Sicilian saffron in stigmas – Gourmet
Organically grown, cared for and harvested exclusively by hand , the 100% Sicilian saffron selected by Bottega27 is an excellence that is born at 714 meters above sea level near the Sicani Mountains, in Sicily: hence the name of the small family business Zafferano 714 .
On the heights of the Sicani Mountains, organically grown Sicilian saffron has found its natural habitat: fresh air from the north, sirocco coming from the Mediterranean Sea and rich soil that gives it exceptional organoleptic qualities.
Cultivation
The saffron bulb, scientifically called crocus sativus , is a plant that grows in areas with an altitude of between 600 and 900 meters above sea level and with temperatures ranging from minus 15°C, in winter, to no more than 40 °C in the summer season. Saffron is a very resistant crop that adapts to different types of microclimate, it prefers well-draining soils, preferably calcareous, in order to avoid water stagnation (the main enemy of the bulb).
The stages of cultivation of saffron
The Cultivation of Saffron 714
The saffron grove of Zafferano 714 is characterized by a climate that is not excessively rainy and the cultivation takes place in a slightly clayey soil with less drainage so as to maintain the necessary amount of humidity for the bulb.
The care, attention and passion placed in all stages of cultivation ensure that this spice is absolutely pure and genuine: no use of chemicals (chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or herbicides) and manufacturing processes all rigorously performed by hand: all this is the best Sicilian saffron signed Zafferano 714.
The properties of saffron
Saffron, rich in Vitamin A , many B vitamins and Vitamin C , has detoxifying, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties, in fact it lowers the level of stress , decreases blood pressure, protects and keeps the skin healthy, accelerates the metabolism and promotes absorption of fats , has antioxidant properties and is recommended for those suffering from gastritis.
How to use Sicilian saffron?
Zafferano 714 can be used daily to enhance the taste of each course, from appetizers, to a first course up to a dessert or even an herbal tea!
For a Masterchef risotto
The quantity of saffron to be used is very small: 0.25 g is sufficient for the preparation of a risotto for at least six/eight people as saffron is very tasty and very small quantities are enough to give color and aroma to a gourmet or traditional dish.
It is important to add the saffron towards the end of cooking, to prevent excessively high temperatures from altering its organoleptic characteristics.
Saffron must cook for the shortest possible time!
For a healthy herbal tea
Boil the water (1 cup for 1 person), pour it into a cup, leave 5 saffron stigmas (single thread) to infuse for 10 min, filter the liquid through a fine mesh strainer, add some honey or extract natural Sicilian carob (to taste).
The saffron herbal tea is ready to be tasted: you can also drink it cold!
How to store saffron
Saffron is very sensitive to light, heat and humidity , therefore it is advisable to keep it in a tightly closed container, possibly airtight, in a dry and dark environment. In these conditions , the spice can be kept for up to 2/4 years , even if, over time, the color and taste will change, with a prevalence of the bitter component.
Careful and elegant packaging
The craftsmanship, creativity and attention to the beautiful things that we place in making the original packaging, give further personality and preciousness to saffron.
The story of a passion
The owner tells us, the proud son of extraordinary Sicilian saffron farming parents – “ We work the land respecting the natural life cycle where the agricultural ecosystem is a balanced model for the development of the plant. We do not use chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or herbicides or any substance harmful to humans and the environment.
For the reduction of weeds, before planting the bulbs, we use the solarization technique: a sustainable geo-disinfestation technique, with low economic and environmental impact, easily applicable during the summer season.
On the ground freed from all residues of the previous crop, worked and irrigated, we spread a plastic film making it adhere well and burying the edges. We leave the towel for at least 30-40 days, in the months of June and July, exposed to the action of the sun's rays. The high temperatures developed in the first layers of the soil have a sterilizing and pasteurizing action, which reduces the phytopathogenic microbial load within certain limits.
We observe the lunar phases for maintenance and planting of the bulbs. All the care we reserve for our saffron grove generates a virtuous and perfectly balanced closed circle, effective from the point of view of production and environmental protection, as well as providing a saffron free of toxic residues and richer in flavor and nourishment. The enrichment of the soil takes place through the use of nitrogenous crops such as legumes and sulla and with the use of mature manure, after preparing the soil to let it breathe we adopt the biological technique of solarization to reduce the presence of weeds " . – and we at Bottega27 can only be proud to be the promoters of such a special and precious Sicilian artisan product.
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