What is Saffron ?

The Crocus sativusplant grows to about 5-10 cm in height and bears lavender colored flowers during each season which lasts from October till November. Each flower features perianth which consists of stalk, known as “style”, connecting to the three “stigmas” or “threads” to the rest of the plant. These orange-yellow colored stigmas along with the style constitute “saffron” which is used as spice.
The Saffron ( stigmas ) are the female part of the flower. In a good year, each saffron crocus plant might produce several flowers. Each flower contains three stigmas, which are the only part of the saffron crocus that when dried (cured) properly, become commercial saffron.