How Is Saffron Grown?

A Glimpse Into the Journey of the World’s Most Precious Spice

Saffron, known as the “red gold” of spices, is cherished for its vibrant color, unique aroma, and wellness benefits. But before it graces your kitchen or wellness ritual, saffron undergoes a remarkable journey—one rooted in patience, tradition, and meticulous care. As Zarafron prepares to launch, we invite you behind the scenes to discover how authentic saffron is grown and why it’s so rare.

The Saffron Crocus: Nature’s Treasure

Saffron comes from the delicate purple flowers of the Crocus sativus plant. Each bloom produces just three crimson stigmas—these are the prized saffron threads.

Step 1: Planting the Corms

The journey begins with corms, which are similar to bulbs.

• Timing: Farmers plant corms in late summer or early fall.
• Soil: Saffron thrives in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil.
• Spacing: Corms are carefully spaced to allow each flower room to grow and make harvesting easier.

Step 2: Nurturing Growth

• Climate: Saffron flourishes in regions with hot, dry summers and cool, mild winters. Traditional saffron regions include Iran, Kashmir, Spain, and the Mediterranean.
• Watering: Minimal water is needed; too much can damage the corms.

Step 3: Bloom and Harvest

• Flowering: Each autumn, the crocus blooms for just two to three weeks. Timing is crucial—flowers are hand-picked at dawn to preserve their quality.
• Harvesting: Every flower yields only three saffron threads, which are gently separated by hand. This process is a true labor of love.

Step 4: Drying and Preserving

• Drying: The fresh threads are carefully dried to lock in their color, aroma, and beneficial compounds.
• Storage: Dried saffron is stored in airtight, light-proof containers to maintain its potency until it’s ready for use.

Why Is Saffron So Rare?

• Labor-Intensive: It takes around 75,000 flowers to produce just one pound of saffron.
• Limited Yield: Each plant blooms only once per year, and each flower offers just three threads.
• Hand Harvested: Every step, from picking to processing, is done by hand to ensure quality.

Saffron at Zarafron: Rooted in Tradition, Crafted for You

At Zarafron, we’re inspired by centuries of Persian tradition and a commitment to quality. As we prepare to introduce our premium saffron products, we’re dedicated to sharing this extraordinary journey with you—from crocus to cup.

Be the First to Experience Zarafron

We’re not live yet, but the journey is unfolding. If you’re passionate about wellness, heritage, and the beauty of saffron, we invite you to join our waitlist.
Sign up for early access, sneak peeks, and exclusive educational content as we get ready to launch.

Join the Zarafron waitlist today and be part of our founding community.
Sign up on zarafron.com or follow us on Instagram @zarafron for updates.