Saffron harvest in Pampore

What it is

Pampore, a short drive from Srinagar, is the centre of saffron growing in Kashmir. The saffron crocus flowers for only two or three weeks, from late October into November. Families go into the fields at dawn and pick the purple flowers by hand into wicker baskets. Back home they sit together and pull out the three red stigmas from each flower. These are dried to become saffron. It takes a very large number of flowers to make a small amount of spice, which is why it costs so much. Kashmiri saffron has a geographical indication tag, and the harvest is a proud family affair.

Before you go

• The fields lie beside the highway. Ask a farmer before walking in.
• Mornings are when the picking happens.
• If you buy saffron, buy from an established shop or cooperative in Pampore.

The flowers you will see

Saffron crocusThe purple autumn flower whose red stigmas yield the spice saffronSaffronThe crimson threads of an autumn crocus, dried for colour, flavour and scent

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