Saffron is an expensive spice that has a very distinct flavor and aroma. It is prized throughout the world, but often only used for special-occasion dishes because it is so expensive.
Where Does Saffron Come From, Anyway?
Saffron comes from the three stigmas of an autum blooming crocus plant, the Crocus Sativus. The Crocus Sativus is hardy from zones six through nine in the United States, and it can be grown in colder climates if removed to the indoors in winter.
Is Saffron Difficult To Grow?
A good bloomer, the saffron crocus needs well drained, rich soil in a sunny but sheltered location. It it a reliable producer, creating its best crops during hot summers. If you would like more information on growing and using saffron, please review my article: Grow Saffron
If you decide to grow this beautiful and useful plant, http://www.robsplants.com/ has some interesting information as well as some very useful photographs. Rob provided the photo for this blog, and you'll enjoy looking through his site.
How Much Saffron Will You Need to Grow?
About 40 bulbs will yield a tablespoon's worth of stigmas in a season. The plants propagate quickly, so your yields will grow fast. By the third year, you'll probably be giving saffron threads away to neighbors and friends.
Harvesting Saffron
Set freshly harvested stigmas on paper towels to dry thoroughly. Leave them alone in a dark, warm place for three days or so. Once dried, place them in an air tight container in a dark cupboard, or keep them in a glass jar that has a dark tint, like cobalt or brown.
How Much Saffron Will You Need to Grow?
About 40 bulbs will yield a tablespoon's worth of stigmas in a season. The plants propagate quickly, so your yields will grow fast. By the third year, you'll probably be giving saffron threads away to neighbors and friends.
Harvesting Saffron
Set freshly harvested stigmas on paper towels to dry thoroughly. Leave them alone in a dark, warm place for three days or so. Once dried, place them in an air tight container in a dark cupboard, or keep them in a glass jar that has a dark tint, like cobalt or brown.
Using Saffron
Now that you have a saffron crop, what's the best way to use your spice? The saffron you use in your culinary applications should have been harvested no earlier than last season (less than a year), and have a vivid orange color. When using saffron, crush it thoroughly (I like using a mortar and pestle), and incorporate it in liquid before adding it to other ingredients.
Make Saffron Tea
Saffron is a relaxing ingredient when added to black tea. Add a thread of saffron to a single serving of black tea and prepare according to the tea manufacturer's directions. For a spicy lift, include two whole cardamom seed to the mix. Add sugar to taste.
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