![\"saffron](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/04\/image-6-870x490.png\")
Another common name is that of red gold,<\/strong> because it is a much sought-after and equally expensive commodity. The cultivation <\/strong>and harvesting of the red pistils is done exclusively by hand<\/strong>, only in autumn and in the early hours of the morning. Just think that to produce one kilogram of saffron, it is necessary to harvest more than 100,000 flowers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most common use of saffron here in Italy is certainly in cooking, where it serves mainly as a colouring and flavouring agent for dishes. One of the most typical dishes in the Lombardy tradition, but also a general Italian symbol abroad, is saffron risotto<\/strong>. But this is not the only way we can use saffron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to several studies, this spice has beneficial effects on brain activity. This is because saffron is rich in active ingredients that produce dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline, i.e. mood-enhancing neurotransmitters.<\/strong> Being a sedative, this can be used to make herbal teas and infusions to calm anxiety<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also an extremely useful and effective product for the intestines. It serves to improve digestive functions and improve intestinal balance<\/strong>. The production of digestive saffron liqueurs is very typical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is interesting how this spice is used in India<\/a>. They use it to cure everyday ailments <\/strong>such as sore throats, colds, coughs or fevers. In short, a true grandmother’s remedy<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The province of L’Aquila<\/a> is one of the areas where this saffron is produced in Italy. L’Aquila saffron with PDO denomination has been harvested and cultivated here for generations. The production area is very wide and includes no less than 13 municipalities in the province of L’Aquila.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Set off from the splendid regional capital and be bewitched by the splendour of the Gran Sasso. From here, head south to enter the Navelli plateau<\/strong>. In the flowering season, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the purple fields<\/strong> of saffron flowers all around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It doesn’t end here! On the route from L’Aquila to Navelli, you will pass through the small towns of San Pio <\/strong>and Camere<\/strong>. These are places with an ancient agricultural tradition, roads of transhumance in which you will begin to glimpse the first red pistils of the highly prized saffron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A monk from Navelli imported the spice to Abruzzo during the 13th century <\/strong>by a monk from Navelli. It found a favourable habitat on this plateau, a propensity for trade and a flourishing use in cooking and in the ancient pharmacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can buy saffron all year round in shops, in stigmas or powder form. The peculiarity of L’Aquila Saffron PDO<\/strong> is its high concentration of lime <\/strong>and potassium<\/strong>, which give it a stronger taste than other varieties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the province of Medio Campidano<\/strong> in Sardinia, there is extensive saffron production. Specifically, this is cultivated in the municipalities of San Gavino Monreale<\/strong>, Turri <\/strong>and Villanovafranca<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The tour starts in the town of San Gavino Monreale,<\/strong> where you can admire the ancient castle and the saffron flower fields. It continues to Villanovafranca, a village where you can revive tradition every day, thanks to its exceptionally important agricultural centre. Not far away, you can visit real pieces of history such as Nuraghe Su Mulinu<\/em><\/strong> and the remains of the castle of Las Plassas. Finally, you will reach the Parco Sardegna in Miniatura<\/strong> in Turri, where you can learn all about the production processes of this miraculous spice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ideal season to visit these parts of Sardinia is autumn. The Sagra dello Zafferano (Saffron Festival<\/strong>) will give you the opportunity to taste it fully and understand all its qualities explained by experts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The presence of the spice in Sardinia dates back to the Phoenicians<\/strong>. From this historical moment onwards, it began to be cultivated on the island until the present day. This historical presence has enabled the creation of saffron-based dishes in the culture of Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nProperties and benefits of saffron<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Saffron](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/04\/image-7-870x490.png\")
As a spice, it is used to enrich and enhance the flavours<\/strong> of the food it accompanies. Among the most famous and tasty combinations are those with shellfish, seafood, delicate sauces and stewed meats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"saffron](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/04\/image-8-870x490.png\")
Itineraries to discover saffron in Italy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"saffron\"](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/04\/image-9-870x490.png\")
1. The saffron roads in Abruzzo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Itinerary among the Red Gold in Sardinia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"nuraghe](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/04\/image-11-870x490.png\")
![\"nature](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/04\/image-12-870x490.png\")
![\"field](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/04\/image-13-870x490.png\")
![\"Sant'Egle](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/04\/image-14-870x490.png\")
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