10 Saffron Producing Countries You Should Know About

Saffron is one of the most expensive and sought-after spices in the world. It is derived from the dried stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, which grows in regions with mild winters and dry summers. Saffron has a rich history and a variety of uses, from culinary to medicinal to cosmetic. But which countries produce the most saffron in the world? Here is a list of the top 10 saffron producing countries, based on the latest data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Key Takeaways

Saffron is a valuable spice derived from the crocus flower.

Iran is the largest producer of saffron in the world, followed by India and Afghanistan.

Saffron has a rich history and a variety of uses in different cuisines and cultures.

Saffron has many benefits for health and well-being.

Saffron should be stored properly and checked for authenticity.

1. Iran

Iran is the undisputed leader in saffron production, accounting for more than 90% of the global output. Iran has a long tradition of cultivating saffron, dating back to ancient times. The country has ideal climatic conditions and fertile soil for growing the delicate crocus flowers. Iran produces about 300 tons of saffron annually, mainly in the provinces of Khorasan, Fars, Isfahan, and Kerman. Iranian saffron is known for its high quality, aroma, and color.

2. India

India is the second-largest producer of saffron in the world, with an annual output of about 6 tons. India grows saffron mainly in the Kashmir region, where it has been cultivated since the 12th century. The Kashmiri saffron is prized for its dark red color, strong flavor, and medicinal properties. It is used in dishes like biryani, kheer, and halwa, as well as in religious ceremonies and festivals.

3. Afghanistan

Afghanistan is the third-largest producer of saffron in the world, with an annual output of about 4 tons. Afghanistan started growing saffron in the late 1990s, as an alternative crop to opium poppy, which is illegal and fuels conflict. Saffron cultivation has provided a source of income and empowerment for many Afghan farmers, especially women. Afghan saffron is of high quality and has won several international awards.

4. Morocco

Morocco is the fourth-largest producer of saffron in the world, with an annual output of about 3 tons. Morocco has been growing saffron since the 16th century, when it was introduced by the Arabs. The country has a favorable climate and soil for growing saffron, especially in the regions of Taliouine and Siroua. Moroccan saffron is used in dishes like couscous, tagine, and harira, as well as in traditional medicine and cosmetics.

5. Spain

Spain is the fifth-largest producer of saffron in the world, with an annual output of about 1 ton. Spain has a long history of saffron cultivation, dating back to the Moorish invasion in the 8th century. The country produces saffron mainly in the regions of Castilla-La Mancha, Aragon, and Andalusia. Spanish saffron is renowned for its quality and purity, and has a protected designation of origin (PDO) status.

6. Greece

Greece is the sixth-largest producer of saffron in the world, with an annual output of about 0.5 ton. Greece has been growing saffron since ancient times, when it was used as a dye, perfume, medicine, and aphrodisiac. The country produces saffron mainly in the region of Kozani, where it has a protected designation of origin (PDO) status. Greek saffron is characterized by its bright color, intense aroma, and delicate taste.

7. Italy

Italy is the seventh-largest producer of saffron in the world, with an annual output of about 0.3 ton. Italy has been growing saffron since the Middle Ages, when it was imported from Asia by merchants and monks. The country produces saffron mainly in the regions of Abruzzo, Sardinia, Tuscany, and Umbria. Italian saffron is used in dishes like risotto alla milanese, zafferano di San Gimignano cake, and liqueur.

8. China

China is the eighth-largest producer of saffron in the world, with an annual output of about 0.2 ton. China has been growing saffron since ancient times, when it was used as a dye, medicine, and spice. The country produces saffron mainly in the provinces of Xinjiang, Tibet, Yunnan, and Sichuan. Chinese saffron is used in dishes like paella chinoise, saffron chicken soup, and mooncakes.

9. Turkey

Turkey is the ninth-largest producer of saffron in the world, with an annual output of about 0.1 ton. Turkey has been growing saffron since ancient times, when it was used as a dye, medicine, and spice. The country produces saffron mainly in the regions of Safranbolu, Giresun, and Erzincan. Turkish saffron is used in dishes like saffron rice pudding, saffron pilaf, and saffron tea.

10. Egypt

Egypt is the tenth-largest producer of saffron in the world, with an annual output of about 0.1 ton. Egypt has been growing saffron since ancient times, when it was used as a dye, medicine, and spice. The country produces saffron mainly in the regions of Fayoum, Minya, and Beni Suef. Egyptian saffron is used in dishes like saffron bread, saffron chicken, and saffron milk.

Tip

To get the best results from using saffron, buy it from a reputable source, use it sparingly, and soak it before adding it to your dish.

Top 10 Saffron Producing Countries

Saffron is one of the most valuable and expensive spices in the world, known for its vivid color, rich aroma and medicinal properties. It is derived from the dried stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, commonly known as the saffron crocus. Each flower produces only three stigmas, which have to be carefully hand-picked and dried. It takes about 150,000 flowers to produce one kilogram of saffron, making it a labor-intensive and costly process.

According to the latest data from Statista, the leading saffron producer in the world is Iran, with a production of 430 tons in 2019. Iran accounts for more than 90% of the global saffron output, thanks to its favorable climate, soil and cultivation techniques. Iran also exports most of its saffron to other countries, especially China, Spain, India and Saudi Arabia.

The second largest saffron producer in the world is India, with a production of 22 tons in 2019. India mainly grows saffron in the Kashmir region, where it has a long history and cultural significance. Saffron is used in various dishes, desserts, beverages and religious ceremonies in India. However, India’s saffron production has been declining in recent years due to climate change, political unrest and competition from cheaper imports.

The third largest saffron producer in the world is Afghanistan, with a production of 21.5 tons in 2019. Afghanistan has emerged as a major saffron grower in the past decade, as part of an alternative livelihood program for farmers who used to cultivate opium poppy. Saffron cultivation has provided a source of income, employment and empowerment for many rural communities in Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s saffron is also recognized for its high quality and has won several international awards.

The rest of the top 10 saffron producing countries are Spain (19 tons), Morocco (6.8 tons), Greece (5.7 tons), Azerbaijan (3.7 tons), Italy (1.9 tons), Turkey (1.7 tons) and China (1.6 tons). These countries have different levels of consumption, export and import of saffron, depending on their domestic demand and market opportunities.

Global Demand for Saffron

Saffron is widely used in various cuisines, such as Persian, Indian, Moroccan, Spanish and Italian, to add flavor, color and aroma to dishes like paella, biryani, risotto and bouillabaisse. Saffron is also used in traditional medicine, cosmetics, perfumes and textiles. Some of the health benefits attributed to saffron include improving mood, memory, digestion, vision and blood circulation.

The global demand for saffron is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by factors such as increasing disposable income, urbanization, health awareness and culinary trends. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global saffron market size was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2020 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3% from 2021 to 2028.

However, the global supply of saffron is limited by factors such as high production cost, low yield, climate change, pests and diseases, adulteration and smuggling. Therefore, there is a need for more research and development, innovation and quality assurance to improve the saffron industry and meet the growing demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the benefits of saffron?
A: Saffron has many benefits, such as improving mood, memory, digestion, vision, skin health, and sexual function. It also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antidepressant properties.

Q: How much does saffron cost?
A: Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world, costing between $5 and $30 per gram, depending on the quality, origin, and availability.

Q: How to use saffron in cooking?
A: Saffron can be used to add flavor, color, and aroma to various dishes, such as rice, soups, stews, desserts, and drinks. To use saffron, it is recommended to soak it in warm water or milk for a few minutes before adding it to the recipe.

Q: How to store saffron?
A: Saffron should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from heat, light, and moisture. It should be kept in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag. Saffron can last for several years if stored properly.

Q: How to tell if saffron is fake or adulterated?
A: Fake or adulterated saffron may have a different color, shape, smell, or taste than genuine saffron. Some common ways to test the authenticity of saffron are: