Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. A pound (450 grams) costs between $500 and $5,000. Its high price is due to the labor-intensive method of harvesting, which makes its production expensive. Saffron is harvested manually from the saffron flower known as saffron. The term "saffron" is applied to the thread-like structure of the flower called the stigma. People eat saffron to increase libido, enhance mood, and improve memory. One of the powerful antioxidants Saffron contains an impressive array of plant compounds. They act as antioxidants - molecules that protect your cells from free radicals and oxidative stress. Common antioxidants in saffron include:
- Crocin
- crocetin
- safranal
- kaempferol
Crocin and crocetin are the carotenoid pigments responsible for the red color of saffron. Both can be mixed:
- It has antidepressant properties
- Protecting brain cells from gradual damage
- improves inflammation
- Reduce appetite
- Helps lose weight
Saffron gives its distinctive taste and aroma. Research shows that it can help improve your mood, memory, and ability to learn, as well as help, protect your brain cells from oxidative stress. Finally, kaempferol is found in the petals of the saffron flower. It can improve mood and treat symptoms of depression Saffron is called the spice of the rising sun. This is not only because of its distinctive color but also because it can help improve your mood. In a review of five studies, saffron supplements were significantly more effective than placebos in treating mild to moderate symptoms of depression. Other studies found that taking 30 mg of saffron daily was just as effective as fluoxetine, imipramine, and citalopram - traditional treatments for depression. In addition, fewer people experienced the side effects of saffron than other treatments. Saffron leaves and thread-like stigmas appear to be effective against mild to moderate depression. 
It may have anti-cancer properties. Saffron is high in antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals. In test-tube studies, saffron and its compounds have been shown to selectively kill colon cancer cells or inhibit their growth, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. It has been shown to damage healthy cells, and inhibit growth. Test-tube studies have also found that crocin - one of the main antioxidants in saffron - can make cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs. Although these results from test-tube studies are promising, the anti-cancer effects of saffron have not been well studied in humans, and more research is needed. In women ages, 20 to 45, taking 30 mg of saffron daily was more effective than a placebo in treating PMS symptoms, such as irritability, headache, cravings, and pain. Another study found that inhaling saffron for just 20 minutes helped reduce PMS symptoms such as anxiety and lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Sex stimulants are foods or supplements that help increase your libido. Studies have shown that saffron may have aphrodisiac properties - especially in people who take antidepressants. For example, taking 30 mg of saffron daily for 4 weeks significantly improved erectile function compared to a placebo in men with antidepressant-related erectile dysfunction. In addition, an analysis of six studies showed that taking saffron significantly improved erectile function, libido, and overall satisfaction but not sperm properties. 
Saffron production process
Saffron is often referred to as "red gold". The main reason may be that saffron has the most expensive production process among spices in the world. To obtain 1 kg of saffron, several thousand flowers are used, the harvest period is very laborious, a task that is done manually since there are no suitable machines for harvesting, collecting, and processing these exotic flowers. The scientific name of saffron is Crocus sativus and it belongs to the family Iridaceae. Some believe that saffron originated in the Medes of Iran. According to the global statistics for 2019, Iran exported 323 tons of saffron, which means that 90% of the saffron in the world is supplied by Iran. Many countries buy Iranian saffron in bulk and sell it in different packages. Statistics show that Iran often supplies the most expensive spices on the world market. Saffron is one of the most important ingredients in the world, which is gaining additional demand in developed and developing economies. According to the latest reports on the saffron market: Hong Kong, Spain, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Qatar, Germany, China, France, Sweden, Netherlands, Taiwan, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, Austria, United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, Portugal, Russia Norway, Poland, Singapore, and Morocco are the main importers of Iranian saffron. The dollar value of the world's saffron exports in 2019 amounted to $211,432,000, and Iran's share of the global saffron trade was $98,481,000. 
The quality of saffron is measured by these compounds in the laboratory, the higher the proportion of these compounds, the higher the quality of the saffron, and thus the greater the effect on the properties of saffron. These vehicles include: Crocin is responsible for the health benefits of saffron and its royal red color. Picrocrocin is a major compound in saffron that is responsible for the bitter taste The saffron compound is mainly responsible for the aroma of saffron spice and can be used as a measure of the quality of saffron. Saffron can be used as a spice in food without any restrictions. But the necessary studies for the use of pure and healthy saffron should be carried out so that organic products can be introduced into the world market with complete health. In Iran, the Industrial Standards and Research Institute, as well as the Food and Drug Administration, are responsible for developing relevant standards and quality control for saffron. The quality of Iranian saffron is studied and verified from various aspects, including physical, chemical, microbial, fungal, and other properties. 
Uses of saffron in different industries:
- Food industry: In recent years, the use of saffron has increased as a result of the trend of using natural additives in food instead of chemicals and synthetic. Saffron is used in the preparation of various foods, sweets, drinks, chocolate, and others. Aside from its common use in homes and restaurants, it is used as a natural flavor and color in many factories in the food industry.
- Medicinal uses of saffron: The dried stigma of saffron or saffron flowers has many pharmacological effects and is powerful and effective medicine. In recent years, research on the biological uses of saffron and its active ingredients has been able to achieve many clinical and health applications in humans, which are summarized in:
- Antioxidants
- anti-tumor
- anti-diabetic
- Enhance memory and learning
- Strengthening the immune system
- Use of saffron in cosmetics: Many cosmetic companies consider saffron to be a great ingredient for skin care. The benefits of this precious substance in maintaining the health of the human skin and body made it the raw material for the production of many products in this field.
Negin saffron benefits
Negin saffron has special benefits for health. The most important properties of saffron
- Antidepressants
- reduce pain
- Prevent hair loss
- Improve respiratory health
- Improve heart health
- improve mental health
- Improves skin health
- Strengthening the digestive system
- increase intelligence
In short, we have explanations for each of these features that may change your view of saffron. 1) Treat depression and increase happiness: One of the most important factors in the treatment of depression is some of the hormones responsible for nervous control. These hormones are called dopamine and serotonin. In a comprehensive study, scientists concluded that saffron can positively regulates these two hormones and help a depressed person recover faster and become happier. 2) Features to increase intelligence and memory: Although it has been said that the intelligence of every human being is largely related to his inherited aspects and his experimental efforts, the beautiful saffron plant has changed this rule quite a bit. Certain minerals are said to increase wisdom and intelligence. After the research was conducted by the researchers, they concluded that the following minerals are completely present in saffron. 
- manganese
- copper
- Iron
- selenium
- Opinion
- magnesium
However, it should be noted that excessive consumption of these substances does not increase intelligence, but is poisonous. These substances also help in strengthening memory. 3) Regulating the body clock and improving the sleep cycle Sleeping is not an activity for us, but it can greatly affect our health. When the sleep clock is off, it means that the body clock is down and the disruption of this clock leads to a malfunction in the body's organs. Although sleep disturbances can have various causes, saffron can help you get better and deeper sleep by influencing factors such as peace of mind, regulating the body clock, and refreshing the body. 4) hair loss treatment If you pay attention, one thing is known in medicine and botany, which is that any plant-shaped part of the body is beneficial for that part of the body. For example, if you cut a carrot, you will see that it looks like an eye, and according to research, it contains vitamin A and nutrients that help strengthen the eyes. This has been proven by many fruits. 
If you pay attention to saffron, you will see that it resembles hair. It has been proven that drinking saffron tea or saffron milk helps in hair growth and strength. 5) Improve muscle pain Saffron contains many minerals that help in the better absorption of calcium. Although saffron is a calming plant, the absorption of calcium by saffron helps the body to compensate and heal. 6) Reduce heart attacks and strokes Saffron contains two important substances, potassium, and crocin. Both help in repairing arteries and veins, thus preventing arterial blockages and strokes. Crocin also helps in regulating cholesterol levels, which greatly reduces the risk of heart attacks and clogged arteries. So use saffron to extend life. 
Negin saffron production
Today, the saffron flower is known as a versatile plant used all over the world. The saffron flower has different types like Negin, Super Negin, Sargol, etc. The production and its benefits are very valuable, but to know its properties and types, it is best to familiarize yourself with the anatomy of this colorful plant before buying and consuming saffron. To understand saffron and its properties, it is a good idea to first examine its appearance. The red stigmas of the saffron flower lie between its purple petals, and if your hand touches it, its fragrance will last for days. Saffron is a plant that grows through saffron follicles. After planting the bulb, it begins to grow and forms a stem, at the end of which a bud is formed. After flowering, you will get a purple flower with 6 beautiful petals that protect 3 red stigmas. These three red cranks are the same delicacy that is painstakingly prepared. Unlike other spices, there are different types of saffron, in each of them, the saffron threads are not identical, and this difference depends on the type of harvest, the season of saffron flowers, the climate, and the quality of the region. Negin saffron This type of saffron has an amazing color and appearance and is very aromatic. In this type of saffron, the three stigmas are connected and are smooth and free of fractures. This gives this type of saffron a better appearance and a higher price than Sargol saffron. Sargol saffron: It is the most consumed and common type of saffron that people use in Iran and consumers are more familiar with this type of saffron. In Sargol Kesar, which is pure saffron, the creamy part or the white of the saffron is completely removed and only the red part remains. 
Pushal saffron In this type of saffron, the cream of the saffron (the white part) is separated from the underside of the flowers, leaving 2-3 mm of the cream in the stigmas. At the end of the stigma are three strands of saffron, some yellow or called Pushal saffron. A handful of saffron This type of saffron contains a whole thread that combines the red and yellow parts of the saffron. So, the yellow part is about 30% and the red part is about 70%. In this type of cultivar, the saffron is intact and the stigmas of the three saffron branches are not separated from the white part of the saffron (or cream of saffron). saffron flower price Several factors affect the price of the saffron flower. One such factor is the location of saffron cultivation. Saffron in Iran is of very high quality due to the prevailing soil and climate conditions. According to statistics, 90% of the world's saffron is grown in Iran. Another decisive factor is the type of saffron. As mentioned above, there are 4 different types of saffron, each with its characteristics and properties. Negin saffron has the highest quality and the highest price, and on the other hand, the price of saffron is the lowest.