Know About Saffron

                                           

About Saffron:

  Saffron is the dried, bright red stigmas of the flower Crocus-
 sativus, which is a relatively easy-to-grow perennial. It lies
 dormant all summer, then pushes its purple blossoms up through
 the mulch just as other plants are succumbing to frost. Each 
 blossom offers up to three scarlet stigmas. Plant the bulbs in
 summer and harvest the stigmas in fall. A starter supply of about
 50 bulbs costs about $30 and will produce about a tablespoon of
 the spice the first year. However, each year more flowers will
 grow, and therefore you'll get more of the spice. Ultimately,
 your investment will pay off. Fresh saffron threads can be used
 immediately for cooking, or they can be dried and stored. To dry
 them, place on paper towels and leave for several days in a warm
 place. Then transfer them to an airtight container and keep in
 a cool, dry place.