Question

Which state in India is the largest producer of Saffron?
A. Jammu and Kashmir
B. Sikkim
C. Himachal Pradesh
D. Gujarat

Answer 1

Hint : The mountainous valley is famous for the spices which are used traditionally in the Asian, North African and European cuisines. The plant likes dry,warm weather,but tolerates light snow.

Complete answer :‘Jammu and Kashmir’ along with its beauty is a renowned and popular state in India as well as in the World for the production of spices for the authentic taste in various dishes. Some of the popular spices grown in J&K are – Saffron (Kesar), Kashmiri red chilli powder, Shahi Jeera, Black Cumin, Sonth, Hing, Cardamom, Cloves etc. but J&K is the largest producer of Saffron in India. Among all, the most expensive spice is Saffron, i.e. Kesar which is mostly used as a seasoning in food, for fragrances in perfumes, as a dye and in medicines. It is expensive because of the manual labour involved in extracting large numbers of minute stigmas from the saffron crocus flower. Thus, it is the correct answer.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option A, i.e. Jammu and Kashmir.

Note :
Saffron was cultivated in Iran and was brought to Kashmir by the Mongol invasion. It is made up of three elements – Crocin which is responsible for the yellow pigmentation from the stigmas, Picrocrocin which provides the rusty, bittersweet flavor and Safranal which gives the earthy fragrance to the spices.