Saffron is an iris plant known as "red gold". It has been used for centuries as a spice and dye and is now used in medicine too. The spice is extracted from the scars of the flowers. Because of the elaborate handwork at harvest, Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. The following Saffron varieties can be obtained from Arvin Ara.

• Negin Saffron (Premium)
• Sargol Saffron
• Pushali Saffron
• Dasteh Saffron

Ask us about the differences. We will be happy to inform you personally about the various benefits and applications.

History

Already in antique ages, Saffron was a luxury item and especially popular within the upper class people. In the Middle Ages it was three times as expensive as pepper. In Orient, Saffron has been grown for 3,000 years and the Orient is still one of the world's largest producers. Saffron grows in desert areas, that's why it is also called "desert gold". Persian Saffron is known worldwide for its extremely fine and powerful aroma, as well as for its high quality and intense color strength. For centuries, medicinal remedies derived from Saffron have been produced and distributed worldwide.

Main areas of cultivation and harvest

In Orient, most Saffron is cultivated. The average production amount is around 330 to 360 tons per year. Thus, the Orient covers more than 90 percent of the total market share. The largest part is used for export. For one kilogram of Saffron, around 80,000 to 100,000 flowers are needed. The flowers are all harvested by hand.

Botany

The scientific name of Saffron is Crocus sativus. It is a crocus species, which flowers in fall between October and November. The plant grows up to 30 cm high and has a 5 cm large tuber, which resembles an onion. The flower of the Saffron plant is lilac to purple-red and has six leaves. Each year, a light yellow stylus grows from the flower, which divides into three to six stigma branches at the upper end. These scars are after harvested as the finished Saffron spice.

Composition

Saffron flowers are rich of essential, ethereal oils. Saffron also contains Carotenoids, as well as Crocin, which are responsible for the golden yellow discoloration. Important antioxidants such as Zi-zantein, lycopene, Alpha and Beta-carotene in the plant have an extremely positive effect on the human body. In addition, Saffron is a mineral supplier for Copper, Potassium, Calcium, Manganese, Iron, Selenium, Zinc and Magnesium. In addition, it is rich in Vitamin A, Folic acid, Riboflavin, Niacin and Vitamin C.

Health benefits and use

Saffron is probably one of the oldest remedies in human history. To this day, it is used as medicine in many regions of the world. In everyday life, it can easily be used as a spice, as well as a tea for health. Saffron unfolds its effect already in simple rice and helps to combat nausea when dissolved in water. It strengthens the immune system and is very popular in medicine because of its antioxidant properties.

Dates are among the most popular fruits in the world. They have been grown in Orient for centuries. Their sugar content is high and the boost of energy from a single date is comparable to eating a banana. Therefore, dates are also becoming increasingly popular as a snack among working people. Arvin Ara mainly supplies the following, three types of dates:

• Rabbi dates
• Piyarom dates
• Mozafati dates

The combination of our offer is exciting, as the sugar levels vary depending on the date. The Rabbi Date, for example, is not quite as sweet as the Mozafati date and is better for snacks. On the other hand, the Piyarom and Mozafati dates are excellent as an addition to food. In addition to these three types of dates, many other dates can of course be supplied on request. Ask us, we are happy to inform you about further details about dates.

History

The fruits of the date palm are among the oldest fruits of humanity. The date palm itself has been known since the Pleistocene geological period, which ended about 9500 BC, and has been around for 6,000 years before Christ. The origin of the original date palm is not known exactly. However, experts are convinced, that it has spread from the region of the Persian Gulf and from there came to Spain. Spanish travelers in turn have made the date palm known in the 19th century in New Mexico and California. California is today a date producer and exporter too.

Main areas of cultivation and harvest

A look at the statistics of the international date production shows that the main producers of this valuable fruit are the following countries: First Egypt, Iran comes second. Then Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Algeria and Iraq.

Botany

The date palm first bears fruit only after eight to ten years. For a hundred years, the up to 30-meter-high date palm produces up to 200 dates on a single fruit stand.

Composition

Dates are a good source of energy, sugar and fiber. Dates contain Ethereal Oils, Calcium, Sulfur, Iron, Potassium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Manganese, Copper, Magnesium and Zinc. In addition, there are helpful vitamins and trace elements in dates, such as Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folic acid, Vitamin A and Vitamin K.

Health benefits and use

Dates contain natural sugars such as Glucose, Fructose and Sucrose. Therefore they are the perfect snack for an immediate energy boost. Dates also take the feeling of being hungry and regulate the digestive system sustainably. Dates are consumed in various ways, such as mixing the paste of dates in milk, yogurt or on bread or butter. Or drinking syrup. The paste is beneficial for adults and children, especially during a recovery period. Thanks to their high content of Potassium, dates also support the nervous system and as mentioned already, they increase the energy level within a very short time. That is why dates are increasingly used by professional athletes and, like the banana, dates are considered as an excellent source of energy.

Figs are very popular in gourmet kitchens as a side dish to appetizers and desserts. Like dates, figs are becoming more and more popular as a snack in between, mostly in dried form. The fig is known as a regulating fruit in case of unwanted bowel activity. Figs have been grown in the Orient for centuries and shipped all over the world.

History

Figs originally came from northern China and were brought to Europe by the Greeks and Romans. Spanish missionaries also brought the figs to southern California. In the past, the fig was repeatedly taken up by various religions as a symbolic fruit.

Main areas of cultivation and harvest

Figs are seasonal fruits that can be found in western parts of Asia. Dried figs are available almost everywhere, at any time during the year.

Botany

The fig tree is a member of the Mulberries family. It can live up to 90 years and grows up to a size of 3 meters. In the countries of origin, it is not uncommon for a fig tree to grow as high as 10 meters. As a rule, the crown is as wide as it is tall. With age, his gnarled trunk is striking and very aesthetic.

Composition

The fig is composed of various minerals, vitamins and fiber. Figs contain a wealth of valuable nutrients, including Vitamin A, Vitamin B 1, Vitamin B 2, Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Manganese, Sodium, Potassium and Chlorine.

Health benefits and use

Figs are mainly known for the treatment of constipation and indigestion. They help with diarrhea and lead to a more regular bowel movement. Figs are also often used after hospital stays in order to regain the weight lost in a healthy way.

The dried mulberry is becoming more and more fashionable, as its taste is similar to that of raisins, but leaves no aftertaste. Arvin Ara offers the following mulberry species:

• White mulberry
• Black mulberry
• Red mulberry

Mulberries are usually sweet. The red and black mulberries, however, are more aromatic than the white mulberry. Fresh mulberries are not offered by us. The consumption must be fast and the transport is demanding. Ask us for more details about the mulberry. An exciting, viable fruit with outstanding, new uses.

History

In Asia, the mulberry trees were considered as a cultural and separately protected good. Already in ancient times mulberries were grown and used for various purposes.

Main areas of cultivation and harvest

Mulberries mature for a long time and can not be harvested immediately. When harvesting, you lay, as with olives, towels under the trees. Ripe fruits will fall off while shaking.

Botany

Mulberry trees grow at altitudes of about 6 to 15 meters. The fruit itself is about 2-5 cm long. The appearance of the fruit is reminiscent of elongated blackberries, the color ranges from cream, over red to black. The mulberries loose their color during drying and look sandy to transparent, become firm and have a rough outer shell.

Composition

Mulberries contain Vitamins A, B1, D2 and B6. Like the fig, the mulberry also contains a very high proportion of Vitamin C. The proportion of Vitamin E is also comparatively high. The mulberry also contains minerals like: Zinc, Manganese, Phosphorus, Fluorine and Boron.

Health benefits and use

Mulberries have a very high content of potassium. Potassium is known to positively affect the nervous system of humans. Mulberries can be dried or eaten raw. Also mulberry juice or syrup is now available. Mulberries are ideal as a refreshing drink.

Pomegranate is mainly used in seeds as a garnish, but also as a pressed juice. The juice is known for its detoxifying effect. The potting of a pomegranate is quite demanding for consumers. We are therefore offering pomegranate in pitted form. The name of the pomegranate (punicus) originates from the Latin language and means "seeds of apples".

History

Pomegranate were - like the fig and the date - used as an important symbol of strength and health in various religions. The origin of pomegranates is difficult to trace. It is believed that the pomegranate was originally imported from Persian territory and later shipped to other countries through colonial movements.

Main areas of cultivation and harvest

Pomegranates are grown throughout the European, Mediterranean, Asian and Oriental regions. The main harvest time in the Orient is between August and October.

Botany

The pomegranate tree is a relatively small tree and is usually not higher than 5 meters. The pomegranate tree is actually more of a shrub, like a tree, and has bright red flowers. It grows in dry, sunny areas and prefers dusty-sandy soils. The pomegranate tree can be over 100 years old.

Composition

The substances Polyphenol, Phenol and Flavonoids contribute to its reputation as an antioxidant fruit. In addition, the pomegranate has very high levels of minerals such as Iron, Calcium and Potassium. The volumes of Vitamins C and B are also contained in greater concentrations.

Health benefits and use

The pomegranate, despite its bitter-sour taste, is considered one of the healthiest fruits in the world. The apple is increasingly used for disease prevention, but also as a health-promoting measure. Its active ingredients and antioxidants have a holistic effect and influence to the entire human organism and well-being of a person.

Pistachios have been among the most popular fruits since antiquity, and even then were tempted by kings and travelers as snacks. Pistachios are usually roasted or salted. Pistachios can be sourced as kernels or with shells. The taste of pistachio is similar to an almond, but less bitter. The pistachios offered by Arvin Ara are characterized by a particularly high core-to-shell ratio. Our pistachios contain a much higher, eatable portion. The following varieties are offered:

• Fandoghi (mehr info)

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Fandoghi - the round pistachio

The Fandoghi is often referred to as "round pistachio". This name is derived from its unusual round shape. Unlike a common pistachio, this subspecies has no elongated-oval structure. In contrast to a jumbo pistachio, however, this is much smaller. The round pistachio is the most widely sold type of Persian pistachio and has quickly become a traditional export good of many Persian lands. For this reason, the Fandoghi is cultivated in large parts of the Persian countries and occupies a large part of the pistachio plantations.

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• Kalleh Ghouchi (mehr info)

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Kalleh Ghouchi - the jumbo pistachio

The Kalleh Ghouchi is a particularly large pistachio. For this reason, this pistachio is often referred to as jumbo pistachio. The cultivation of Kalleh Ghouchi is extremely demanding, as the plant is very susceptible to water shortage. In addition, the shrubs of this plant are very complex. Like the round pistachio, this species has a much rounder shape than ordinary pistachios. However, as the yield of a shrub of this pistachio species decreases sharply from the age of 40, it is being grown by fewer and fewer farmers.

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• Akbari (mehr info)

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Akbari - the easiest to eat pistachio

The Akbari is a newer form of pistachio, which convinces above all by its large yields and its elongated shape. Compared to all other types of pistachio, the Akbari has by far the highest (longest) shape index and is therefore much easier to detach from its shell than any other species. That is why the Akbari is known in many parts of the world as the easiest to eat pistachio.

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• Ahmad Aghaei (mehr info)

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Ahmad Aghaei - the best breed

However, the latest and most popular among the farmers of pistachio is the Ahmad Aghaei. This new species has become so popular because its high yield rate promises a much richer harvest. In addition, it takes much less time to grow into a productive plant. Similar to the Akbari, the Ahmad Aghaei has an oblong shape.

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Because of above-average nut size and the bigger proportion, pistachios contain more essential oils. Ask us about applications, content and other uses. We are the specialists for the distribution of high-quality pistachios from the Orient.

History

Targeted cultivation of pistachios took place at least since ancient times. Pistachios spread from the Middle East to the Mediterranean and quickly became a treasured delicacy.

Main areas of cultivation and harvest

Pistachios are grown mainly in Iran, USA and Turkey. Also, Greece and Syria are known as growing areas of pistachios. The harvest season is from September to November. The harvest process itself is done, as with the mulberries, by shaking trees. A pistachio tree can be harvested every 2 years.

Botany

The pistachio tree can grow up to 12 meters high and the roots can protrude into the soil up to tree size. The age of a pistachio tree can be over several hundred years. The core of a pistachio has a thin skin protected by a hard shell.

Composition

Pistachios have a very high content of healthy proteins and ethereal oils. Pistachio also contains abundant Vitamins A, B and E, which have a particular effect on vision. The good percentage of Potassium and Iron overall support the human nervous system. The high concentration of fiber also boosts digestion.

Health benefits and use

Pistachios are considered as a stomach-friendly energy and vitamin supplier. There is currently no regular use of pistachio in scientific medicine. However, pistachio-rich diets can positively affect the overall well-being of humans due to the high content of vegetable fats.

Important NOTE

Pistachios in the past contained pesticides and molds. Arvin Ara attaches great importance to natural cultivation and, wherever possible, tries to have his products certified by independent European laboratories. Quality assurance and food safety are amongst of the top priorities at Arvin Ara.