Blogs & Updates
Saffron harvest season is from November 5th to November 25th each year in Herat Afghanistan. This is almost the same for Kashmir India, Mashhad Iran, and Oregon USA. We can say globally the last month of Fall season is the harvest season for Crocus Flower or saffron flower.
In this article I wanted to write some updates on harvest season, Afghanistan farmers, our cooperative current and future works and programs. Let's jump into it.
1. What is the significance of the saffron harvest season at Heray Spice Cooperative?
Answer: The saffron harvest season at Heray Spice Cooperative is a crucial time where we gather the vibrant red saffron threads from the Crocus flowers. It's a period of intense activity, community collaboration, and a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of saffron cultivation in Afghanistan.
At Heray Spice we believe that everyone involved in farming should earn a sustainable and fair income. Our cooperative of Afghan farmers cultivates saffron with passion and care, bringing you the purest and freshest spice that not only elevates your dishes but also supports sustainable farming practices.
In the ongoing battle against COVID-19, saffron emerges as a potential game-changer. This treasured spice, known for its vibrant color and unique flavor, may hold the key to taming inflammation and preventing the dreaded cytokine storm that plagues severe COVID-19 cases. As the world grapples with the unprecedented medical challenges posed by the pandemic, saffron's rich history in traditional medicine takes center stage in the quest to combat COVID-19. Its three key components, crocetin esters, Picrocrocin, and Safranal, renowned for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, now face scrutiny for their potential in addressing this global health crisis. Research highlights saffron's promising immunomodulatory actions, its role in reducing the cytokine cascade, and its potential to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, as we tread this path, rigorous clinical trials remain the compass guiding saffron's potential journey from spice rack to medical arsenal. While the promise is tantalizing, we must await the verdict of science before embracing saffron as a preventive or treatment option, recognizing its enduring role in the development of novel antiviral drugs.
OUR MISSION AND WORK IS CONTINUED
Heray Spice is dedicated to providing high-quality saffron products while promoting sustainable and ethical practices. We work closely with saffron farmers in Afghanistan, particularly in the Herat region, to ensure the cultivation of saffron adheres to the highest standards. Through our partnership with the Heray Spice Cooperative, we support local farmers by providing them with fair prices for their saffron crops and empowering them with the knowledge and resources to improve their farming techniques.
At Heray Spice, we believe in preserving the cultural heritage and traditional methods of saffron harvesting. Our team works closely with farmers to educate them on best practices for planting, nurturing, and harvesting saffron flowers. This ensures that the saffron is harvested at the optimal time, guaranteeing its exceptional quality and aroma. By promoting sustainable farming methods, we strive to protect the environment and the long-term viability of saffron cultivation in Afghanistan.
INTRODUCTION
Afghan Saffron is known for its strong and intricate fragrance, which is its most notable feature. Heray Saffron is classified as a "Superior Category" Saffron, indicating that it contains over 200 units of color (u/c), with an average of 297 u/c. Our Saffron is 90% more potent than other saffron products currently available in the general US Foodservice market. The image provided shows a sample label displaying the crop control tracing.
SUPERIOR AFGHANISTAN SAFFRON
Heray Saffron is carefully packaged under the supervision and numbering of the Heray Spice Cooperative. We guarantee the authenticity of the product's origin. We have implemented a crop control program for the 2022 harvest, which ensures complete traceability of the Saffron from the various farms and farmers involved, through the processing and packaging stages, all the way to your hands.
We adhere to a highly traditional method of harvesting Afghan Saffron. Our crop control program ensures that the Heray Superior Afghan Saffron distributed under the Heray Spice brand is free from any contamination by pathogens, pesticides, and heavy metals. The product is analyzed and packaged in Chicago, following the parameters of the GFSI standard.
