Saffron is one of the most common spices used in the diet of southern Europe, especially in the Mediterranean, since time immemorial. Its difficulty in harvesting and its characteristic colour, as well as the flavour it provides to each and every dish it touches, have made it one of the most sought-after spices. Saffron extract, which concentrates its flavour and properties even more, is becoming a sensation.
If you want your dishes to have that colour and ancient culinary tradition, saffron and its extract can help you bring back memories of your childhood, of those tasty and hearty stews. If you want to know how to get the most out of it, keep reading, because we will also explain some of its most important benefits for our health.
What is saffron?
To understand its extract we must first explain where the flavor comes from. Saffron is obtained from the dried stigmas of the flower of Crocus sativus, a plant of the Iridaceae family. It is considered thespicemost expensive saffron in the world due to its delicate harvesting process and the large number of flowers needed to produce a small amount of saffron. Its color is a deep red and it is famous for its ability to add a distinctive flavor and a golden color to dishes.
Its aroma is very intense and floral, with a slightly sweet touch. The flavour is unique, with earthy and somewhat bitter notes. It is mainly used to enhance the flavour of dishes such as paella, risotto or biriyani.
What is saffron extract?
Saffron extract is a concentrate of the stigmas of the same saffron plant in threads. What makes it different is that it is made up of the most important active compounds of saffron, such as crocin (responsible for the intense yellow color), picrocrocin (which gives it its bitter taste) and safranal (which provides the characteristic aroma). Saffron extract is used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries and has applications both to improve the flavor and color of food and to take advantage of its therapeutic benefits:
In the food industry
It is used as a natural colorant and flavoring in food products such as beverages, dairy products, confectionery and gourmet dishes. Being more concentrated than saffron threads, it is practical for industrial processes. It is also used in the preparation of infusions and functional drinks that take advantage of the antioxidant compounds in saffron.
In medicine and nutritional supplements
Saffron extract is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties.eithers. It is used in capsule or tablet form as a supplement to improve mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety and mild depression, and in the treatment of disorders such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is also being investigated for use in improving vision and memory due to its effects on neuronal health.
In cosmetics
This extract is also used in the formulation of creams and serums to take advantage of its antioxidant properties and its ability to improve the appearance of the skin, providing luminosity and helping to reduce blemishes.
How do you get it?
The process of obtaining saffron extract involves several steps, including the extraction of the active compounds present in the saffron stigmas. Let’s look at the extraction process:
Collection of stigmata
First, the dried stigmas of the saffron flower, which are the fine red threads of the flower, are collected. This is done in the same way as in the traditional production of saffron threads.
Grinding of the stigmas
The dried stigmas are ground into a fine powder. This step facilitates the extraction of the saffron’s active compounds.
Extraction process
Saffron powder undergoes a solvent extraction process, which can be water, alcohol (ethanol) or a mixture of both. This step is done to extract the soluble compounds of saffron, such as crocin, picrocrocin and safranal. In this process, saffron powder is mixed with the solvent and left to macerate for a specific time at a controlled temperature. This way, the active components of saffron can be separated.
Filtration and concentration
After maceration, the mixture is filtered to separate the solid particles from the liquid containing the extracted compounds. Subsequently,The liquid is subjected to a concentration process, removing part of the solvent to obtain a more concentrated extract. In some cases, lyophilization (freeze drying) can be used to remove the solvent and obtain a dry powder extract.
Standardization and formulation
The extract is standardized, meaning its concentration is adjusted to ensure it has a consistent amount of the most important active compounds. This is critical for uses in nutritional supplements and pharmaceuticals, as it ensures the quality and efficacy of the extract. Finally, saffron extract can be formulated into liquids, powders, capsules, or even pills, depending on its final application.
Benefits of saffron extract
Saffron extract has a variety of health benefits thanks to the bioactive compounds it contains. These compounds are responsible for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant properties, and more. Some of the top health benefits of saffron extract include:
Mood improvement
Saffron extract is known for its antidepressant properties. Studies have shown that it may be effective in treating symptoms of mild to moderate depression.
The active components of saffron, such as safranal and crocin, help increase serotonin levels, a key neurotransmitter in mood regulation. This helps reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. In some cases, the effectiveness of saffron extract has been compared to certain conventional antidepressants, showing similar results, but with fewer side effects.
Antioxidant properties
Saffron extract is rich in antioxidants, which help fight damage caused by free radicals in cells. Antioxidants are essential for preventing premature aging, improving cellular health, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. These antioxidants also have a positive effect on reducing oxidative stress, which is linked to metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases..
Relief of symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS))
Saffron extract has been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms of PMS, such as irritability, fatigue, and mood swings. It works by regulating levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, which helps reduce the intensity of emotional and physical symptoms that many women experience before their menstrual period. Some studies have indicated that saffron extract supplementation may be as effective as certain hormonal treatments for PMS, with a favorable safety profile.
Improving eye health
This extract may be beneficial for eye health, as it has been associated with protecting retinal cells from oxidative damage. Some studies have suggested that crocin may help improve vision in people with diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma. It may also play a role in improving light sensitivity and protecting against damage caused by exposure to bright light.
Appetite control
Saffron extract has been used as a natural appetite suppressant. It has been observed that it can help reduce the urge to overeat and cravings, especially those related to stress and emotional state. This makes it an ally for people looking to control their weight or follow a healthy eating plan, as it can decrease calorie intake by reducing anxiety about eating.
Improved cognitive function and memory
Its active compounds, such as crocin and safranal, may have a positive effect on cognitive health and memory. Its potential to protect neurons and improve brain function has been investigated. Some studies have suggested that saffron extract could be useful in managing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Its ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation is thought to help protect brain cells and improve memory and learning.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Saffron extract has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and relieve certain chronic pains, such as those related to arthritis. By reducing inflammation, it can also contribute to better muscle recovery and reduce systemic inflammation, benefiting overall health.
Support for cardiovascular health
The antioxidants present in saffron extract, along with its ability to reduce LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol levels and improve blood circulation, may be beneficial for heart health. Research has shown that it may help reduce blood pressure and protect blood vessel walls, helping to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Improving sleep quality
Saffron has traditionally been used to improve sleep quality. Some studies indicate that it can help reduce insomnia and improve deep sleep, thanks to its relaxing effect and its ability to regulate serotonin levels. This makes it a natural resource for people looking to improve their rest and combat stress and anxiety that make it difficult to sleep.
Saffron extract has become a true elixir, capable of offering flavour and health in equal parts. It is used in many sectors, although the one that interests us is, of course, the food sector. Cosmos Aromatica Our vocation goes beyond collaborating with our clients in the design of aromas.
We seek to develop customized aromatic solutions. Our almost half-century of experience has helped us to transmit the best sensations to consumers. If you have any specific questions or are looking to create a flavor for your brand, you can trust our team by contacting us. Contact for more customized solutions.
