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Hindustan Times
05-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
The kesari price: Amid surge, experts suggest alternatives
The world's most expensive spice is acting even pricier. Saffron prices have jumped from ₹4.5 lakh per kilogram to as high as ₹5 lakh per kilogram — almost equivalent to the cost of 50 grams of gold! This sharp rise follows the closure of trade through the Attari-Wagah border in the wake of the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The timing of this disruption is particularly critical. Domestic harvests from Kashmir peak only in late autumn, and with wedding season in motion, the prices for saffron — a staple in Indian households — are likely to rise even further. Experts explain what pure saffron's properties are and potential alternatives to buy amid this price surge. India consumes an estimated 55 tonnes of saffron each year. The market largely offers three major varieties: Deep crimson strands, strongest flavour, highest price Includes parts of the style, slightly milder in strength Lighter strands with some yellow, more affordable While a portion of India's saffron is cultivated in Kashmir — famed for its premium-grade kesar — a significant share is imported from Iran and Afghanistan. The shutdown has disrupted these imports, particularly from Afghanistan, pushing the price of Iranian saffron up by an additional 5%, as per multiple reports. To extract maximum flavour and colour, lightly roast the saffron strands. Crush them into a fine powder. Mix the powder into ice-cold water. Using saffron this way enhances both aroma and colour intensity. Saffron is rich in carotenoids and antioxidants, helping protect skin from UV rays and environmental stress. However, if saffron is scarce, skincare enthusiasts can turn to certain alternatives. Vitamin C A powerful glow-enhancer and anti-aging agent, vitamin C serums and lotions are easily available both online and in stores. Resveratrol This potent antioxidant helps combat oxidative damage and improves skin resilience. 'Using a combination of antioxidants may deliver results equal to or better than saffron-based skincare,' says Dr Kiran Sethi, skin, health and wellness expert. Haldi Turmeric is a timeless beauty elixir that nurtures, protects, and glows from within. Pure, organic turmeric mirrors many of saffron's skin benefits. 'Rich in antioxidants and curcumin, turmeric reduces pigmentation, evens skin tone, calms inflammation, and imparts a radiant glow. Like saffron, it revives dull skin, diminishes dark spots, and promotes youthful vitality,' says beauty expert Dr Blossom Kochhar. For an easy DIY face pack, blend a pinch of turmeric with yogurt, honey, or rose water for a soothing mask that brightens and refreshes the skin. Marigold Petals: Bright yellow and orange marigold petals provide a natural colour close to saffron. While they don't mimic the flavour, marigolds are often used in herbal teas for their anti-inflammatory and skin-healing benefits. Turmeric: Ground turmeric can replicate saffron's bright yellow colour. Though its taste is earthier compared to saffron's delicate fragrance, turmeric is widely used for its similar digestive and immune-boosting properties. Safflower Often mistaken for saffron, safflower adds a similar reddish hue to dishes like biryani. While it lacks saffron's intense aroma, it supports heart health and benefits the skin as a worthy substitute for the colour and mild flavour. Inputs by Dr Archana Batra, dietician Fake saffron: Instantly releases a strong orange colour when placed in water. Real saffron: Releases colour slowly and evenly, producing a yellowish hue.
News18
21-04-2025
- Business
- News18
Earth Day 2025: Building A Greener Future, Together
ITC Mughal, Agra too, proudly stands as the first hotel globally to receive a LEED Zero Water certification, setting benchmarks in sustainable hospitality. In the consumer space, brands are noticing a sharp shift. Dr. Blossom Kochhar, pioneer in aromatherapy and Founder of the Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies, observes, 'The consumer industry is undergoing a transformation as individuals seek products that are effective, ethical, and eco-friendly. Sustainability is no longer a trend—it's a deeper awareness of how our choices impact the planet." Brands like Akshayakalpa Organic are nurturing this change. As Shashi Kumar, CEO and Co-Founder proudly shares, 'Sustainability is not a separate chapter at Akshayakalpa—it is the central narrative. From our 'Give Back the Milk Pack' initiative, which has recycled over 50,000 kg of plastic, to pioneering biodegradable packaging, we are working hand-in-hand with consumers toward greener choices." Retail giants are also stepping up meaningfully. At Flipkart, sustainability is embedded into growth. As Nishant Gupta, Head of Sustainability, Flipkart, highlights, 'Sustainability isn't just a goal—it's our driving force. From deploying 10,000+ electric vehicles to sourcing 100% renewable energy for data centers and warehouses, we're creating real impact." Advertisement Meanwhile, the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry, often criticized for its environmental footprint, is responding with clear action. KFC India has pledged to build all new outlets around '11 Green Building Must Haves", including solar panels, CO2 sensors, water-saving plumbing, and eco-friendly gas systems. Their 'Future First" journey aims for carbon neutrality by 2030, with a significant milestone already achieved—reducing 3,500 MT of plastic and ensuring that 80% of their packaging is now recyclable or compostable. advetisement And it doesn't stop there. Smita Jatia, Vice Chairperson, Westlife Foodworld Ltd. (which operates McDonald's in West and South India), shares, 'Through our Replace, Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce pillars, we are minimizing environmental impact while maximizing positive community action. Sustainability is not just part of our business—it drives how we do business." Manufacturing giants are equally leading change at scale. Siemens India, for instance, is driving a tech-powered sustainability approach. Their Mumbai, Goa, and Aurangabad factories now run on solar energy delivering 9MWp of green power and reducing over 4,800 tons of carbon emissions. Their digital technologies are helping customers accelerate their own green transitions—from optimized power consumption to real-time insights in plant maintenance. 'We adhere to the DEGREE framework—a 360° commitment to sustainability," states a Siemens India spokesperson. advetisement In FY 2024 alone, Siemens achieved 90% renewable energy consumption and 80% waste recovery through recycling and reuse, a remarkable stride toward carbon neutrality. Education and community initiatives are crucial for long-term environmental stewardship. At Jindal Foundation, sustainability is deeply human-centered. Prashant Hota, President and Group Head (CSR and Education), Jindal Steel & Power, notes, 'At Jindal Foundation, we place people, planet, and nation at the heart of everything. Through Eco Clubs across 259 schools, clean drinking water access for 12 million people, afforestation, and waste management initiatives, we are empowering communities to lead sustainability from the grassroots." The momentum across industries shows that businesses in India are moving beyond performative gestures to genuine, systemic action. As Ankit Mathur, Co-Founder & CEO of Greenway Grameen, perfectly sums up, 'Investments in renewable energy, sustainable sourcing, farm-to-table initiatives—these are not just trends, but essential steps towards a cleaner, greener economy."
