Desert gold is in danger... What's the story?

2024-01-08 2024-01-08T10:41:37Z

Weather of Arabia - Saffron , also known as red gold, is facing the risk of running out, as some of its producing countries announced a weak crop, which affected the global market for this precious spice, and producers and exporters made statements indicating the scarcity of saffron production in Iran, which is considered the largest supplier of this spice. In the world.

What is saffron?

Saffron is considered one of the most expensive spices in the world, as it is distinguished by its unique aroma and striking flavour, in addition to its charming colours. According to a report published by the Russia Today website, the 2023 crop from Iran, which provides more than 90% of the total global saffron production, is less than half of the crop harvested in 2022.

Since the Middle Ages, people have used saffron for its many health benefits. It was used as an herbal medicine to combat abdominal cramps and bloating. In the Middle Ages in Europe, it was considered an effective treatment for respiratory infections and disorders such as coughs, colds, scarlet fever, smallpox, cancer, hypoxia, and asthma. Among its many benefits:

Nutritional and antioxidant supplement

Saffron contains powerful antioxidants, which provide the body with many health benefits, including protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.

Fighting colon cancer

Saffron plays a role in combating damage caused by free radicals, and contributes to fighting colon cancer cells, according to some scientific studies.

Reducing appetite

Saffron helps reduce appetite, which contributes to reducing the desire to eat snacks, and may contribute to weight loss.

Treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Saffron is used to treat symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, including emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms.

Antidepressant

Saffron helps improve mood according to studies, and some scientific reviews have shown the effectiveness of saffron supplements in treating symptoms of depression without the side effects of traditional pharmaceutical drugs.

Climate change threatens the production of Indian saffron, the world's most expensive spice

Ali Moghaddam, CEO of Noveen Saffron Company, the leading company in the production and export of Iranian saffron, stated that the total production is expected to decline to about 170 tons, compared to about 400 tons last year, and producers and traders attribute the poor harvest to changes in weather patterns and water shortages. According to the statements of Mojtaba Baayam Asghari, Chairman of the Turbat Jam Saffron Exchange.

According to a report, he pointed out in advance the impact of very low temperatures in winter and a hot and dry spring, which resulted in the destruction of the crop, and the matter was exacerbated by the drying up of thousands of wells designated for irrigation.

Experts warn that the situation may worsen due to climate change, as this change affects weather patterns. Mohammad Darwish, an Iranian environmental expert, said:

“Iran is more vulnerable than the global average, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions where saffron is grown, where rainfall decreases, temperatures rise, and evaporation rates accelerate.”

The price of saffron has witnessed a sharp rise over the past years, reaching $1,400 per kilogram in the Iranian domestic market and $1,800 abroad, which has already affected Iran's exports of this spice. China constitutes the largest foreign buyer of Iranian saffron, representing 45% of total exports, while it includes... Other major buyers are Arab countries, Spain and Italy, where saffron is used in a variety of dishes.