Saffron (pronounced /ˈsæfrən/ or /ˈsæfrɒn/) is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the saffron crocus. Crocus is a genus in the family Iridaceae. Saffron crocus grows to 20–30 cm (8–12 in) and bears up to four flowers, each with three vivid crimson stigmas, which are the distal end of a carpel. Together with the styles, or stalks that connect the stigmas to their host plant, the dried stigmas are used mainly in various cuisines as a seasoning and colouring agent. Saffron, long among the world's most costly spices by weight, is native to Greece or Southwest Asia and was first cultivated in Greece. As a genetically monomorphic clone, it was slowly propagated throughout much of Eurasia and was later brought to parts of North Africa, North America, and Oceania.The saffron crocus, unknown in the wild, probably descends from Crocus cartwrightianus, which originated in Crete; C. thomasii and C. pallasii are other possible precursors. The saffron crocus is a triploid that is "self-incompatible" and male sterile; it undergoes aberrant meiosis and is hence incapable of independent sexual reproduction—all propagation is by vegetative multiplication via manual "divide-and-set" of a starter clone or by interspecific hybridisation. If C. sativus is a mutant form of C. cartwrightianus, then it may have emerged via plant breeding, which would have selected for elongated stigmas, in late Bronze Age Crete.Saffron's taste and iodoform- or hay-like fragrance result from the chemicals picrocrocin and safranal. It also contains a carotenoid dye, crocin, which imparts a rich golden-yellow hue to dishes and textiles. Its recorded history is attested in a 7th-century BC Assyrian botanical treatise compiled under Ashurbanipal, and it has been traded and used for over four millennia. Iran now accounts for approximately 90% of the world production of saffron.
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Fact
1
Leading her new band Swarm [November 2002]
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Speaks Cantonese Chinese
3
Saffron got her nickname from Gypsy children in her neighborhood.
4
Of Portugese, Chinese, and English ancestry.
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Lead singer and lyricist of dance band Republica.
Soundtrack
Title
Year
Status
Character
Who's Doing the Dishes?
2016
TV Series writer - 1 episode
Back in Time for Dinner
2015
TV Series writer - 1 episode
Grand Theft Auto V
2013
Video Game writer: "Anthem" - as Samantha Sprackling aka Saffron
Rude Tube
2010
TV Series writer - 1 episode
Cursed
2005
performer: "Spirits"
Getting There
2002
Video writer: "Ready To Go" - as Samantha Saffron Sprackling