Farms around Wolfieskop eying saffron!

Kruisrivier, the home of Wolfieskop, can expect to see a change in landscape as farmers are keeping a close eye on the upcoming Saffron boom that is headed to South Africa. Exciting times, as the famous Red Stone Hills could to be lifted by a hint of red gold.

(Image from Flickr)

Saffron, the Sacred Spice

Saffron, often referred to as red gold, has been lauded as one of the most precious spices in the world even back when Nero was leading the Romans. They used it for its sweet smell, sprinkling it on the floor and even in their baths. The wealthy ancient Indians used as decoration and some say the ancient Egyptians used it for make-up.

There is no doubt that the spice is certainly versatile. Today, saffron is largely regarded for its use in food- adding subtle flavour and a rich yellowish-red hue colour. The use of saffron has changed overtime, but the spice still remains synonymous with wealth.

Its nickname is red gold...

Saffron is currently the most expensive spice in the world. A gram of Saffron can cost up to R2oo. It's quite remarkable! R2oo/g or R200,000 per kilogram. And what do we get for that price? Little red threads, stigmas, that act as pollen receivers for the plant. It is that red thread that dye's food with that famous yellowish red hue. Flavour wise - it is tricky to describe. Supposedly, it gives a subtle sweetness to the dish, but those who indulge in using it regularly are not afraid to hit you with the, "you know it when you try it", line.

Why is it so expensive? Well, it ain't easy to farm. It is very labour intensive. The plants flower once a year in the late summer and produces only three stigmas per flower which bloom for about three weeks. The stigmas need to be hand picked, ideally, harvested early mid-day in clear sunny conditions. Further more, to gain one kilogram of the spice will require 150 000 saffron plants!

Saffron has become quite the enigma in terms of price and popularity but South Africa is not looking to judge the market but to instead to take advantage of an opportunity.

Saffron to South Africa- Surprised?

Yes

Saffron is a spice that has been around for thousands of years and its origin is still debated today. As it stands, Greece claim to be the first country cultivate it, but countries further east, India, and Iran, have been fighting that stance since it was stood. Since then, almost all of Saffron has been cultivated in the Middle East and the Mediterranean, as well as, other dry countries in the Northern Hemisphere. Enter Bennie Engelbrecht, founder of Saffricon.

Saffricon is South Africa's number one Saffron producer, providing Saffron corms (the bulb from which the flower grows) to commercial farmers, small scale farmers and for the home gardener.

(For more information check out the Farmers Weekly article by Wouter Kriel, "Saffron: Harvesting Red Gold in the Karoo" )

The future of Saffron in South Africa appears bright, and you yourself might be tempted to join the rush. The global demand for Saffron is expected to grow in the culinary industry as well as seeing a rise in demand in the Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical industries. The global saffron market is predicted to grow and become a R22, 4 Billion industry by 2027.

The future of saffron in South Africa is looking to be an exciting one for both interested farmers and keen South African cooks. Who knows, maybe saffron has a future in Wolfieskop Olive oil - we will have to wait and see.

Interested in learning Olive oil? Check out our last blog!