Which dye and flavouring agent, obtained from Crocus sativus, has been used for the colouring the robes of Buddhist priests and as perfume by the ancient Greeks and Romans?
Which dye and flavouring agent, obtained from Crocus sativus, has been used for the colouring the robes of Buddhist priests and as perfume by the ancient Greeks and Romans? Correct Answer saffron
The purple-flowered saffron crocus, Crocus sativus, is a bulbous perennial of the iris family (Iridaceae) treasured for its golden-coloured, pungent stigmas, which are dried and used to flavour and colour foods and as a dye. A golden-coloured, water-soluble fabric dye was distilled from saffron stigmas in India in ancient times. Shortly after the Buddha died, his priests made saffron the official colour for their robes. The dye has been used for royal garments in several cultures. As a perfume, saffron was strewn in Greek and Roman halls, courts, theatres, and baths.