| Is it true that saffron comes from the crocus flower? If so, is it the stamen or pistil? Will any crocus produce the "saffron"? Can I use the crocus growing in my yard? Does it need to be dried? How? |
| Saffron really does come from the dried stigmas (yellow threads in the center of the flower) of Crocus sativus. Don't get too excited, though - it takes 100,000 blossoms to produce one pound of saffron. The stigmas are collected at maturity and air dried, then stored in an airtight container to be used as a flavoring in foods. If your crocus are the sativus type, you can harvest your own saffron. |
