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What Is Saffron? How To Use Saffron

Saffron 2012 Food Trend

This year I have been asked “what is saffron?” more than ever, so it must be a food trend for 2012. All of a sudden everyone wants to know how to use it in cooking.

What Is Saffron?

what is saffron Saffron is a seasoning that is actually the stigmas of a crocus plant.

It is very expensive because each crocus only has 3 of these stigmas and each one must be hand-harvested. You can buy it as a powder or more commonly as threads.

It has a somewhat unique and/or acquired flavor, tasting a bit like an exotic hay. Saffron gives any dish a distinctive yellow color.

Use Saffron Carefully! It Is Expensive!

You use saffron very carefully as it is very expensive!!

This small amount in my hand is sold as a 1 grain envelope and cost $3.79. There are about 480 grains in an ounce!! I have heard that it is the most expensive spice in the world.

Cooking With Saffron

A good rule of thumb when cooking with saffron is that a little goes a long way. Since it is a delicate seasoning, it is often used with rice and fish dishes. Spanish cuisine uses saffron often.

how to use saffron Usually, 1 grain, or a pinch would be enough in a stew or soup that serves 6-8 guests. Saffron does tend to be a bit stronger on the second day.

For best results with saffron, rub the stigmas between your thumb and forefinger to crush them as you put them into your pot. Soups, stew and other moist cooking dishes can have the saffron added straight in but for a dry cooked item it is wise to soak your saffron in a bit of warm water first.

Where To Buy Saffron

You can buy saffron at most US conventional grocery stores. It is sold in little envelopes that usually hang in some obscure location like the produce department or in a corner of the spice section.

what is saffron When I worked in the restaurant business the saffron was always locked up in the manager’s office!!

We bought it in 1 ounce tins that were very decorative.

The employees always wanted to be the one to finish the tin so that they could take the empty container home.

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Blog Hop – Fest 2010

Welcome To The Blog HOP – Blog Fest 2010!

The Blog Hop – Fest is over and it sure was fun to see all the comments posted as visitors hopped from blog to blog. I will submit the contest entries listed below and get in touch with the winners within the next couple of days. If you are visiting the site after the Hop is over, please take some time to look around. We have many resources for the person and family who want to live healthy. (Everyone wants to be healthy!!)

The Winners Of The First Annual Blog Hop Prizes

Congratulations Julie and Joani for winning the 6 Weeks To The New You healthy Natural Diet Program! Thank you everyone for visiting and hope to see you again next year!

Check out the links in the side bar and enjoy our recipes and tips!

This is our 1st Blogfest – Midnight 10th September USA EST until Midnight 12th September USA EST. Make a comment on this post and you will be entered to win one of 2 FREE $27 Diet Club 6 Week memberships! Learn more about the Natural Diet Program.

All giveaways will be drawn after the Blogfest closes on 12th of September at midnight. Winners will be selected randomly. YOU MUST Include a valid email to be entered in the give-away. We will draw two winners using Random.org for membership in the 6 Week Weight Loss Camp.

Thanks to Cinnamon Brown from A Journey of Books for organizing such and awesome event. Check out her blog here A JOURNEY OF BOOKS

Learn more about healthy eating by looking around the site.

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Red Meat – Processed Meats Increase Risk Of Cancer

Increase Risk Of Cancer
Caused By Red & Processed Meat Diet

The U.S. Cancer Institute did a long-term study on over 500,000 people ages 50-71 and found that a diet that includes large amounts of red or processed meats does in fact increase your risk of cancers.

In this case the study defined red meat as beef, pork, lamb, hot dogs and processed meat including bacon, sausages and luncheon meats.

Conclusions were that those who ate a lot of red meat and processed meats do have a higher risk of several types of cancer, including lung cancer and colon cancer. **

The U.S. National Cancer Institute stated that “a decrease in the consumption of red and processed meat could reduce the incidence of cancer.” **

Those in the study who ate the least amounts of red meat did have 20-60 percent less risk of any type of cancer when compared to those who ate the most red meat. The study did take into account smokers as well.

Eat Less Red Meat

Reduce meat consumption The consumption of red meat has been on the rise for years partly as a result of the industrialized food practices bringing the cost down. It is easy to increase your consumption of other meat proteins and therefore reduce red meat consumption. Turkey is one of the best animal sources of proteins, bringing us a nutrient powerhouse, better fats and more vitamins and minerals. Incorporating legumes into your meat dishes is another way to reduce red meat consumption as well. Making any ground beef dish with the addition of black beans or other legumes will result in a higher fiber, reduced animal fat entree. Organic meat producers and processed food companies are less likely to be using carcinogenic additives.

Processed Food Cancer Risks-Nitrates

Today most processed deli foods and meats are treated with nitrates. Nitrates are proven cancer-causing agents and should be avoided at all costs! Avoid all but the most naturally processed meats! Buying processed meats that are not treated with nitrates will go a long way toward reducing your family’s risk factors for cancer.