Comments by "" (@SG-js2qn) on "History's Most Expensive Spice: Saffron" video.

I'm sure everyone knows this, but if you don't have saffron at hand you can do something similar with turmeric powder. It's not the same, but it is pleasant, especially with more spices added, and other substitutions you could use include toasted cashews too add a nutty flavor, or coconut milk. And if you don't have osso buco, chicken, shrimp, and salmon all go well with the rice.
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Possibly kids playing with the flowers turned their fingers orange and found their fingers also had an interesting smell. Which might also have been the origin of asking someone if they want to smell your finger. ;) The next uses were probably as a tea and dye for cloth.
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