Saffron is native to the Mediterranean environment, characterised by cool to cold winters, with autumn-winter spring rainfall, and warm dry summers with very little rainfall. It can withstand substantial frosts (-10oC), and can tolerate occasional snow in the winter.
Due to the fragile nature of the stigmas of the crocus that are 3 to 4 cm in length, the stigmas must be hand removed and also for the harvesting of the crocuses this is done by hand as well because a machine would decimate the delicate petals of the flower.
Due to the fragile nature of the stigmas of the crocus that are 3 to 4 cm in length, the stigmas must be hand removed and also for the harvesting of the crocuses this is done by hand as well because a machine would decimate the delicate petals of the flower.