Since moving into our house and finally having a yard, I’ve been so happy to be able to start growing our own herbs. I planted Saffron a couple weeks ago in pots on our front steps and the first one just bloomed. I am so excited that I had to take some photos to share! Saffron is suprisingly easy to grow in the northwest and blooms in the Fall. Other interesting saffron facts I’ve learned:
* Saffron is a type of crocus, but it is a very specific type. Don’t go harvesting your neighbors crocuses in the Spring or you may feel ill.
* The reason it is so expensive is you can only harvest three little strands per flower. Commercially it takes 75,000 bulbs to harvest one pound. Crazy.
* I bought 25 bulbs from White Flower nursery and they say that should be a good amount for a year for one family.
* The bulbs multiply so next year we should have some to share!
* You have to grab those little strands the day the flower opens to get the best flavor – they start deteriorating right away.
Now I need to start looking at some tasty recipes that use Saffron… Yum.
Rachel
November 2, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Wow! They grew so fast! Looks beautiful and tasty, too. I must try it next year.