Saffron producers in Kozani have landed a "huge" deal with an American industry giant spice company. According to reports the Mc Cormick spice company, based in the US, is going to purchase 600 kilos of the production for the first yet and from what we are hearing there are many prospects to expand the quantity in the future.
The amount represents one third of the annual production here and demonstrates that even in a time of crisis, agriculture and especially the production of this golden spice is one of the most competitive products that our country has. So much so, that over the last few years saffron from Kozani has gained a wide reputation, and today production cannot even match international demand.
Producers in Kozani are not limited to the the U.S. market, there have been concentrated efforts to increase exports to Russia as well. Exports to countries such as France, Canada, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, are already doing well and increasing exports to Russia will have a positive impact on the industry.
Saffron, is an autumn-flowering perennial plant that is used in cooking but also known for its medicinal properties. It is widely used in Indian, Persian and European cuisines, and has also been widely used as a fabric dye, particularly in India and China, and in perfumery.
Saffron has a long medicinal history in traditional healing, while modern research studies have hinted that the spice has possible anti-carcinogenic (cancer-suppressing), immunomodulative and antioxidant properties. The Organic Red Saffron, produced in Kozani, is a certified organic product that is distinguished for its excellent quality which places it in the Coupe Class, the top quality of Saffron in the world.
Saffron, made from the dried stigmas of the crocus flower, is the world's most expensive spice.
By HellasFrappe
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