saffron flower

saffron flower
Saffron has often been described as a spice that is worth more than its weight in gold.Saffron is a

delicious and colorful seasoning that is used in breads, desserts, and main dishes in many parts of

the world, from England to India, from the Middle East to Scandinavia, and all around the Mediterranean.

Without it, an Indian curry or a Spanish paella just wouldn’t be the same.Saffron is a spice derived

from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the saffron crocus. Saffron, botanical name crocus

sativus, is the most expensive spice in the world. Derived from the dried stigmas of the purple saffron

crocus, it takes anything from 70,000 to 250,000 flowers to make one pound of saffron.Records detailing

the use of saffron go back to ancient Egypt and Rome where it was used as a dye, in perfumes, and as

a drug, as well as for culinary purposes.Saffron comes from the saffron crocus bulb (Crocus sativus),

which is an autumn blooming crocus. The spice is actually the red stigmas of this crocus flower. Each

flower will only produce three stigmas and each saffron crocus bulb will only produce one flower.Saffron

plants need well draining soil and lots of sun. If saffron crocus is planted in swampy or poor draining

soil, it will rot. Other than needing good soil and sun, saffron crocus are not picky.In order to prepare

the ground, you can either turn the soil over or plough deeply (about 20 cm) and add some compost or

manure. In the case of nitrogenous fertilizer, it is better to spread on the surface after planting.

Keep the ground weed free until planting (from June to September) and make loosen the soil before planting

the corms.Some precautions are required for the best output of saffron like Wood mice and voles are

particularly fond of corms in winter as well as in summer. Destroying their tunnels regularly allows

one to limit their number and moreover rabbits, which are particularly keen on leaves and flowers can

only be stopped with a secure fence.