saffron

If using, place saffron threads in sherry or bourbon to soften while the stew simmers, about 20 minutes.

With their annual income at their fingertips, a family of saffron farmers pluck delicate crimson stigmas from crocus flowers grown high in India’s Kashmir Valley.

They left after painting the gate and walls saffron - a colour that is worn by many Hindu priests and is also the colour of flags of BJP and other Hindu parties.

The rice is beautifully colored by the cherries, with a touch of saffron for a golden hue and garnished with slivered pistachios.

A truck painted saffron – the colour associated with the BJP – and decorated with marigold flowers carried them as their cavalcade made its way through the narrow streets of the ancient city.