Homegrown Luxury: How to Grow Saffron and Use It in Everyday Cooking
Saffron is harvested from the stigmas of Crocus sativus, a delicate purple flower. With patience and care, you can grow this fragrant treasure right in your backyard or even on a sunny balcony, bringing both beauty and flavour to your home.
Here's How to Grow Saffron in Your Own Space:
1. Pick Quality Corms: Begin with healthy, large Crocus sativus corms from a reputable supplier. Bigger, disease-free corms generally produce stronger blooms.
2. Ideal Planting Time: In India, late summer to early autumn (August to September) is perfect for planting. Expect flowers to appear by October or November.
3. Container and Soil: Use shallow containers or grow bags (at least 6 inches deep) with good drainage. Fill with a mix of garden soil, sand, and compost to prevent soggy conditions.
4. Planting Method: Plant corms about 2–3 inches deep, spaced a few inches apart with the pointed side up. Water lightly after planting.
5. Light and Water: Place in a sunny spot with 5–6 hours of sunlight daily. Avoid overwatering—just enough to keep the soil slightly moist.
6. Harvesting Saffron Threads: When the flowers bloom, gently pluck the three red stigmas from each blossom in the morning. Dry them in a cool, dark area for several days before storing.
Everyday Ways to Use Saffron in Cooking:
1. Add to Rice and Grains: Infuse a few saffron strands in warm water or milk, then stir into rice, pulao, or even khichdi. It boosts aroma, flavour, and colour.
2. Blend into Warm Drinks: Saffron pairs beautifully with warm milk, herbal teas, or almond lattes. Add honey or jaggery for a calming, nutrient-rich evening drink.
3. Enhance Sweets and Desserts: Use saffron in both Indian classics like kheer and halwa, or add to baked goods like cakes and cookies. Even a spoonful of saffron yogurt or shrikhand adds a gourmet twist.
Growing saffron at home connects you with an age-old tradition and lets you savour the spice in its freshest form—whether in a steaming bowl of rice or a comforting saffron-laced dessert.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
7 Kitchen Ingredients That Clean Tiles Better Than Store-Bought Cleaners
Indian kitchens are vibrant, aromatic, and often chaotic. From sizzling tadkas to bubbling curries, the aftermath tends to land on the tiles, leading to grease, stains, and stubborn smells that linger long after the meal. What does one do then? Reach for a commercial cleaner that promises instant sparkle? That may provide a quick fix but always read the label. Many of these products contain harsh chemicals that may not be ideal for your cooking space. A better alternative may already be in your pantry. Everyday ingredients such as lemon, baking soda, rice water, and besan are not just used for cooking, they also double up as powerful and effective tile cleaners. These natural options are budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and surprisingly efficient. Whether preparing for festive deep-cleaning or tackling the everyday mess, these pantry hacks offer a practical way to maintain a fresh, safe, and inviting kitchen environment. Here are some of the easiest natural ways to clean kitchen tiles. Also Read: This 5-Step Kitchen Cleaning Routine Is A Game-Changer 1. Lemon Juice for Kitchen Tiles: The Citrus Powerhouse Lemon juice is excellent for removing oil splashes and neutralising odours. The natural citric acid cuts through grease while acting as a disinfectant. How to use: Mix 1 cup warm water with 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Dip a sponge and scrub the tiles gently. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then wipe clean. Bonus Tip: Add a pinch of salt for extra scrubbing power. 2. Baking Soda for Greasy Tiles: The Gentle Scrubber When deeper cleaning is required, baking soda offers a gentle yet effective solution. It is mildly abrasive and removes stains without damaging tile surfaces. How to use: Make a paste with 2 teaspoons baking soda and water. Apply on stained tiles and leave for 10 minutes. Scrub with a soft brush and rinse with clean water. 3. Rice Water for Tile Cleaning: The Unsung Hero Often thrown away, rice water is surprisingly useful. It acts as a mild cleanser and natural polisher, and works well to bring back the shine of dull tiles. How to use: Save water from rinsing or boiling rice. Let it cool and spray it on the tiles. Wipe with a microfibre cloth for subtle shine. 4. Salt as a Tile Cleaner: The Everyday Scrub Moving from starchy water to another kitchen staple - salt. It is naturally abrasive and particularly useful for greasy or sticky residues. When combined with lemon or vinegar, its effectiveness increases. How to use: Sprinkle salt directly on greasy spots. Scrub using half a lemon or a damp cloth. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. 5. Garlic Peel for Antibacterial Tile Cleaning For those looking at sustainable, zero-waste solutions, garlic peels deserve attention. They carry antibacterial properties and a mild acidity that help with regular tile maintenance. If the smell feels overpowering, combine with a bit of lemon juice or vinegar. How to use: Boil garlic peels in water for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool and use the infusion to wipe down tiles. Follow up with a clean damp cloth. 6. Vinegar for Tile Stains: The Classic Cleaner A staple in many cleaning routines, vinegar works especially well against stubborn grime. It breaks down grease while eliminating lingering odours. How to use: Mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts water. Spray the mixture onto the tiles and leave for 10 minutes. Wipe clean with a sponge and rinse thoroughly. 7. Besan for Kitchen Tile Grease: Natural and Effective Besan is not just meant for pakoras. It acts as a gentle scrub and is great at absorbing oil from greasy patches, particularly near the stove. How to use: Mix besan with water to form a thick paste. Apply on oily spots and leave for 10 minutes. Scrub gently and rinse well. Also Read: 7 Daily Kitchen Cleaning Habits For A Spotless, Healthier Cooking Space Photo Credit: Pexels How Often Should You Clean Kitchen Tiles To Keep Grease Away? Kitchen tiles take a daily beating-especially in Indian households where cooking involves high heat, oil, and spices. While it might feel like a weekend job, some areas need attention more frequently than others. Here is a practical breakdown: Daily: Wipe the backsplash area behind the stove or gas hob using a microfibre cloth dampened with warm water or diluted vinegar. This prevents fresh oil splashes from hardening. Weekly: Deep-clean countertops and surrounding tiles using baking soda paste or lemon juice to remove buildup. Focus on corners and edges where grime tends to collect. Every 10-15 days: Clean the kitchen floor tiles thoroughly using vinegar or rice water, especially in high-traffic areas. Scrub grout lines with a soft brush if stains are visible. Monthly: Use a more intensive routine-baking soda for grout, garlic peel infusion for antibacterial maintenance, and besan for stubborn oil stains on walls or cupboards. Consistency is key. The longer grime sits, the harder it gets to remove. Also Read: How To De-Clutter Your Kitchen Counter - 5 Steps Towards A Tidy Kitchen Photo Credit: Pexels Can These Kitchen Tile Cleaners Be Used On Grout? Grout often gets overlooked, but it holds on to grease, food splashes, and even mould if ignored. The good news is, many of the pantry ingredients already mentioned double up as effective grout cleaners too. Safe grout cleaners from your kitchen: 1. Baking soda paste: Make a thick paste and apply directly onto stained grout lines. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then scrub using an old toothbrush and rinse. This works particularly well in floor corners and near the sink area. 2. Vinegar and lemon juice (with caution): Effective for white or neutral grout. However, avoid acidic cleaners on coloured or decorative grout-they may cause fading or erosion over time. 3. Salt and lemon combo: Works well on grime between tiles, especially for splashbacks near the hob. 4. Rice water: Mild but effective for regular grout maintenance if used frequently. Pro tip: For stubborn grout stains, alternate between baking soda and vinegar once a month, followed by drying the area thoroughly to avoid moisture build-up. Are These Cleaners Safe For All Types Of Tiles? Not all tiles are created equal, and what works brilliantly on ceramic may not be safe for marble or granite. Before using any of the DIY methods mentioned above, take a quick look at the type of surface you are cleaning. Here is a quick guide: 1. Ceramic and porcelain tiles: Most kitchen tiles in Indian homes fall in this category. All seven natural cleaners-lemon, baking soda, vinegar, salt, besan, garlic peel, and rice water-are generally safe to use. 2. Natural stone tiles (marble, granite, limestone): Be cautious. Avoid acidic cleaners like lemon juice and vinegar. These can erode the natural stone and cause dullness or discolouration over time. Instead, stick to: Baking soda (mild paste only) Besan (gentle scrub) Rice water (safe and pH-neutral) 3. Glazed or patterned tiles: Test in a small corner first. Some decorative finishes may react to abrasives or acids, especially if the glaze is old or worn out. 4. Tile grout: As mentioned above, baking soda is usually safe, but avoid vinegar or lemon if the grout is coloured or not sealed. Always patch-test a small area before full application, especially if you are unsure of your tile type. Also Read: 5 Easy Ways to Clean Your Dirty And Sticky Kitchen Towels Photo Credit: Pexels What Not To Use On Kitchen Tiles (And Why It Matters)? While natural ingredients offer effective and safe results, not everything in your bathroom or vanity kit is suitable for kitchen cleaning. Some items can leave behind residue or damage your tiles. 1. Toothpaste: Contains mild abrasives but is not formulated for large surfaces. May leave behind white residue and can dull tile finishes over time. 2. Shampoo: Includes moisturising agents and fragrance that can make tiles slippery or sticky. Ineffective on grease and may attract more dirt. 3. Undiluted bleach: Strong enough to erode tile grout and cause discolouration. Always dilute if using and never mix with natural acids like vinegar or lemon. How To Deep Clean Tile Floors Effectively? For when you need to go beyond a simple wipe-down, a deep clean is essential. Follow these steps for thorough tile maintenance: Step 1: Sweep or vacuum to remove loose dust. Step 2: Mop using a mixture of vinegar and warm water. Step 3: Scrub grout lines and corners with baking soda paste. Step 4: Rinse well and dry with a microfibre cloth to avoid water spots. Easy DIY Tile Cleaner Recipe at Home: If you are keen on a ready-to-use natural spray, try this effective homemade solution using pantry staples. Ingredients: 1 cup vinegar 2 tablespoons baking soda Juice of half a lemon 1 cup warm water Mix well and store in a spray bottle. Shake before each use. Also Read: 5 Essential Kitchen Spots That Should Be Cleaned With Vinegar Photo Credit: Pexels How To Update Kitchen Tiles Without Replacing Them? Sometimes, a deep clean is not enough-the tiles may simply look outdated. If that is the case, here are a few easy upgrades that require no demolition: Apply tile stickers or decals for a fresh appearance. Use tile paint for a cost-effective makeover. Add a waterproof backsplash panel or kitchen-safe wallpaper for visual contrast. Also Read: 8 Tiny Mistakes That Are Making Your Kitchen A Big Mess (And You Didn't Even Know!) We all deserve a kitchen that feels clean, looks inviting, and smells pleasant. With these natural cleaning ideas - straight from the pantry - you can maintain hygiene without resorting to harsh chemicals. These solutions are not only effective but also gentle on your tiles, your wallet, and the planet. Advertisement About Somdatta Saha Explorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Kitchen Tile Cleaner Natural Tile Cleaning Hacks Homemade Tile Cleaner Recipe Clean Greasy Kitchen Tiles How To Clean Kitchen Tiles Show full article
News18
an hour ago
- News18
India's Forgotten Weaves: Shocking Truth About Real Handloom Story The Breakfast Club
| On National Handlooms Day, the National Crafts Museum showcases 'Reimagining a Way Back to Us,' an exhibition celebrating India's textile heritage. Curator Shreyanshi Singh highlights underrepresented communities, blending traditional crafts with contemporary design, fostering cultural pride. This Handloom Day, join The Breakfast Club as we uncover India's forgotten weaves—a rich, centuries-old craft facing extinction in the face of mass-produced fashion. From the rhythmic sound of the loom to the hands that bring stories alive through thread, this episode dives deep into the real handloom story beyond the labels and marketing by CNN-News18's dynamic anchors, we travel to the heart of India's weaving communities, where artisans struggle to survive despite their invaluable contribution to India's cultural and textile legacy. Why are these weavers disappearing? What policies failed them? And what can be done to bring Indian handloom back into the global spotlight?
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
In Chennai, a team of revivalists rescue lost coromandel textiles
In a quiet studio in Adyar, a small but dedicated team is piecing together what history has almost let slip away — India's once-thriving Coromandel textile traditions. At Aksh Weaves and Crafts, textile reconstruction is not a nostalgic exercise, but a painstaking act of archival research, material experimentation, and artistic revival. The work is slow, often invisible, and entirely self-funded — but to the team behind Aksh, it is essential. For founder-researcher Sriya Mishra, textile revival is not about boutique fashion or nostalgia marketing. It is a long-haul archival practice, one that lies at the intersection of historical research, fine art, and intangible cultural heritage. 'We work in the cross-section of archives and art,' Sriya says. 'Each piece can take close to four years of research before we even begin the process of recreating it.' Their efforts have brought back to life textiles like Kodalikaruppur, a richly layered fabric once worn by royalty in the Thanjavur region and previously deemed too complex to reproduce. Other recovered designs include Nayaka Kalamkari, associated with the chieftains of the Vijayanagar empire, and chintz, a glazed calico cotton cloth that once dominated India's textile exports to Europe and America. The recreation itself involves several complex processes — scouring and desizing to soften the fabric and remove impurities, dyeing the fabric with natural madder and indigo dyes, before finally hand painting intricate details with kalams. 'Each piece takes between three to six months to complete,' explains Sriya. These are not just textile designs but vehicles of material history, reflecting centuries of diplomacy, migration, and artistic patronage — making Aksh even more extraordinary when taking their global range into account. In addition to working with Indian-origin textiles, they have also recreated Sarasa — a Japanese adaptation of Indian chintz — making them the only studio in Asia to do so. 'Many of these techniques, especially hand-drawn and resist-dyed forms, vanished over a century ago,' says Sriya. 'Even textile experts today have never seen these in their original form.' Everything at Aksh is handwoven, naturally dyed, and rooted in rigorous, first-hand archival work. They rely on rare fragments, museum records, and indigenous dye knowledge — some nearly lost to time. Every motif, brushstroke, and even the placement of figures in a palace court scene is historically verified, down to the protocol of where a king's adviser might have stood. The work is entirely self-funded, driven by a tight-knit team of graduates from fine arts and communication colleges who are as committed to historical accuracy as they are to artistic revival. Sriya says she wants these designs to exist again, not as relics behind glass, but as living art.
