Saffron rice chopped pistachio nuts. Similar other dishes exist in other parts of Western Asia. Saffron rice Saffron rice is a dish made from saffron, white rice and also usually vegetable bouillon. Saffron rice is found in the cuisines of many countries (in one form or another). The recipe is similar to plain cooked rice with addition of ingredients. Saffron rice is a dish in the cuisine of Seychelles. In India and Pakistan, plain saffron rice is cooked with joha rice or Basmati rice, saffron, vegetable bouillon, ghee, and bay leaves. In Iran, India, and Pakistan, sweet saffron rice called "zarda" is
Saffron where adventurers sought what they believed were the world's most valuable threads. Another legend tells of Crocus and Smilax, whereby Crocus is bewitched and transformed into the first saffron crocus. Ancient perfumers in Egypt, physicians in Gaza, townspeople in Rhodes, and the Greek "hetaerae" courtesans used saffron in their scented waters, perfumes and potpourris, mascaras and ointments, divine offerings, and medical treatments. In late Ptolemaic Egypt, Cleopatra used saffron in her baths so that lovemaking would be more pleasurable. Egyptian healers used saffron as a treatment for all varieties of gastrointestinal ailments. Saffron was also used as a fabric dye