Bio Saffron from Spain (Teruel)
Saffron is one of the world’s oldest and most precious spices. Revered for thousands of years for its aromatic, colouring, medicinal and culinary qualities, it has long been intertwined with Mediterranean culture. It is believed that the Arabs introduced saffron to the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages, where it took deep root in regions like ours — the Jiloca region of Spain.
Blancas and Saffron: A Story of Heritage and Revival
At the start of the 20th century, saffron cultivation played a vital economic role in the village of Blancas. Families here and in nearby villages devoted much of the year to tending their fields and harvesting this delicate flower with great care. Blancas’ saffron was highly prized for its exceptional quality, a direct result of the area’s unique growing conditions.
However, as rural depopulation increased, farming became more mechanised, and saffron cultivation — being labour-intensive and difficult — began to fade away. In recent years, though, we have committed ourselves to reviving this historic crop. For us, it’s not just about preserving a valuable tradition, but also about sustaining our local economy, honouring our identity, and offering an organic, authentic product of the highest quality. Today, the return of saffron to Blancas and the wider Jiloca region represents more than an agricultural practice — it is a commitment to our heritage, to the environment, and to the rural culture that shaped us.
What Makes Saffron from Blancas So Special?
Our saffron is grown under dryland farming conditions, with minimal irrigation and maximum reliance on nature. Blancas lies 1,100 metres above sea level on a high plateau, where the extreme climate — freezing winters and scorching summers — creates intense thermal stress. These harsh conditions prompt the saffron flower to produce higher concentrations of volatile compounds and pigments, resulting in saffron with a deeper aroma, more vibrant red colour, and a truly distinctive flavour.
These superior organoleptic qualities have been confirmed by repeated laboratory analyses and professional tastings. Blancas saffron stands out for its high levels of crocin (colour), picrocrocin (flavour), and safranal (aroma).
The Benefits of Saffron
Saffron is not only a jewel in the kitchen — it’s also a powerful ally for health. Numerous scientific studies have confirmed its impressive properties:
- Antioxidant – helps combat cellular ageing.
- Natural antidepressant – acts on serotonin levels, with effects comparable to some conventional treatments.
- Neuroprotective – may improve memory and help prevent degenerative conditions.
- Digestive – aids digestion and has carminative effects.
- Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory – traditionally used to soothe menstrual pain and muscle aches.
For a selection of key scientific studies on saffron’s health benefits, please see below.
Culinary Uses and Pairings
Saffron is best known for enhancing traditional savoury dishes such as:
- Paellas and brothy rice dishes
- Stews, soups and stocks
- Sauces and aiolis
- Braised meats and delicate fish
But its potential goes far beyond the savoury. In baking and patisserie, saffron adds remarkable depth and character to:
- Cakes, sweet breads and muffins
- Infusions and liqueurs
- Chocolate and creamy desserts
- Ice creams and fruit preserves
Buy organic saffron
At Azafrán La Carrasca, we’ve gone even further — developing unique combinations that showcase saffron’s rich complexity in innovative ways. You’ll find it paired with extra virgin olive oil, honey, chocolate, longaniza, chorizo, and even sea water, creating gourmet products that delight the senses and honour our tradition of culinary creativity.
In Blancas, saffron is not just a crop — it’s a way of life. And we’d love to share it with you.
Will you join us in discovering the story behind just one strand of this “red gold”?
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