Ramin Ganeshram, Saffron, A Global History

Journalist and chef Ramin Ganeshram is the author of a number of cookbooks and The General’s Cook: A Novel.

Explore the dramatic history of the world’s most expensive spice in Saffron: A Global History. Literally worth their weight in gold, sunset-red saffron threads are prized internationally. Saffron can be found in cave art in Mesopotamia, in the frescoes of ancient Santorini, in the dyed wrappings of Egyptian mummies, in the saffron-hued robes of Buddhist monks, and in unmistakable dishes around the world. It has been the catalyst for trade wars as well as smuggling schemes and used in medicine and cosmetics. Complete with delicious recipes and surprising anecdotes, this book traces the many paths taken by saffron, revealing the allure of a spice sought globally by merchants, chefs, artists, scientists, clerics, traders, warriors, and black-market smugglers.

 

Hartglass & De Mattei continue the conversation on saffron, including REAL recipes with saffron.

Links and recipes discussed in the program:

 

Risotto Veganese

Risotto Milanese in Saffron Vegetable Broth

 

The End of Meat Is Here, by Jonathan Safran Foer

Jonathan Safran Foer on IT’S ALL ABOUT FOOD: We Are the Weather