Indigenous Knowledge and Ethnobotany Associated with Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in Kashmir

Abstract

India is amongst the richest ethnobotanical treasure in the world, which must be fully documented, utilized and
conserved. Dried stigma of Saffron (Crocus sativus L) flower is used for different purposes. It has got more than
85 species, distributed from Mediterranean region to Indian subcontinent. During an exploration in the Kashmir
valley, information on indigenous knowledge and ethnobotany associated with saffron were gathered along with
diversity collection. Data were also collected on socioeconomic status of the growers. Information gathered revealed
that it is used as a spice, food additive, cosmetic, coloring agent and medicine in different systems (Ayurveda,
Unani, Tibestian and Chinese system) and in religious functions. Indigenous uses of saffron are briefly discussed
as described. Being the most expensive spices, quality and adulteration aspeCts are also addressed in this paper.