If you like tasty food, grow saffron in your garden or orchard. Saffron comes from the aerial part of the pistil Crocus sativa.
This plant that belongs to the iridaceae family is an autumnal bulb that reaches about six inches in height. Its cultivation is traditional in La Mancha, Spain; although the biggest producer in the world today is Iran.
It is a rare and very expensive species due to the work involved in growing and obtaining it. Its market price varies between 8 and 16 euros per gram, so if we grow it in our garden, we can save a lot of money. It is used in cooking as a spice to add color, although it also provides a characteristic flavor.
In autumn it blooms with beautiful flowers of a delicate lilac color. This plant needs a well-draining and light soil, sandy or limestone soil is perfect for it. If the soil in our garden is too heavy and wet, it must be lightened with sand or peat.
The bulbs can be purchased from August onwards in the northern hemisphere and usually come in packs of twelve to twenty-five units. At the end of their cycle, we can save our own bulbs for the next season.
It is a simple culture if we respect its needs in terms of the quality of the soil it requires. A hole about ten centimeters deep is made in the soil and we place the bulb at the bottom. It has no special watering needs. If we sow it during the entire month of August, it will flower at the end of October in the northern hemisphere.
In the southern hemisphere it is usually planted in January and blooms in late April.
Traditionally, women were in charge of separating the pistils from the flower. It is a task that requires skill and perseverance, as you are working with a very delicate, expensive and small product.
Medicinal properties of saffron
We are not just talking about a seasoning for cooking, but we can find in saffron some properties to treat our health.
Saffron is traditionally used in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. In addition to its antidepressant effect, this plant is also said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Other studies have shown the effect of saffron on cognitive decline, especially in individuals at risk of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s…) and vision disorders due to age.
Finally, saffron also has a cardioprotective effect and improves male sexual dysfunction.