Comprehension
Read the following passage carefully :
(1) Saffron is a spice that's long been revered across the globe,captivating hearts and palates with its deep-red hue and complex flavour. It is one of the most prized spices that you can find on this planet. Just like gold is among the most valuable metals in the world,saffron means the same in the world of spices. Also known as 'kesar' in Hindi, it has a rich history and is often called an ancient spice.Saffron is being used since ages in various foods made for the royals and the elite as it contains medicinal properties.
(2) Originating from the delicate stigma of the saffron crocus flower, it transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, infusing dishes with a subtle, earthy sweetness that adds a special taste to the palate.Saffron has a strong exotic aroma and a unique flavour and is used to colour and flavour many Mediterranean and Asian dishes, particularly rice, fish and English, Scandinavian, and Balkan breads.
(3) Saffron forms the backbone of several iconic dishes from around the world, such as the Spanish rice, seafood dish Paella, the French stew Bouillabaisse, Italian rice dish Risotto Milanese, the Indian ice cream Kesar Kulfi, Pakistani rice dish Biryani, and baked Iranian rice Tachin. Saffron's rich red colour is attributed to crocin; its bitter taste, to picrocrocin; and its distinctive aroma, to safranal.
(4) Saffron is cultivated chiefly in Iran but is also grown in Spain,France, Italy, and parts of India. A labour-intensive crop, the three stigmas are handpicked from each flower, spread on trays, and dried over charcoal fires for use as a food flavouring and colouring agent.
(5) Most historians speculate it was first domesticated in Iran, but south-western Greek islands remain strong contenders. Traders,conquerors, and world explorers introduced it to China, India and the Middle East. From there, it travelled to Mediterranean Europe.
(6) The high retail value of saffron is maintained in world markets because of labour-intensive harvesting methods, which require some 444,000 hand-picked saffron stigmas per kilogram - equivalently,150,000 crocus flowers per kilogram. Forty hours of labour are needed to pick 150,000 flowers. Almost all saffron grows in a belt from Spain in the west to India in the east. Iran is responsible for around 88% of global production. Afghanistan comes second, and Spain is the third largest producer, while the United Arab Emirates, Greece, the Indian subcontinent and Morocco are among minor producers.
(7) Given its high price, adulteration is quite common, unfortunately.Adulterants like beetroot or pomegranate are used to enhance red colour; silk fibres, oil, or wax are used to add bulk, and powdered saffron can be adulterated with turmeric and paprika.
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage :
(1) Saffron is a spice that's long been revered across the globe,captivating hearts and palates with its deep-red hue and complex flavour. It is one of the most prized spices that you can find on this planet. Just like gold is among the most valuable metals in the world,saffron means the same in the world of spices. Also known as 'kesar' in Hindi, it has a rich history and is often called an ancient spice.Saffron is being used since ages in various foods made for the royals and the elite as it contains medicinal properties.
(2) Originating from the delicate stigma of the saffron crocus flower, it transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, infusing dishes with a subtle, earthy sweetness that adds a special taste to the palate.Saffron has a strong exotic aroma and a unique flavour and is used to colour and flavour many Mediterranean and Asian dishes, particularly rice, fish and English, Scandinavian, and Balkan breads.
(3) Saffron forms the backbone of several iconic dishes from around the world, such as the Spanish rice, seafood dish Paella, the French stew Bouillabaisse, Italian rice dish Risotto Milanese, the Indian ice cream Kesar Kulfi, Pakistani rice dish Biryani, and baked Iranian rice Tachin. Saffron's rich red colour is attributed to crocin; its bitter taste, to picrocrocin; and its distinctive aroma, to safranal.
(4) Saffron is cultivated chiefly in Iran but is also grown in Spain,France, Italy, and parts of India. A labour-intensive crop, the three stigmas are handpicked from each flower, spread on trays, and dried over charcoal fires for use as a food flavouring and colouring agent.
(5) Most historians speculate it was first domesticated in Iran, but south-western Greek islands remain strong contenders. Traders,conquerors, and world explorers introduced it to China, India and the Middle East. From there, it travelled to Mediterranean Europe.
(6) The high retail value of saffron is maintained in world markets because of labour-intensive harvesting methods, which require some 444,000 hand-picked saffron stigmas per kilogram - equivalently,150,000 crocus flowers per kilogram. Forty hours of labour are needed to pick 150,000 flowers. Almost all saffron grows in a belt from Spain in the west to India in the east. Iran is responsible for around 88% of global production. Afghanistan comes second, and Spain is the third largest producer, while the United Arab Emirates, Greece, the Indian subcontinent and Morocco are among minor producers.
(7) Given its high price, adulteration is quite common, unfortunately.Adulterants like beetroot or pomegranate are used to enhance red colour; silk fibres, oil, or wax are used to add bulk, and powdered saffron can be adulterated with turmeric and paprika.
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage :
Question: 1
What is the tone of the writer in the given lines?
Rationalise your response in about 40 words.
“Saffron is being used since ages in various foods made for the royals and the elite as it contains medicinal properties.”
What is the tone of the writer in the given lines?
Rationalise your response in about 40 words.
“Saffron is being used since ages in various foods made for the royals and the elite as it contains medicinal properties.”
Rationalise your response in about 40 words.
“Saffron is being used since ages in various foods made for the royals and the elite as it contains medicinal properties.”
Show Hint
Look for emotionally charged or respectful language when identifying tone—words like “royals,” “elite,” and “medicinal properties” often signal an admiring or appreciative tone.
Updated On: May 30, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
The tone of the writer is reverent and appreciative. The writer highlights saffron’s long-standing use among royals and elites and emphasizes its medicinal value. This tone suggests deep admiration for the spice’s historical significance and beneficial qualities.
The sentence reflects the writer’s high regard for saffron by mentioning its historical importance and medicinal properties. The reference to its use by royals and elites further emphasizes its prestige and value. The tone is clearly admiring and respectful.
The sentence reflects the writer’s high regard for saffron by mentioning its historical importance and medicinal properties. The reference to its use by royals and elites further emphasizes its prestige and value. The tone is clearly admiring and respectful.
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Question: 2
Which of the following statements best describes the comparison made in the sentence?
“Just like gold is among the most valuable metals in the world, saffron means the same in the world of spices.”
Which of the following statements best describes the comparison made in the sentence?
“Just like gold is among the most valuable metals in the world, saffron means the same in the world of spices.”
Show Hint
When interpreting comparisons, focus on the attribute being compared—in this case, value or status, not physical or monetary traits.
Updated On: May 30, 2025
- Gold and saffron have similar physical properties.
- Gold and saffron have equal monetary value.
- Saffron is considered the most valuable spice, similar to how gold is valued among metals.
- Gold and saffron are both rare commodities in the global market.
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The sentence compares saffron to gold to emphasize its high value and rarity.
Just as gold is regarded as one of the most precious and valuable metals globally, saffron holds a similar status in the spice world due to its unique qualities, labor-intensive harvesting, and rich history.
Therefore, the best description is: Saffron is considered the most valuable spice, similar to how gold is valued among metals.
Just as gold is regarded as one of the most precious and valuable metals globally, saffron holds a similar status in the spice world due to its unique qualities, labor-intensive harvesting, and rich history.
Therefore, the best description is: Saffron is considered the most valuable spice, similar to how gold is valued among metals.
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Question: 3
List any two points why saffron is revered across the globe.
List any two points why saffron is revered across the globe.
Show Hint
Look for keywords like “medicinal,” “royals,” “elite,” “aroma,” and “global dishes” in the passage when asked about saffron’s global reverence.
Updated On: May 30, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
Saffron is revered across the globe for several reasons:
1. It has a deep-red hue and complex flavour that captivates hearts and palates, making it a prized spice used to enhance the taste and appearance of various dishes.
2. Saffron contains medicinal properties and has been used since ancient times, often in foods made for royals and the elite, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.
These qualities make saffron both valuable and highly respected worldwide.
1. It has a deep-red hue and complex flavour that captivates hearts and palates, making it a prized spice used to enhance the taste and appearance of various dishes.
2. Saffron contains medicinal properties and has been used since ancient times, often in foods made for royals and the elite, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.
These qualities make saffron both valuable and highly respected worldwide.
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Question: 4
Fill in the blank from the given options:
In the phrase ‘backbone of several iconic dishes’, the word ‘iconic’ refers to ..............
Fill in the blank from the given options:
In the phrase ‘backbone of several iconic dishes’, the word ‘iconic’ refers to ..............
In the phrase ‘backbone of several iconic dishes’, the word ‘iconic’ refers to ..............
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Words like “iconic” often describe something with enduring fame or broad recognition—especially in cultural or culinary contexts.
Updated On: May 30, 2025
- delicately cooked
- widely recognized
- peculiar and rare
- strange and infamous
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
In the phrase ‘backbone of several iconic dishes’, the word ‘iconic’ refers to widely recognized.
This means these dishes are famous and well-known around the world, often representing the culture and cuisine of their respective regions.
Calling the dishes ‘iconic’ emphasizes their importance and popularity in global culinary traditions.
These dishes have become symbols of their countries' heritage and are celebrated for their unique flavors and use of saffron.
The term also suggests that saffron is a key ingredient that defines and distinguishes these beloved recipes.
This means these dishes are famous and well-known around the world, often representing the culture and cuisine of their respective regions.
Calling the dishes ‘iconic’ emphasizes their importance and popularity in global culinary traditions.
These dishes have become symbols of their countries' heritage and are celebrated for their unique flavors and use of saffron.
The term also suggests that saffron is a key ingredient that defines and distinguishes these beloved recipes.
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Question: 5
Complete the sentence appropriately:
Saffron has a labour-intensive cultivation process which involves ..............
Complete the sentence appropriately:
Saffron has a labour-intensive cultivation process which involves ..............
Saffron has a labour-intensive cultivation process which involves ..............
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Pay attention to procedural details in the text when the question involves a “how” or “what process” type of query.
Updated On: May 30, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
Saffron has a labour-intensive cultivation process which involves handpicking the three delicate stigmas from each saffron crocus flower, spreading them on trays, and drying them carefully over charcoal fires.
This meticulous and time-consuming method requires significant manual effort, making saffron one of the most expensive spices in the world.
Approximately 150,000 crocus flowers are needed to produce just one kilogram of saffron, requiring around 40 hours of labor to harvest.
The delicate nature of the stigmas and the need for precise handling at every stage ensure the high quality and distinctive aroma of the final product.
This labour-intensive process is a major reason for saffron's high market value and its reputation as “red gold.”
This meticulous and time-consuming method requires significant manual effort, making saffron one of the most expensive spices in the world.
Approximately 150,000 crocus flowers are needed to produce just one kilogram of saffron, requiring around 40 hours of labor to harvest.
The delicate nature of the stigmas and the need for precise handling at every stage ensure the high quality and distinctive aroma of the final product.
This labour-intensive process is a major reason for saffron's high market value and its reputation as “red gold.”
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Question: 6
State whether the following statement is True or False:
According to historians, saffron was first used in the kitchens in Iran.
State whether the following statement is True or False:
According to historians, saffron was first used in the kitchens in Iran.
According to historians, saffron was first used in the kitchens in Iran.
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Be cautious of minor wording changes in True/False questions; compare directly with the text.
Updated On: May 30, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
The statement is False.
According to the passage, most historians speculate that saffron was first domesticated in Iran, but the south-western Greek islands are also considered strong contenders for its origin.
This indicates that the exact place where saffron was first used or cultivated is still debated.
Furthermore, the passage mentions that traders, conquerors, and explorers introduced saffron to regions such as China, India, and the Middle East, suggesting a wide spread of its use beyond just Iran.
Thus, it cannot be conclusively said that saffron was first used specifically in Iranian kitchens.
According to the passage, most historians speculate that saffron was first domesticated in Iran, but the south-western Greek islands are also considered strong contenders for its origin.
This indicates that the exact place where saffron was first used or cultivated is still debated.
Furthermore, the passage mentions that traders, conquerors, and explorers introduced saffron to regions such as China, India, and the Middle East, suggesting a wide spread of its use beyond just Iran.
Thus, it cannot be conclusively said that saffron was first used specifically in Iranian kitchens.
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Question: 7
Which of the following statements best describes the reason for saffron’s high retail value?
Which of the following statements best describes the reason for saffron’s high retail value?
Show Hint
Look for quantitative and effort-based clues in the passage when evaluating price or value-related questions.
Updated On: May 30, 2025
- Due to its magical or mystical properties.
- Because it can only be grown in specific regions.
- Due to its labour-intensive cultivation process and its relatively low yield per plant.
- Because traders, conquerors, and world explorers hoard it.
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Saffron’s high retail value is primarily due to its labour-intensive cultivation process and the relatively low yield per plant.
Harvesting saffron requires handpicking the tiny stigmas from each flower, which is a time-consuming and delicate task.
Approximately 150,000 flowers are needed to produce just one kilogram of saffron, involving around 40 hours of labor.
This extensive manual work combined with the large quantity of flowers required makes saffron an expensive and precious spice in the global market.
Harvesting saffron requires handpicking the tiny stigmas from each flower, which is a time-consuming and delicate task.
Approximately 150,000 flowers are needed to produce just one kilogram of saffron, involving around 40 hours of labor.
This extensive manual work combined with the large quantity of flowers required makes saffron an expensive and precious spice in the global market.
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Question: 8
Support the writer’s view with evidence from the text that saffron is often adulterated.
Support the writer’s view with evidence from the text that saffron is often adulterated.
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When asked for textual evidence, quote specific examples or phrases directly mentioned in the passage.
Updated On: May 20, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
The passage (Paragraph 7) mentions that adulterants like beetroot, pomegranate, turmeric, and paprika are added to enhance colour and volume, showing that saffron is frequently adulterated.
The writer supports the claim by providing specific examples of substances added to saffron to fake its appearance or increase its bulk. These include natural dyes and other spices, confirming that saffron is often subject to adulteration.
The writer supports the claim by providing specific examples of substances added to saffron to fake its appearance or increase its bulk. These include natural dyes and other spices, confirming that saffron is often subject to adulteration.
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