[Sca-cooks] Saffron in Ireland

[Susan Fox-Davis]

Terry Decker wrote:

>
>IIRC, McClintock in Old Irish and Highland Dress mentions saffron dyes in
>relation to Irish clothing from about the 15th Century, but it has been
>several years since I casual read the book nad my memory may be faulty.
>
>Bear
>
I recalled this too, something about "saffron-dyed leine brought 
strength to the limbs," so I hit Google and got the 1911 Encyclopedia, 
which says, in part:

    It was, however, mainly used as a dye. It was a royal color in early
    Greek times, though afterwards, perhaps from its abundant use in the
    baths and as a scented salve, it was especially appropriated by the
    hetairae. In ancient Ireland a kings mantle was dyed with saffron,
    and even down to the 17th century the lein-croich, or saffron-dyed
    shirt, was worn by persons of rank in the Hebrides. In medieval
    illumination it furnished, as a glaze uon burnished tinfoil, a cheap
    and effective substitute for gold. The sacred spot on the forehead
    of a Hindu pundit is also partly composed of it. Its main use in
    England was to color pastry and confectionery, and it is stifi used
    for this purpose in some parts of the country (notably Cornwall).


Some more remarks on Saffron, including some excerpts from letters from 
Henry VIII forbidding native Irish customs, appear at:
http://www.reconstructinghistory.com/irish/saffron.html

By the way, denigrate not the humble Safflower, yclept American or 
Mexican Saffron.  It also gives good color to rice and other foods, and 
I have employed it as an herbal supplement to prevent muscle aches after 
strenuous exercise, to which I am particularly subject.  [Not a medical 
professional, etc. etc. CYA disclaimerage.]

Selene Colfox