In the Middle Ages it was the status symbol of the rich and beautiful. Saffron is still one of the finest spices that can also be grown in your own garden. Despite the laborious harvest, the effort is worth it, because the crocus threads are traded at high prices.
Harvesting saffron is for the patient
When the spice is harvested
Saffron is obtained from the orange-red stigmas of a crocus species, which looks confusingly similar to the autumn crocus. The spice plant develops chive-like leaves in autumn just before flowering. The aromatic flower parts are ready for harvest in October, with the harvest time extending over three weeks. Too much sun causes the stigmas to lose their intense colour, which also affects the aroma. Therefore, you should harvest the stigma branches, of which there are three per flower, on overcast days or early in the morning.
Things to know about the harvest
For one gram of dried saffron threads you need to harvest 150 flowers. Before drying, the stylus is removed from each stigma. The harvest is done by hand and the cultivation of these precious plants requires large areas of cultivation. For these reasons, saffron threads are considered the most expensive spice in the world at ten to 15 euros per gram. Growing it yourself is worthwhile to cover your own needs, because saffron has an unmistakable aroma with smoky and earthy nuances.
Thin out
The separation of the red-colored female flower organs from the flower is called pruning. Tweezers make it easier for you to grip the delicate branches. You don't have to cut off the entire crocus flower and you can still enjoy the blaze of colour.
processing and storage
To make the scars last, you should spread them out on a baking sheet and let them dry in a warm room. You can also put the pad in the oven, which has been preheated to 40 degrees, for a maximum of half an hour. In this way, saffron retains its aroma for about three years:
- Store threads as a whole
- airtight and protected from moisture
- Dark vessels are ideal, in which the aroma does not escape
tips
Fakes are not uncommon on the market. Therefore, only buy saffron threads and avoid ground powder. This hardly differs from the turmeric spice.