How to Harvest Saffron

Cut fully open blooms from the saffron crocus plant at midmorning on a sunny day. Carry flowers inside and begin the harvest, one bloom at a time.

Gently remove the three red-orange stigmas from the center of each bloom. Small, sharp embroidery scissors make it easy to snip the stigmas at their base without crushing them. Use only the red-orange parts of the flower.

Spread the harvested stigmas in a single layer on a clean, dry plate. Place the plate in a warm dry spot and allow the stigmas to dehydrate for several days or until they look like twisted threads.

Fold a 3-inch by 3-inch square of aluminum foil in half. Store your dehydrated saffron strands inside the fold, out of direct sunlight. Place the foil, with the strands inside, into an airtight jar or container and store them for use in your favorite recipes.