What is Saffron?
It is a rare and valuable spice derived from the vivid red stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, known as the saffron crocus. Each flower blooms for a short period and contains only three threads, which are handpicked and dried. Saffron has been used for more than 4,000 years as a natural coloring and flavoring agent in cuisine, textiles, and traditional medicine. Due to its labor-intensive harvesting and low yield, saffron remains one of the most expensive spices in the world.
The saffron crocus is a sterile plant that does not grow naturally in the wild. It likely descended from Crocus cartwrightianus, native to Crete and ancient Greece. Because it is a triploid plant, it must be cultivated through bulb division. The threads contain unique chemical compounds such as crocin (responsible for the golden color), picrocrocin (flavor), and safranal (aroma), all of which contribute to saffron’s rich culinary and medicinal properties. This makes saffron highly sought after in both Eastern and Western cultures.
Iran is currently the world’s leading producer, accounting for around 90% of global saffron production. Today, many customers around the world prefer to buy saffron online directly from Iranian suppliers. You can also check updated bulk saffron prices or contact us for wholesale quotes, lab certifications, and international shipping details.
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