Pick the Red Gold of Saffron in Khorasan Fields

Harvesting saffron is discovering farm tourism in Iran besides learning the secrets behind this priceless spice, It's above all a unique occasion to get to know the rural life in a small village of the Khorasan Province that has escaped the modernization.

Saffron cultivation and trade has indeed four millennia of history to share with the visitor. The region of Qaen has a long history which can be discovered by visiting its Qanats, an antic irrigation system, and its ancient sites. All this, in an exceptional scenery interspersing vast deserts and chains of high mountains.

Being hosted by a family of local farmers, you share the delicious and homemade foods and unique costumes and cultures of Khorasan only a few get a chance to taste original. Make sure you discover local folk music during live performances and plunge in the history of once the great Harat of Persian land had been fertile soil to legends germinated over its bed.

Let's pick the Gold

The harvest starts early in the morning as the sun timidly rises over the horizon. In this heavenly landscape, start picking as many flowers as you can. You don't know how to do it? Don't worry; you have the best and kindest experts by your side to show you the ancestral techniques! Almost 180 flowers are needed to produce one single gram of saffron! And separating the red stigmas from the flower crocuses must be done by hand. Labour that the Iranian families of South Khorasan Province have learned and repeated over generations.

Back in the village with the fruits of your labour; enjoy a warm tea with saffron flavour in your host's house, with all the members of the family. After some rest, the essential part of the experience is separating the precious red stigmas from the flower. Open each fragile plant to touch three brittle red stigmas in the heart: here is the precious saffron spice!

Discovering the local life and traditions of Khorasan

It's a way to realize how much work is behind this tasteful spice that gives Persian food its true identity. By participating in this experience, you also firmly support fair working conditions in the fields and the empowerment of the local communities. And what greater pleasure than to buy directly from the producer, this wonderful spice that now you know how much work is behind the taste of it?

This experience is also a unique discovery of the great history of this province and its traditions. Visiting the small villages of Tajan and Bazar-o Koroh, as well as ancient sites, gives you more insights into this specific culture. And listening to a musical live performance will, for sure, leaves an unforgettable impression in your mind, as this music is considered as the true cultural identity of Khorasan people.