The Saffron
Saffron is the name given to the three pronged dried, red stigmas of the flower of the Crocus Sativus corms (bulb).

The amount of hand labor involved in collecting the stigma from each flower is prodigious and approximately 220,000 flowers are processed for each kilogram of Australian saffron produced.

Saffron is not only treasured for adding flavor, color, and aroma to food, but also used in medicines throughout the world as a source rich in carotenoids and Vitamin B.

Saffron is used as a coloring and flavoring agent in many foods such as bouillabaisse, paella, rice, risotto, cheese, puddings, tea, bread, butter, pastries, confectionery and liqueurs.

Saffron is also used in medical applications. Its chief medicinal properties are attributed to its having antispasmodic, antihysteric, stomachic, expectorant, stimulant and aphrodisiacal qualities.

Saffron is also used as a nerve tonic and opiate against hysteria and as a relief for nosebleeds.

Only 100mg of Tas-Saff saffron is needed to flavour and colour a dish for 4-8 people.

Many other saffron producers recommend 500mg to achieve the same result. The reason for this is because of the different qualities of saffron being marketed worldwide.

Simply put: "Great Saffron from Down Under".

Tas-Saff the company
Tasmanian Saffron Pty. Ltd. is the first and only network of commercial saffron growers in Australia. This group is dedicated to farming produce of the highest possible quality.

Tas-Saff commenced operation in April 1991 and is owned and operated as a family partnership by Terry and Nicky Noonan and is situated at Glaziers Bay, in the Huon Valley, Southern Tasmania.

Tas-Saff maintains a leading edge as a quality supplier of Extra Category 1 saffron and has developed and documented their quality system and is now accredited to SQF 2000: the world's leading food safety and quality management standard.

Tas-Saff Awards:

2003 Telstra Country Wide Regional Incentive Award
2003 Commonwealth Government Tasmanian Micro-Business Award
2003 Small Business of the Year Telstra and Tasmanian Government
2001 The Weekly Times Section Winner Farmer of the Year
1999 Jaguar Award for Excellence
Vogue Entertaining and Travel - Produce Award - Winner of 'Best New Product 2005'

http://www.tas-saff.com.au
Excellent Tasmanian Saffron - Try some.