Ayurvedic Dravya · Spice · — kcal / 100g

Saffron Kumkuma

Also known as: kesar

Tridoshic in the small amounts used; supreme sattvic spice for complexion, heart and reproductive tissue.

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Saffron — Ayurvedic Spice & USDA Nutrition

Saffron — Rasa: Pungent, Bitter · Virya: Heating · Vipaka: Pungent · — kcal per 100g (USDA).

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Pacifies (-1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Rasa (Six Tastes)
Pungent, Bitter
Vīrya (Potency)
Heating
Vipāka (Post-Digestive)
Pungent
Guṇas (Qualities)
Light, Oily
Digestibility & Agni
5/5 · Agni 1
Seasons & Timing
Hemanta, Shishira, Vasanta · Morning, Night

Classical Ayurvedic Profile & Preparation

Tridoshic in the small amounts used; supreme sattvic spice for complexion, heart and reproductive tissue.

Traditional Preparation (Samskara)

Steep 3–5 strands in warm milk or water 10 minutes; never boil hard or use in large amounts.

Classical Provenance: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Karpuradi varga.

Synergistic Combinations (Samyoga)

  • warm milk with a few strands
  • rice puddings (kheer)
  • with almonds and dates

Contraindications & Viruddha Āhāra (Food Incompatibilities)

  • Contraindication: pregnancy (medicinal doses)
  • Contraindication: adulterated product (common — source carefully)

Verified USDA Nutrition Facts for Saffron

Complete macronutrient, vitamin, and mineral profile per 100 grams and per 5 strands (0g):

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Ayurvedic Recipes Using Saffron

Saffron Almond-Milk TonicDrink · 20 min

Saffron Almond-Milk Tonic

Saffron Almond-Milk Tonic is a food beverage for enjoyment and seasonal balance, not a medicinal treatment Vata: serve w...

Saffron Oat-Milk Evening DrinkDrink · 20 min

Saffron Oat-Milk Evening Drink

Saffron Oat-Milk Evening Drink is a food beverage for enjoyment and seasonal balance, not a medicinal treatment Vata: se...

Almond-Milk Tapioca PuddingDessert · 38 min

Almond-Milk Tapioca Pudding

Almond-Milk Tapioca Pudding is a softly cooked pudding served in a small portion. Vata: serve warm, cook until tender, a...

Saffron Almond-Milk WarmerDrink · 16 min

Saffron Almond-Milk Warmer

Saffron Almond-Milk Warmer is a mild warm beverage rather than a medicinal preparation. Vata: serve warm, cook until ten...

Kesar Shrikhand (Light)Dessert · 28 min

Kesar Shrikhand (Light)

This shrikhand uses restrained rock sugar and is served in small portions. Vata: serve closer to room temperature. Pitta...

Masala DoodhDrink · 19 min

Masala Doodh

Masala Doodh is a rich warm milk preparation for an occasional small serving. Vata: serve warm and retain the full milk ...

Nutmeg Moon MilkDrink · 19 min

Nutmeg Moon Milk

Nutmeg moon milk is a culinary bedtime drink with only a small pinch of nutmeg; it is not a sleep treatment. Vata: serve...

Mung Dal HalwaDessert · 49 min

Mung Dal Halwa

Mung Dal Halwa is a slow-cooked festive sweet, best treated as a modest accompaniment rather than a main meal. Vata: ser...

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