Adventurous Growers Produce Saffron in Northern France

Saffron is known throughout the world as one of the most expensive spices. The crimson-colored spice comes from a plant native to Southwest Asia. A few adventurous producers are now growing it in northern France.

Published

7 months ago

Categories

Science

Topics

Botany, Agriculture

Places

France, Lille

Transcript

SCRIPT: Taking a chance on a plot of land. In 2009 Jacqueline tried something never done before. She started growing saffron in northern France - just kilometres outside of Lille. The former florist planted 250 crocus sativus bulbs - the plant from which the precious spice is extracted. Despite doubts from naysayers, the flowers have thrived. SOUNDBITE 1, Jacqueline Mille, saffron producer (French, 18 sec): "People said 'they'll never grow in the North!' But it's like in the movie 'Welcome to the land of Shtis.' It's the same thing. People have a certain idea of the North, of its weather. They say it rains all the time. Yes, it's raining a bit this year, but that's not the norm. Last year it was great." Saffron is made from the crimson stigmas of these purple flowers. It takes about 200 blossoms to make a gramme. Sometimes called "red gold" - saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world - selling for over 32 thousand euros a kilo. The meticulous harvesting and extraction process is part of the reason behind the hefty price-tag. SOUNDBITE 2, Jacqueline Mille, saffron producer (French, 15 sec): "I pluck it below the flower so I don't get it dirty. Then I go back home to prune them. So that means I take the pistil out of the flower. I don't want to ruin them. I don't want to get powder on the pistils." Early each morning, Jacqueline heads into the field. It's a necessary trip. The flowers bloom at night and wilt after 36 hours if not picked. For Jacqueline, this unpredictability is part of the plant's charm. SOUNDBITE 3, Jacqueline Mille, saffron producer (French, 12 sec): "It's the flower that's in command - you're not. It's the whimsy of the crocus sativus. I'm at its command." Others have followed Jacqueline's example. There are now several saffron producers in northern France. But the process is not always easy. Jacqueline can only produce 100 grammes of saffron a year. Bringing just a touch of the exotic to this corner of northern France. SHOTLIST: Ennetières-en-Weppes, France, 26 Oct 2012 Source: AFPTV -Pan of saffron field with Jacqueline Mille in field -VAR of Jacqueline Mille collecting flowers in basket SOUNDBITE 1, Jacqueline Mille -VAR of Jacqueline Mille collecting flowers in basket -VAR of Jacqueline Mille in home extracting flower's pistils SOUNDBITE 2, Jacqueline Mille -VAR of Jacqueline Mille in home extracting saffron -VAR of Jacqueline Mille collecting flowers in field SOUNDBITE 3, Jacqueline Mille -VAR crocus sativus flowers in field -VAR Jacqueline Mille in field