Yield

Yield

  • About 1,50,000 flowers are required to produce a kilogram of good-quality dried saffron. At the maximum stage of production, i.e., from the fourth year onwards, a farmer can get a yield of 2 to 2.5 kg/ha of Mongra-grade saffron in Jammu and Kashmir. However, in some countries the yield is as high as 12.5 kg/ha, particularly in Spain, depending on the crop management. Yields as high as 24.3 kg/ha have been reported from New Zealand. Generally, the yield will be highest between the third and the sixth year.
  • The yields of saffron, both in Kashmir and Jammu, are much lower than in other countries, where yields are 4-5 kg per acre. About 5 kg of fresh stigmas yield 1 kg of saffron.
  • The final product as sold in the bazaar is a loosely-matted mass of dark, reddish-brown flattened stigmas with a characteristic aromatic odour and bitter taste. When fresh and dry they are glossy and unctuous (soapy or greasy) to the touch, but after keeping, they become dull and brittle.
Last modified: Monday, 18 June 2012, 7:04 AM