Hot off the presses!
We are so grateful to be featured in two recent articles on locally-grown saffron. One, a beautiful feature in Eating Well by Helen Whybrow. The other, a wonderful focus on Vermont grown saffron in Modern Farmer by Sophia F. Gottfried.
Eating Well
Why the Most Expensive Spice in the World Is Now Growing in Hundreds of Small American Farms:
Saffron is almost exclusively grown in Iran, Spain, India and Afghanistan. So why are fields of it blossoming on this Vermont farm just before the snow falls?
Check out the gorgeous photos of one of our family farm partners and explore some of the recipes!
- The Vermont Saffron Revolution: The piece explores the pivotal role of the University of Vermont's North American Saffron Center. It proved that this Mediterranean spice could actually thrive in cold Northern climates.
- Things to Consider When Buying Saffron: A dive into the transparency of the local supply chain. Highlights how American-grown saffron offers a level of purity and freshness rarely found in the global market.
- Profiles of Saffron Pioneers: Highlights farmers and entrepreneurs building a new network of small-scale growers to turn a niche hobby into a viable domestic industry.
"If you are ever lucky enough to witness a crocus field at sunrise, you might see the vibrant red threads peeking through the ends of periwinkle flower buds."
Modern Farmer
How Vermont Became an Unlikely Hotbed for Saffron.
A chance meeting of minds led to the discovery that growing and harvesting the spice suits the climate while also providing farmers extra income in the off-season.
- A Serendipitous Origin Story: How an "offhand comment" between a University of Vermont professor and an Iranian agroecologist led to a trial planting.
- Economic Diversification for Small Farms: The article explains how saffron provides high-value income in the late autumn after traditional crops have finished for the season.
"Every year we’re making more of a name for Vermont saffron, and it’s really resonated. It’s a product that’s compelling... the price tag means fair wages for Vermont farmers." -Parker Shorey, Lemonfair Saffron Co.
Wishing you a happy and healthy 2022
-Hannah and Parker
