A Greek legend states that a handsome mortal crocus fell in love with Smilax – a beautiful nymph. But his favours were rejected by Smilax, and he was turned into a purple crocus flower. However, the history of saffron cultivation dates back more than 3000 years and spans various cultures.
Some believe that saffron originated in Greece, Turkey, Iran, and central Asia. Historical evidence state that saffron was brought to India by the Persian rulers around 500 B.C.
Although the origin and history of saffron are not precise, one of the first historical references comes from ancient Egypt, where it was used by Cleopatra as an aromatic and seductive essence. The ancient Greeks and Romans prized the spice for its use as a perfume and scattered it in public places. During the Roman Empire, Emperor Nero had the streets of Rome sprinkled with saffron while entering the city.
Iran, Kashmir in India, and Spain are the most abundant exporters of saffron. Amongst the three, Iran accounts for about 90% of production of the spice while Kashmir, India produces the finest quality of the spice.