Everything You Need to Know About Moroccan Saffron – The Red Gold of Morocco
What Is Moroccan Saffron?
Moroccan
Saffron, often
called the "Red Gold" or the "King’s Flower",
is one of the world’s most valuable and powerful spices. Grown in the southeastern
region of Morocco, particularly in the village of Taliouine, saffron
is a purple crocus flower (Crocus sativus) that produces vivid red
stigmas used for culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic purposes.
Where Does Moroccan Saffron Come From?
Taliouine, a
small village with around 6,000 inhabitants, lies at the foot of the High
Atlas Mountains, not far from Agadir. It is known as Morocco’s
saffron capital. The saffron grown here benefits from the ideal altitude, dry
climate, and traditional harvesting techniques passed down for generations.
How Is Saffron Harvested in Morocco?
The saffron
harvest is a careful, manual process performed mostly by women.
Harvesting starts at dawn (around 4 AM) before the sun gets too hot.
Farmers gently pick the delicate flowers, and once collected, the stigmas are hand-separated
from the petals.
It takes 150
flowers to produce 1 gram of saffron—and 150,000 flowers for just 1
kilogram. After separation, the stigmas are dried naturally on white
cloths to preserve their quality, aroma, and color.
Health Benefits of Moroccan Saffron
Moroccan
saffron isn’t just used for flavoring and coloring food—it’s also a powerful natural
remedy. Scientific studies and Moroccan tradition both confirm its many health
and wellness benefits, including:
I. Reduces anxiety and stress
II. Improves heart health
III. Boosts memory and brain function
IV. Aids in weight loss
V. Lowers blood sugar and glucose accumulation
VI. Strengthens the immune system
VII. Natural antidepressant
VIII. Contains antioxidant and anti-cancer properties