Springtime, Saffron, and Honey
Photo by The Curated Feast
Can you think of anything more perfectly decadent? The rush of love we get in the springtime can only be expressed through these items. Saffron, the most expensive spice in the world, comes from the hand-harvested bright orange stigmas (yep, the sex organs) of the purple crocus flower, Crocus sativus.
Saffron is as old as its perfect PR campaign.
Stories of Cleopatra bathing in mare’s milk and saffron before seeing a suitor have been around just as long as the stories about her wearing masks of honey, rose water, and of 24k gold.
The crocus itself is among the first spring flora to pop out of the just-frozen soil. For the magically inclined, the crocus is a traditional decoration for the early spring festivals of Imbolc and Ostara. Dating back to the Hittites on the Anatolian plateau in 2000 BCE, the orange thread-like appearance of Saffron has been tied into stories of love, awakening, and springtime itself. Happy springtime, lovers!
Food styling and photography by @thecuratedfeast. Prop styling and assistant styling by @christinaaverkin.