste. In Tuscany and throughout Italy there are several structures that apply this philosophy of hospitality. The guest has the opportunity to enjoy a holiday full of exclusive comfort out of the same stereotype farmhouse rustic and good. Often these luxury cottages to foster local knowledge, organize courses of all kinds, from those of typical local cuisine to those of medieval history, horseback and bicycle tours, guided tours of the city of art and wine.
Some even offer the possibility of personal services such as relaxing massages, Shiatsu, sauna etc.. and are often organized as a real beauty farms. All this offers the opportunity for both owners and guests to give and receive hospitality at all times of the year beyond the limit of seasonality. At all times so you can spend a period of pleasant break to relax and then return to everyday...... knowing that somewhere not too far away, there are places where you can experience that time got still human beats .
A stay of excellence, the pleasure of living according to natural rhythms of the seasons, to enjoy the taste of the old home made breakfast and meals with local produce, to spend time lost in idleness reading or just listening to the chirping of cicadas on the edge of a swimming pool or chatting in front of a fireplace, have the luxury of this era in which everything is experienced in haste. In Tuscany and throughout Italy there are several structures that apply this philosophy of hospitality. The guest has the opportunity to enjoy a holiday full of exclusive comfort out of the same stereotype farmhouse rustic and good. Often these luxury cottages to foster local knowledge, organize courses of all kinds, from those of typical local cuisine to those of medieval history, horseback and bicycle tours, guided tours of the city of art and wine.
Some even offer the possibility of personal services such as relaxing massages, Shiatsu, sauna etc.. and are often organized as a real beauty farms. All this offers the opportunity for both owners and guests to give and receive hospitality at all times of the year beyond the limit of seasonality. At all times so you can spend a period of pleasant break to relax and then return to everyday...... knowing that somewhere not too far away, there are places where you can experience that time got still human beats .
venerdì 16 aprile 2010
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Feel the atmosphere of our Tuscan Retreat, a special place for unforgettable holiday.... beautiful pictures will make you feel here and share with us unforgettable moments in San Gimignano, Tuscany!
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