Where can one purchase saffron grown in Pennsylvania?

Answer 1

I have yet to hear of Saffron grown anywhere in the USA. MOST is grown outside the US. VERY expensive to buy.


Nursery Sources:
Brent and Becky's Bulbs
7463 Heath Trail
Gloucester, VA 23061
Phone: [phone]
www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com

Odyssey Bulbs
8984 Meadow Lane
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
Phone: [phone]
odysseybulbs.com

McClure & Zimmerman
108 W. Winnebago Street
P.O. Box 368
Friesland, WI 53935
Phone: [phone]
www.mzbulb.com

Not at all -- and with the price of commercially grown saffron (about $70 an ounce), it may be the preferred method of getting your hands on this spice. Saffron is the dried, bright red stigmas of the flower Crocus sativus, which is a relatively easy-to-grow perennial. This crocus grows well in Zones 6 through 9. It lies dormant all summer, then pushes its purple blossoms up through the mulch just as other plants are succumbing to frost. Each blossom offers up to three scarlet stigmas. Plant the bulbs in summer and harvest the stigmas in fall. A starter supply of about 50 bulbs costs about $30 and will produce about a tablespoon of the spice the first year. However, each year more flowers will grow, and therefore you'll get more of the spice. Ultimately, your investment will pay off. Fresh saffron threads can be used immediately for cooking, or they can be dried and stored. To dry them, place on paper towels and leave for several days in a warm place. Then transfer them to an airtight container and keep in a cool, dry place. Saffron is a staple in the diets of Mennonite farmers in places such as Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where gardeners have been growing it for centuries.

Answer 2

Commercially sold saffron is one of the highest priced spices on the market. Reason it is so expensive is cause it's handpicked and grown exclusively in Spain.
Like the previous answer, most substitute turmeric for it. In most recipes, it is only for the color anyway. It's called presentation of the meal.
Never did understand the reason behind using saffron except to maybe look rich.

Answer 3

Sorry Charlie,

Like she said, there is no Saffron grown in the U.S. (Continental) They do grow it in Hawaii and I am sure in some greenhouses. If you are strapped, alot of restaurants tend to substitue some of their Saffron with Tumeric.

Thanks for letting me say "Sorry Charlie!"

James in San Diego