Spices and Condiments (1+1)

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.