Saffron is a spice that comes from the flowers of crocus sativus Linné. The crocus grows in the Middle East and parts of Europe. It’s most commonly cultivated in Iran. It only flowers for about three to four weeks during October and November. The flower produces dark red stigmas, also called threads, which are removed carefully by hand and dried. These are considered to be the saffron spice. Saffron has also been used for culinary purposes to add color and flavor to foods, as a fabric dye, and a perfume ingredient. Like many other herbs and spices, saffron can be prepared...
Comparing COVID-19 Vaccines: Timelines, Types and Prices
This is an update of an article originally published on November 24, 2020. New data is coming in on the efficacy of the various vaccines, and the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are being distributed in the U.S. and other countries. A note on variants: Wuhan or wild type The first strain to be identified that originated in the city of Wuhan, China. UK Dubbed B.1.1.7, the UK variant was first identified in the fall of 2020. It spreads more easily and quickly than other variants, according to the CDC, and potentially is 30% more lethal than the wildtype version, although that...
Organic Foods: What You Need to Know
Is organic food really healthier? Is it worth the expense? Find out what the labels mean and which foods give you the most bang for your buck. What does “organic” mean? The term “organic” refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed. While the regulations vary from country to country, in the U.S., organic crops must be grown must be grown without the use of synthetic herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers, or bioengineered genes (GMOs). Organic livestock raised for meat, eggs, and dairy products must be raised in living conditions accommodating their natural behaviors (such as the ability to...