Saffron

Saffron is a good friend of physicians and a praise of the cook – Charlemagne

Crocus plants do not do well in shady conditions and grow best in full Sunlight. If the fields slope towards Sunlight, well drained then saffron can be grown. Planting of corms is generally in June. Blooming is in the fall over the course of 3 weeks and harvesting commences. Labors work up to 19 hours to reap the blooms and extract stigmata. Heat dried stigmata will be packed for sale. Saffron price per pound can be between $500/- to $5000/- depending on quality and grade!

Saffron was a favorite of Romans and Greeks. Saffron was an ingredient of their perfumes. It has become important spice of the world cuisine and used for clothing dye too.

Saffron has a hay like fragrance because of presence of two important chemicals – Safranal and Picrocrocin. Crocin imparts golden yellow color to dishes and dyes. It is an integral part of Indian and Chinese medicine. It provides numerous health benefits even in lesser, smaller quantities.