spice from crocus crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find the definitive answers and detailed explanations for the crossword clue "spice from crocus". We aim to provide the most comprehensive solutions to help you ace your puzzles every time.
Solutions for "spice from crocus crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
SAFFRON: A highly prized spice derived from the stigma and styles of the Crocus sativus flower, known for its distinct aroma, color, and flavor.
More About "spice from crocus crossword clue"
The clue "spice from crocus" almost exclusively points to SAFFRON, one of the world's most luxurious and expensive spices. Saffron is harvested from the delicate Crocus sativus flower, often referred to as the "saffron crocus." Each flower produces only three tiny, thread-like stigmas, which are meticulously hand-picked. This labor-intensive process, combined with the sheer number of flowers required to produce even a small amount of spice (thousands of flowers for just one ounce of saffron), is what contributes to its high cost and precious status.
Beyond its rarity, saffron is celebrated for its unique culinary properties. It imparts a vibrant golden-yellow hue to dishes, a distinctive sweet-hay-like aroma, and a subtle, earthy, yet floral flavor. It's a staple in various international cuisines, including Spanish paella, Italian risotto alla Milanese, Indian biryanis, and many Middle Eastern and North African dishes. Its historical uses also extend to traditional medicine and as a dye.
Understanding the botanical origin of the spice from the crocus plant not only helps in solving this specific crossword clue but also enriches one's general knowledge about the fascinating world of culinary ingredients.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Related Concepts: For clues like 'spice from crocus', think not just of the direct answer but also related terms (e.g., flowers, colors, culinary uses) that might point you towards the solution. Sometimes, a clue might refer to an attribute or source rather than the item itself.
- Pay Attention to Letter Count: Once you have a potential answer like SAFFRON, count its letters (7 in this case) to see if it fits the grid's requirement. This is often your best confirmation, especially when multiple words fit the general description.
- Utilize Cross-References: If you're stuck on 'spice from crocus', look at intersecting words. Sometimes, a few letters from a perpendicular answer can quickly reveal the solution to a tricky clue, giving you the necessary letters to fill in the blanks.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is saffron and why is it so expensive?
Saffron is a spice obtained from the Crocus sativus flower. Its high cost comes from the labor-intensive harvesting process, as each stigma must be hand-picked, and thousands of flowers are needed to produce a small amount of the spice.
Are there other spices that come from flowers?
While saffron is uniquely derived from a crocus, other flower parts can be used for flavor or spice, such as capers (flower buds) or rose water (from petals), though not typically classified as 'spices' in the same way saffron is.
How do I identify a good quality saffron for my cooking?
High-quality saffron typically consists of long, vivid red threads with little to no yellow or orange parts. It should have a strong, distinct aroma and a slightly sweet, floral, and earthy taste. Avoid saffron that crumbles easily or has a dull color.