How to Pick Saffron

Saffron spice is the stigma of Crocus sativus, or saffron crocus. Each of the large blooms of the saffron crocus offers three stigmas inside the flower that are harvested and dried to create the familiar yellow color saffron spice. Highly prized for its flavor, the spice is primarily grown in the Middle East and Asia and commands a high price in most markets. Saffron crocuses are easy to grow in most home gardens. The expense of the spice comes from the intensive harvest of the stigmas to create enough saffron to sell.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Watch for the early to mid-fall lavender blooms of the saffron crocus.

   • 2

     Insert the open tip of tweezers into the flower head, and gently pluck the stigmas from the plant one by one.

   • 3

     Place the stigmas on paper towels, and allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated area until completely dehydrated. If the stigma breaks in half easily, it is dry.

   • 4

     Store the dried stigmas in an airtight container or jar.