The number of local farmers producing saffron is increasing – it used to be widely grown in the south of France but 
phylloxera wiped it out early in the last century – so it is good to see that it is being produced once more. Harvesting is an incredibly fiddly job for the safranieres, and it has to be done on the morning the crocuses flower; this will be from the beginning of October, depending on the weather.
Saffron grown in Trets is usually available from nearby ‘Clos la Neuve’ on the N7 (04 94 59 86 03), and there is also a Gardanne producer – http://www.safranducativel. fr
Luckily for the Aixois, Le Safran du Cativel will be one of the participants at the Fete de la Gastronomie in Parc Jourdan on Saturday 23rd September (see previous post). Here is some fascinating detail on this ancient spice: http://www.bbc.com/news/business-41110151
Thank you to Marilyn and Juliet for this information.
Even more on gastronomy coming up on the next two posts……………
aixcentric 
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