Moroccan Saffron Farmers Battle Knockoff Spices
Fakhir Rizvi Published December 17, 2018 | 12:11 PM
Saffron farmers in southern Morocco have long taken pride in the coveted spice they produce from the purple-petalled Crocus sativus, but some are worried knockoff versions are threatening their business.
Taliouine, Morocco, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Dec, 2018 ) :Saffron farmers in southern Morocco have long taken pride in the coveted spice they produce from the purple-petalled Crocus sativus, but some are worried knockoff versions are threatening their business.
"The pure saffron of Taliouine is the best in the world, according to experts," local grower Barhim Afezzaa boasted, proudly noting his spice's designation of origin (PDO) label.
But the 51-year-old is worried that "counterfeit" crops are tarnishing Taliouine's reputation and its PDO -- which guarantees a product's origin and uniqueness.
In small plots below the snowy peaks of Mount Toubkal, saffron cultivation in Taliouine has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
The flower requires drastic climate conditions -- hot summers and cold, wet winters -- and it can only be harvested during a month-long window from mid-October to mid-November.
Workers start at dawn each morning, meticulously picking the delicate flowers by hand and placing them in wicker baskets. The purple blooms are picked before they fully open to ensure quality.
Once dried and sorted, the flower's crimson stigmas and styles are turned into saffron -- the world's most expensive spice -- popular with top chefs across the globe.
Morocco is the world's fourth largest producer of saffron, behind Iran, India and Greece, according to the figures published in 2013 by FranceAgriMer, France's specialist institute of agriculture and fishing.
Recent Stories
London, Frankfurt stocks hit record highs on rate-cut hopes
May 9 culprits must be brought to logical end: Hanif Abbasi
Sanchez escapes through dust and gravel for nervy Giro triumph
Balochistan Assembly passes resolution to condemn May 9 attacks
Spain govt vows to block hostile BBVA bid for rival bank
NADRA holds open court to resolve public issues in Quetta
In south Brazil, race on to deliver aid ahead of new storms
Appeals against cipher case verdict adjourned till May 15
PIPS collaborates with CfP to enhance technological, educational infrastructure
China launches new satellite
Incidents of misbehavior with patrolling officers are unacceptable: IG NH&MP
Police arrests drug supplier, recover mainpuri
More Stories From World
-
Chad election results to be announced ahead of schedule
33 minutes ago -
UN official says Israel closure of Gaza crossings 'completely crippling' aid
53 minutes ago -
London, Frankfurt stocks hit record highs on rate-cut hopes
1 hour ago -
In south Brazil, race on to deliver aid ahead of new storms
1 hour ago -
Govt intends to reform energy sector to provide electricity to consumers at cheaper rates: Ahsan Iqb ..
1 hour ago -
UN says 80,000 displaced from Gaza's Rafah city as Israeli bombardment intensifies
1 hour ago
-
Wings of Faith: 2160 Pakistani Hujjaj reach the Prophet's city to embark on spiritual journey
2 hours ago -
Spanish court shelves Shakira tax fraud case
3 hours ago -
CPEC helps Pakistan expand economic base, enhance regional connectivity over past decade: Ahsan Iqba ..
3 hours ago -
Scientists win World Food Prize for work on Global Seed Vault
3 hours ago -
Boeing passenger plane exits runway in Senegal injuring 11
5 hours ago -
Pakistan eyes green energy, technology cooperation with China in CPEC 2nd phase
5 hours ago