The UAE News report: In May this year, “Kashmiri Saffron” was given a Geographical Indication tag by the Government of India and Al Maya Group is proud to bring “Kashmiri Saffron”, for the first time (since it obtained GI tag) in the UAE at the group’s supermarkets across the UAE, announced Kamal Vachani, the Group Director.

India’s GI tagged “Kashmiri Saffron”, which is the sweetest and most precious spice in the world, was inaugurated by Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary (Agriculture), Government of Jammu & Kashmir along with Consul General of India to Dubai & Northern Emirates, Dr. Aman Puri in the presence of other dignitaries from Jammu & Kashmir who are currently in UAE for the two day UAE-India Food Security Summit 2020 on December 8-9, 2020.

Kamal Vachani said, “We are super excited to bring India’s saffron in the UAE, and it is more important to mention that we are delighted to introduce this at Al Maya Supermarkets across the UAE.”

Kashmir saffron is renowned globally for its antioxidants properties and is also used in cosmetics. The unique characteristics of Kashmir saffron are its longer and thicker stigmas, natural deep-red colour, high aroma and chemical-free processing. It is the only saffron in the world grown at an altitude of 1,600 m to 1,800 m AMSL (above mean sea level), which adds to its uniqueness and differentiates it from other saffron varieties available the world over.

“India’s saffron will be a great addition to our large portfolio of Indian products, and it will be in high demand among chefs to use it in premium-priced dishes,” said Kamal Vachani. Saffron, also known as red gold, bestows super-luxury status which ensures the extra demand in the UAE market, he added.

In the Indian subcontinent, saffron has many names: Zafran in Urdu, Kesar in Hindi, Kong Posh in Kashmiri, and Kungumapoo in Tamil. Growing saffron requires a lot of work, that is why it is one of the costliest spices in the world. The stigmas of the flower must be handpicked. The stigmas obtained from 200 to 500 flowers equals one gram of saffron. Usually, there are only three stigmas in a flower.

Al Maya Group, the UAE-based business conglomerate, has more than 50 supermarkets in the GCC countries in addition to other business. – abdulbasit@theuaenews.com