Morocco Ranks 4th Globally in Saffron Production, Cultivating 6.8 Tons Annually

The kingdom is far behind Iran, which currently controls 90% of world production with some 180 to 185 tons per year, reports the MAP. India and Greece follow.

A rare and highly valuable commercial spice, saffron is used as a condiment in the preparation of traditional dishes and as a dye for fabrics, and has many medicinal properties.

It normally grows at altitudes ranging from 650 to 1200 m and can withstand very harsh climatic conditions. The flowers appear 4 to 6 weeks after planting.

As for the operation of harvesting saffron flowers, it proves to be very delicate and requires a large workforce. In Morocco, the harvest generally begins in early July.