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Zima Di Firenze - Zafferano Delle Colline Fiorentine
Saffron is an old spice, some believe as old as civilization. The saffron plant is native to Asia Minor where it has been cultivated for centuries. Known as a dye for fabrics or glassware, it was later used in cooking and for medicines.In the 13th century, thanks to a Domenican monk, it appeared in Italy, where it was successfully grown, especially in Tuscany. Florence and Siena were the places where it was mostly cultivated. Famous quotations describe the saffron grown in the Florentine countryside as the best for its intense and incomparable flavour and aroma. Florence was the centre of the saffron international trading market. To distinguish it from the others it was called Zima di Firenze. The precious stigmas were considered rare trading goods, while the flowers were used to decorate tables in banquet halls. Crocus Sativus is the scientific name of the plant. The bulb is buried during the first days of September in deep drills. Towards the middle of October, the flowering begins. The flowers are of a beautiful violet colour and they have an intense and heady scent. They must be hand picked every day and the three red stigmas are taken away. Once they are dried they make up the pure saffron that we sell in small bags (0.10 gr) with recipes.
If you would like to know more about saffron please visit: www.zafferanodifirenze.it .
