Harvested Quantity of Saffron in La Mancha PDO Has Dropped

Contrary to the good prospects, the yields of saffron in La Mancha PDO in Spain have dropped compared to last year. The PDO council is estimating the total production data, while farmers stating that the prouction is expected to hit record low. According to local farmers, the production loss is due to abnormal warmth in winter and poor quality of bulbs in most of the plantations.

Saffron's bulb only can grow properly during cold winter. However, temperature wasn't low enough for saffron to bloom in Spain and supply chain is not operating as expected. Saffron bulbs after 3 or 4 years since being planted, are of the best quality and it has been reported that saffron bulbs in most plantation areas have passed the appropriate period, which leads to a lower total production.