Kesar, kungumapoo in Tamil, is saffron, the dried red stigmas of a purple autumn crocus. Each flower carries just three stigmas, so a kilogram needs around 150,000 flowers picked and separated by hand, which makes it the world’s most expensive spice. In India it is grown mainly around Pampore in Kashmir, whose saffron holds a geographical indication. Iran produces most of the world’s supply.
- Botanical name
- Crocus sativus L.
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Tamil
- Kungumapoo
- Hindi
- Kesar
- Sanskrit
- Kuṅkuma
- Parts used
- Stigma
- Habit
- Autumn crocus grown for its three red stigmas
- Last updated
- 2026-10-27
How to recognise Kungumapoo
It is a small perennial growing from a round corm, with narrow, grass-like leaves.
Pale purple flowers with darker veins open in October and November.
Each flower has three long, deep red stigmas and three yellow stamens.
The plant is sterile and is grown only from corms.
Real saffron threads are trumpet-shaped at one end and colour water yellow slowly.
Traditional use of Kungumapoo
Kitchen
Saffron colours and flavours biryani, kheer, kesari, shrikhand and Kashmiri kahwa.
Indian food practice
Household
Many Indian families give pregnant women saffron milk, a custom with no proven effect on the baby.
Indian household practice
Ritual
Saffron paste is used in temple worship and for tilak marks.
Hindu ritual practice
Modern notes on Kungumapoo
Its colour comes from crocin, its taste from picrocrocin, and its aroma from safranal.
Saffron is often adulterated with safflower, dyed corn silk or other flower parts.
Small trials have tested saffron for mild depression, with some positive results.
Kungumapoo safety
Saffron is safe in cooking amounts. Large doses, several grams, are toxic and can stimulate the uterus, so pregnant women should keep to kitchen amounts.
Ecology and sourcing
It needs cold winters and dry summers, as in Kashmir and Iran.
Because it is sterile, it spreads only through corms planted by people.
Bees visit the flowers for pollen.
Related plants
Questions about Kungumapoo
Why is saffron so expensive?
Each flower gives only three stigmas, picked by hand.
Where is Indian saffron grown?
Mainly in Pampore, Kashmir.
How can I spot fake saffron?
Real threads release colour slowly and are trumpet-shaped at one end.
Does saffron milk make a baby fair?
No. That is a myth.
Can saffron be harmful?
Only in large doses.
Sources
- Crocus sativus L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q15041677 (Crocus sativus)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.