We have the resources to grow saffron in Bulgaria, but not the market

Published 2021년 11월 30일

Tridge summary

Bulgaria has the potential to grow saffron, the world's most expensive spice, but lacks a market and subsidies for it. The crop, which requires extensive labor and has a shelf life of up to three years, is mainly grown in the Rhodopes region and sold abroad. Saffron farmer and vegetable grower Angel Baltov mentioned that the pandemic has closed many markets and that the investment often has no return due to the high cost of certification and manual processing. Despite these challenges, Baltov enjoys farming and would not replace it with another job.

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Original content

Bulgaria has natural resources for growing saffron crocus, from which the most expensive spice in the world is extracted. According to the quality, one gram of saffron is traded at an average of BGN 15 wholesale. The problem is that in Bulgaria there is no established market, no subsidies are allowed under national and European programs, said in an interview with BTA Angel Baltov, who cultivates 3,000 acres of saffron in the village of Drazhevo, Yambol region. has a shelf life of up to three years, says the farmer. In our country, the new agricultural crop is entering more and more in recent years. It is grown mainly in the Rhodopes, but also in other regions. According to Baltov, the sale of the product is mainly abroad, and the pandemic of COVID-19 has closed many markets. Growing saffron crocus is extremely labor-intensive. Of the plant, only the orange stamens, called "red gold" and "the king of spices", are used. Saffron is harvested after months of field work and entirely ...

Source: Dnes