Historians agree that saffron has been grown in the province of L’Aquila since the 13th and 14th Centuries and that this precious spice took a paramount role in the local economy from the beginning. Besides, it is a very precious spice, utilized in many traditional Italian dishes such as the Risotto alla Milanese and the preparation of meats and desserts. As a matter of fact, saffron in general is a magic plant, and is used for asthma, cough, sore throat, whooping cough, and to loosen phlegm. It is also used for sleep problems (insomnia), cancer, "hardening of the arteries”, vomiting and depression.