Saffron is the highly prized spice of eastern origins. For centuries its value has been quoted at almost double the price of gold. It has an intense yellow colour and a pungent aroma. After four-hundred years of oblivion it has returned once again to “colour” Umbria’s agricultural lands. Cascia, an Umbrian village famous for its Sanctuary of St. Rita, has become the Italian capital that promotes and supports the precious crop of high-quality saffron. In fact, exhibitions and conventions are currently being held on saffron production, which in centuries past was one of the area’s most widespread and profitable enterprises.
Description
Dried trifid stigma of the Crocus sativus L flower.
Growing area
Assisi (select areas), Gualdo Tadino, Nocera Umbra, Valtopina, Spello (select areas), Foligno (select areas), Trevi (select areas), Sellano, Campello sul Clitunno (select areas), Spoleto (select areas), Scheggino, Vallo di Nera, Cerreto di Spoleto, Poggiodomo, Monteleone di Spoleto, Cascia, Norcia, Preci (the areas where saffron is most commonly grown are located north-east of the State Road 75, in Central Umbria-Assisi, Spello, Foligno and east of the Flaminia State Road 3 Flaminia-Foligno, Trevi, Campello sul Clitunno and Spoleto).
