This plant (which bears no relation to saffron) is known as koosumbha in India and hoang-pchi in China. It is extensively cultivated in the Middle East. It’s native country is unknown however, some it is widely believed to have originated in Africa. It grows to about three feet in height and its fruit is about the size of barley. The yellow and red matter that it contains is very valuable in China where it is chiefly used for dyeing silk. The entire plant is useful, and yields quality edible oil containing poly-unsaturated fats which are considered key to lowering cholesterol and powerful anti-oxidants. The meal that is left after extracting the oil is used as animal feed. The flowers contain cathamin, a nautral food and cosmetic colouring.

In medicine, the extract of the flowers contain amino acids, minerals and vitamins and are used to treat menstrual problems, and cardio-vascular problems. The young tender plant may be eaten as a vegetable or used as fodder for animals in much the same way as the straw of other plants such as barley and oats. It is also used to improve soil conditioning. It is one of the oldest crops known to humanity, but is not a major world crop as it yields about 600,000 tonnes per year from over 60 countries. A third of this production takes place in India where it is traditionally grown as a rain-fed crop. Scientists are continually searching for seeds that carry healthy oil to replace animal fat. They have discovered that safflower is one of the best relacements for the animal fats that are currently used in the human diet. Given the prevalence of the heart disease world-wide it would suit us here to take heed.

Buckston Harrison is well known for his work as a herbalist, especially in western Jamaica. He resides in Sheffield, Westmoreland.

Huber’s Solar one-pot

I prepared this meal using a solar cooker. It took longer than a fire-cooked meal but the taste was phenomenal! With careful planning, I see no reason why you couldn’t integrate this energy efficient initiative into your lifestyle, especially against the background of the climate change deliberations currently underway in Copenhagen…

Ingredients

* 1 dozen jackfruit seeds

* 1/4 large cabbage

* 1 medium-sized beetroot

* 1 sprig thyme

* 1 Onion

* 4 stalks escallion

* 4 pegs garlic

* 1medium Irish Potato

* 1 medium Sweet Potato

* 1 Sweet Pepper

* 1 dozen string beans

* A cob of corn

* 1/2 pound pumpkin

* 1 cup mixed greens (callaloo, fennel, bush cabbage and french thyme)

* 1 tbs Curry seasoning

* 1 tbs Black Sesame seeds

* 1 tbs Fenugreek

* 1 tsp Corriander seeds

* 2 dozen pimento seeds

* 2 pods annatto

* 1/2 cup coconut

Method

* Dice ingredients and place in layers in medium pot

* Place in pre-heated solar cooker

* Remove in two and a half hours

Thomas ‘Bongo Tommy’ Huber is a Swiss national who migrated to Westmoreland’s Retrieve District 10 years ago. He is a naturalist who lives off the land and is deeply involved in an ongoing effort to create Jamaica’s next generation of exotic fruit trees.

Buckston and Huber’s Alternative is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, cure, prevention or treatment of disease. You may send your questions and comments to thealternative@jamaicaobserver.com.