What season is the time to harvest saffron?

harvesting saffron, Dear exporters, we have prepared an article to describe in detail the saffron harvesting process, harvesting stages, and other highly important points about this.

The saffron harvesting stage is the most difficult and laborious and at the same time the most sensitive stage of saffron cultivation. The saffron harvesting stage includes picking the flower and separating the stigma from the flower. The life of flowers is 3 to 4 days and if not picked in time, it will be destroyed. Also, if the flowers are exposed to hot weather, wind and sunlight for a long time, the quality of its color and fragrance will decrease and the quality of saffron will decrease.

Saffron harvest time

Saffron harvesting occurs at different times depending on where live. In some areas, it begins in November, while in others, it begins in December. It is with purple flowers emerging in the field that the process of harvesting saffron begins.

Approximately three weeks will pass before harvesting begins depending on the climate.

Saffron begins growing when buds or shoots emerge, signaling the emergence of flowers.

A maximum number of flowers can be seen on the seventh to tenth day after blooming.

Saffron harvest in Khorasan region is done before sunrise. Many parts of the country, including the west, start flowering at 8 am and continue until evening.

Taking into consideration the harvesting time, the area of the farm, and the number of workers, you must create the necessary balance.

How to harvest saffron

In order to prevent pollen from sticking to the stigma of the saffron flower after picking, you should separate the flower from the stigma as soon as possible after picking it.

Methods of harvesting saffron

Harvesting saffron manually

This method is actually the common method of harvesting saffron. In this method, the number of workers varies according to the harvest year. per hectare, in the first year to 5 or 6 people; 10 people are needed in the second year and 15 people in the third and subsequent years.

Harvesting saffron with a flower picker

In this method, you can use all kinds of flower harvesting machines, such as backpack model, carriage model and Spanish model.

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How to separate the saffron flower from the stigma

The place allocated for isolation is completely clean and hygienic. During the isolation, all health tips are observed by the people who perform the isolation process.

The separation process depends on the type of saffron. For example, agriculture wants its saffron to be Sargol saffron, and another farmer wants to use Pushal saffron.

Saffron isolation methods

The way to separate saffron flowers has a great impact on the purchase of saffron, which we will discuss below.

Isolation of saffron by saffron batch method:

From the inside of the flower, we separate the three-branched stigma from the rest of the flower components, stack them regularly and dry them in the same state. In this case, we will have a bunch of saffron.

Isolation of saffron by Sargol saffron method:

We cut the stigmas from the junction with the cream, collect and dry them. This type of saffron is called Sargol saffron. Sargol saffron branches are shorter than Negin saffron.

Isolation of saffron by Pushal saffron method:

In this method, in addition to the stigma, parts of the cream that remain attached to it are also separated. Then it is picked and dried. In this way, we see Pushal saffron.

Isolation of saffron by the precious saffron method:

In this method, the saffron branches should be straight and without bending.

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How to Grow Saffron

Crocus Areas ideal for cultivation of saffron crocus average a low 15 to 18 inches (38-46 cm.) of annual rainfall. If you live in an area of significant precipitation, heavy rains are likely to damage the delicate flowers. However, beyond that, saffron are relatively easy to grow and multiply fairly rapidly, it would take about 150 to 200 bulbs to keep the average family supplied with enough saffron.

Land preparation and planting saffron bulbs

Land preparation and planting saffron bulbs have various stages, which we will mention below:

1. Choosing the right land:

• Saffron performs best in sandy loamy soils with good drainage.
• The land should be sunny and waterlogging should be prevented.

2. Soil preparation:

• Plowing: Plow the land in the summer (July and August) to make the soil soft and ready for planting.
• Fertilization: Before planting, add rotted animal manure or suitable chemical fertilizers to the soil.
• Land leveling: After fertilizing, level the land well to make its surface smooth and uniform.

3. Selecting and preparing saffron bulbs:

• Choose healthy and large bulbs.
• Disinfect the bulbs with a suitable fungicide before planting.
• The best time to plant saffron bulbs is from mid-June to late September.

4. Planting saffron bulbs:

• Plant the bulbs 15 to 20 cm deep in the soil.
• Keep the distance between the bulbs 10 to 15 cm.
• After planting, gently press the soil to secure the bulbs in place.
• Saffron planting can be done in two ways: traditional and mechanized.

Important points:

• Before planting, make sure that there are no pests and diseases in the soil.
• Proper drainage of the land is of great importance.
• Proper fertilization helps saffron grow and perform better.
• Saffron irrigation should be done on time and carefully.
• After planting, take the necessary care to maintain the health of the bulbs.
• By following these tips, you can harvest high-quality saffron.

Caring for Saffron Flowers During Harvest

• Gentle Picking Techniques: Hand-picking flowers carefully to avoid damaging the delicate stigmas.
• Harvest Timing: Picking flowers early in the morning when they are fresh and less likely to wilt.
• Proper Handling: Using shallow baskets to prevent crushing the flowers and keeping them shaded to preserve quality.
• Immediate Processing: Quickly transferring flowers for stigma separation to maintain maximum freshness and potency.
• Minimizing Contamination: Keeping the harvest area clean and avoiding contact with soil or debris.

Storage and Packaging of Saffron

• Proper Drying: Ensure saffron threads are fully dried to prevent moisture buildup and mold.
• Airtight Containers: Store saffron in airtight glass jars or metal tins to protect it from air, light, and humidity.
• Cool, Dark Storage: Keep saffron in a cool, dark place to preserve its color, aroma, and potency.
• Vacuum Sealing for Long-Term Storage: Use vacuum-sealed bags for larger quantities to extend shelf life.
• Attractive, Protective Packaging: Choose packaging that highlights saffron’s luxury appeal while safeguarding against environmental factors.
• Labeling and Dating: Add clear labels with the harvest date and batch number for better inventory tracking.

Marketing and sales of saffron

Marketing and selling saffron can have a huge impact on the success of producers, especially considering that saffron is a luxury and valuable product. Let’s look at this from different angles!

🔸 Target Market Identification:

Analyze domestic and international markets to identify demand, customer tastes, and appropriate pricing. For example, Arab countries, Europe, and the United States are among the largest consumers of saffron.

🔸 Branding and Packaging:

Create a reputable brand with attractive and creative packaging that preserves the freshness, aroma, and value of saffron. Small packages (e.g. 1 gram) for regular customers and larger packages for restaurants and apothecaries can be a good strategy.

🔸 Online Sales and Digital Marketing:

Use websites, social media, and online stores to attract global customers. Producing educational content about the benefits of saffron, recipes, and behind-the-scenes of the harvest can be attractive.

🔸 Standards and Certifications:

Obtaining certifications such as ISO, HACCP, or organic certification to gain the trust of foreign customers and enter official markets.

🔸 Participation in exhibitions and events:

Attendance at international food and agricultural exhibitions to establish direct contact with major buyers, exporters, and traders.

🔸 Development of by-products:

In addition to selling raw saffron, the production of processed products such as saffron tea, essential oil, chocolate, or saffron honey can create additional sources of income.