What is "Zafferano"
Answered by: Conrad Richter
Question from: Ann Fantin
Posted on: July 15, 2002

I was wondering if you have heard of the herb "zafferano"??? Apparently when crushed it looks like paprika in colour.

If you have any information regarding this herb I would be very pleased to hear from you.

"Zafferano" is Italian for "saffron". True saffron is known botanically as Crocus sativus and we carry the bulbs which you can plant in autumn.

The false saffron, or safflower (Carthamnus tinctorius), is known in Italian as "Zafferano bastardo" or "Zafferano falso". The flower petals of safflower often used as a substitute for true saffron, though they really only provide the colour of saffron, not much of the flavour. Safflower does have the important advantage that it is much easier to grow and harvest.

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