Saffron in Calabria: on the Red Gold Trail

Also known as "Red Gold" because of its colour and high commercial value, Saffron is one of the oldest commodities in the Mediterranean Basin. Introduced into the region in ancient times by migrant populations from Greece and the East, saffron cultivation in Calabria reached a flourishing level of industrial production between the 18th and 19th centuries under the Bourbon dynasty.

In fact, a number of farms dedicated to the planting, harvesting and processing of the bulbs date back to this period, as documented in numerous texts of the time, such as the "Historical and Geographical Description of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies" (1789), which reads:

"[...] Calabria and, even more so, Abruzzo once cultivated a lot of saffron. Today, very little is cultivated in the territory of Cosenza [...]".

According to experts, saffron in Calabria has excellent organoleptic qualities, deriving from the particular microclimate and the composition of the soil, suitable for the cultivation of the Red Gold.

What are the salient characteristics of Calabria's saffron? In addition to enhancing the flavour and colour of a wide variety of dishes, from traditional fare to creative gourmet cuisine, Calabrian saffron powder is a rich source of healthy nutrients. As one of the foods with the highest carotenoid content, it counteracts cellular ageing, aids digestion and boosts neurological activity.

Let's find out more about the places and the virtuous saffron supply chain in Calabria... 

Thanks to its Mediterranean climate and altitude between 500 and 700 metres above sea level, with rainy winters and dry summers, the historic town of Motta San Giovanni, in the province of Reggio Calabria, is one of the best saffron-producing areas in Calabria. Saffron from Motta San Giovanni is produced by a small local company that, upon reservation, opens its production area to visitors during the peak flowering season, which occurs from mid-October onwards. In autumn, the crocus fields become a spectacular explosion of purple hues.

A trip to Motta San Giovanni, on the "Via dell'Oro Rosso", the Red Gold Trail, is also an unmissable opportunity to visit the architectural symbol of this area: the Castle of Sant'Aniceto. Perched on a hilltop, this 11th-century Byzantine fortress overlooks a majestic seascape that sweeps from the Strait of Messina and the Aeolian Islands. Derived from the French "motte", it is no coincidence that the name "motta" refers to an artificial mound (possibly also a fortification).

Other ideal areas for growing Calabrian saffron include the district of Cosenza. Near the city, in the municipality of Rende, an all-female farming business has been producing and selling this precious oriental spice for many years. Another area is the municipality of Corigliano-Rossano, in the fertile Sibari Plain.

In the province of Catanzaro, Calabrian saffron cultivation is undertaken in Simeri Crichi and Lamezia Terme, where an altitude of around 450 m above sea level and fertile, clay-rich soils sustain one of the best "Calabrian saffron" productions. Whether in pistils or powder, Calabria's saffron adds a yellow tint to the best recipes, which, when tasted directly in the production areas, take on an even more authentic flavour and aroma.

Some examples? If you have never tasted Calabrian saffron risotto, it is time to do so, discovering what distinguishes it from the classic “Milanese” version: in addition to the native saffron, the base is a sautè of PGI Tropea Red Onion blended with a Bivongi DOC white wine. A sensational new sweetness!