SPICE of LIFE

Dating back 3,000 years, saffron remains one of the world’s most prized commodities – and in Cornwall it has long been a firm favourite

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Few things are more Cornish than Saffron Buns – identified by the orangey-yellow blush that comes from the saffron added to the dough. And some of the best saffron in the world is now being grown on the Roseland Peninsula.

Originally brought to our shores by the Romans as well as from the Spanish Armadas, saffron is an integral part of Cornish culture – although once grown in Cornwall, this highly prized vibrant spice was often exchanged with the Phoenicians for tin and copper from the Cornish mines. Saffron has been a highly prized spice used by the Cornish in favourites like Saffron cake and the ubiquitous buns.

The history of saffron itself stretches back more than 3,000 years and spans cultures, continents and civilisations. It has remained among the world’s most costly substances throughout history – gram for gram it is more expensive than gold. With only three stigma coming out of each crocus flower