I've got saffron. I can't believe it!!!!!

[greenishfing]

Back in March I ordered some saffron bulbs online from either Dobies or Suttons (can't remember which) to be delivered in August. They duly arrived with instructions and with a lot more hope than expectation I planted them. After what seemed like forever they stuck their little heads up and started to grow. They're still only a few inches high but today I went to the allotment and unbelievably there was a flower. I am now the proud owner of 3 tiny pieces of saffron. I just hope that all the others follow on. I planted 60 bulbs.
My unusual plants are more often than not a disaster, so I am really happy that things are looking promising for these little beauties.
I always live in hope so I'm already planning saffron cake and paella. Any other saffron recipes would be appreciated.

[Katog]

Good for you I hope mine work too but mine were planted late September.

[mrbadexample]

This'll be the "Grow your own gold" thread then, eh?

Well done!

[stella]

well done

[lottie dolly]

Well done,only yesterday a cooking program was on,useing saffron

[Acanthus]

That's great news! I was wondering whether to grow some after reading about it in a book recently, but thought our weather might not be quite that of Spain or Iran . Do let us know if it is as yellow and aromatic to cook with as the foreign varieties- don't see why not really as there are various old recipes from old english cookbooks with saffron in. Nigella has one with lamb. I always do a risotto with saffron,squash and pine nuts. Happy harvesting!

[veggiechicken]

Well done!! I'm tempted too. This might interest you! Home - James Wong | Official Site

[VirginVegGrower]

I am waiting for mine. Green leaves so far...got some last year though. Have you seen that Suttons are now doing a white variety?

[greenishfing]

Well done!! I'm tempted too. This might interest you! Home - James Wong | Official Site

Would you believe my husband (age 83) was very interested in this. (Not sure if this is a good thing!!)

[VirginVegGrower]

My God, I am so not cooking with it again

[veggiechicken]

You can cook with it VVG, but be careful who you share your meal with

[northepaul]

Congrats!!

Saffron Risotto
Cornish Saffron buns!!

When you have some more, I'll be round for tea

[areia]

i met james wong yesterday, ( drilled him bout growing strawberry popcorn on same plot as normal sweet corn ) , at a book festival with mary mcCartney, would not stop plugging flipin safforn lol that along with wasabi, as this is just as expensive to buy the proper stuff not the stuff you get here, which is just horseradish and flavouring, im not into growing dahlias to eat there tubers too much effort to cook, got to salt them etc like egg plants

what everyone get on the saffron band wagon and the value plummet, wasabi loves dark damp climate so i can see that taking off better here, the crocuses like well drained soil, thats not happening to soon im preparing my asparagus bed first

[ancee]

I put it in rice, it's got a lovely scent and a subtle flavour. My Dad brings me some back on his travels abroad, but not as often as I'd like, so I'm quite mean with mine when I use it, as it is soooo expensive

[Jardiniere]

it was good to read of your success with saffron, greenishfing(ers).
Saffron is grown in this area but is still expensive to buy but I had assumed it was difficult to grow but if you can do it with your greenish fingers then so can I (I hope) will try next year.....you need to drop the ish bit from your name......
they make a saffron liqueur here which makes a wonderful kir.