Saffron
Saffron is a spice used in cooking in tiny amounts, for good reason – it tastes amazing but is actually the most expensive spice in the world! Harvesting saffron from the stigmas of a type of crocus flower is carried out by hand and is very labour intensive, hence it’s extreme price. But it’s prowess as a mood boosting food is worth it.
Nicknamed the sunshine spice, this name originated due to its intensely deep orange-red colour, but it’s also thought to help lift the mood, further supporting its nickname. More studies are needed, but early signs suggest that saffron supplements could be “significantly more effective” than a placebo drug for treating depression, and with fewer side effects.
Rumour has it that saffron can also act as an aphrodisiac and connecting intimately with our partners has well-known mood boosting properties.
Add small amounts of saffron to paellas and risottos for a flavour, and a mood, boost. It’s available as a dried powder or as individual threads.
